Produce Marketing Association has opened registration and hotel reservations for PMA Foodservice 2021, which will be held in Monterey, California from July 21-22. The event invites all industry members and partners from across the foodservice supply chain, including operators, retail foodservice buyers and growers-shippers to come together to connect, share insights and find innovations.
This year will be the 40th anniversary of the PMA Foodservice Conference. After the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PMA is eager to welcome the industry back together as participants look toward the future of foodservice.
“It’s hard to believe that it’s been two years since the fresh produce and foodservice community gathered in Monterey, but I am thrilled that the wait is over,” said Lauren M. Scott, PMA chief strategy and membership officer. “Reconnecting this July in person will shine a well-deserved light on the resiliency of the foodservice sector and its suppliers as we charge forward to rebuild the business through innovation, grit and collaboration.”
Those who wish to attend are encouraged to book hotel rooms right away as rooms are filling up quickly. Guests are reminded that Expovision is the only official hotel reservation company for PMA Foodservice Conference & Expo.
“Whether you are looking to attend, exhibit or become involved in another way, my best advice is to act quickly,” said Jamie Romano Hillegas, PMA director of events and programs. “We have been actively connecting with the Foodservice Committee and other members to gauge their comfort level with travel and in-person activities and were encouraged by the optimism we heard. Now that we’ve started opening booth applications and registration, it’s clear that the industry is as ready as we are to safely come together again.”
PMA has been working with all partners involved in the execution of the on-site experience to ensure it meets or exceeds public health and safety protocols. PMA is monitoring all requirements and guidelines from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, International Association of Exhibitions and Events, the state of California, the city/county of Monterey and the conference center and hotels. Attendees can learn more about the safety protocols in place here, which will be updated as new information is provided.
Those who are looking to have a greater presence at the event or help facilitate the attendance of buyers who are eager to connect face-to-face but are experiencing budget restrictions, can find more information on sponsorships and the hosted buyer program here.
