2008 WPPC Schedule of Events

Last Updated 8/18/2008

Tuesday, September 9

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.  Welcome Reception for Volunteer Leaders (Invitation only)

Wednesday, September 10

Volunteer Leader Meetings: (Invitation only)

8:00 a.m. - Noon                  Grower-Shipper Board Meeting

8:00 a.m. - Noon                  Wholesale-Distributor Board Meeting

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.          Food Safety & Technology Council Meeting

10:00 a.m. - Noon                Association Roundtable

Noon - 1:00 p.m.                  Group Buffet Lunch for All Volunteer Leaders

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.           FreshPAC Advisory Board Meeting

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.           Fresh-Cut Processor Board Meeting

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.           Retail-Foodservice Board Meeting

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.           Government Relations Council Meeting

WPPC Conference Events

Noon - 7:00 p.m.                    Registration Open
 
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.            United Fresh New Member & 1st Time WPPC Attendee Welcome
All United Fresh new members and first time WPPC attendees are invited to join member leaders at an attendee welcome meet and greet.  

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.             Advocacy & Grassroots Seminar
Don’t be intimidated if it’s your first time in Washington. This seminar will offer simple and effective strategies for getting the produce industry’s voice heard, including factors that motivate elected officials, tips on making your message memorable for tomorrow’s congressional visits and the importance of working with congressional staff. All of us can use a refresher course, so seasoned WPPC veterans are welcome as well.

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.             Fresh Festival on Capitol Hill
This is the produce industry’s time to shine! Join industry colleagues and Members of Congress, staff, Administration officials and friends of the produce industry for our annual welcome reception, featuring the best our industry has to offer. While networking on Capitol Hill, you can sample a delicious array of quality fresh produce products displayed by dozens of exhibitors.

Thursday, September 11

7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.              Registration Open
 
7:45 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.              Opening Keynote Breakfast Session
Join Representative Collin Peterson, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, for his opening keynote address. Known as the architect of the 2008 Farm Bill, Chairman Peterson led the effort to move one of the most difficult and controversial agriculture legislative initiatives through Congress over the last 80 years. Chairman Peterson will share his own experiences during the Farm Bill effort, discuss lessons learned, and provide a glimpse of top agenda items for the House Agriculture Committee moving into a new congressional year.

9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.           General Session: A United Produce Voice in DC
Following breakfast, attendees will participate in a 30 minute focused discussion of the different legislative issues to be discussed during our afternoon March on Capitol Hill.  Join policy experts to discuss our goals in advocating specific policy priorities for the produce industry.

10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.         From Policy Principles to Business Impact

Forum I:  How to Implement and Benefit from WIC

Forum II: Complying With COOL in Your Business

Forum III: Funding Options Available in New Farm Bill

12:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.           Senate Luncheon Session 
Following a short trip to Capitol Hill, attendees will reconvene in the historic U.S. Senate Dirksen Building for this luncheon session with a key Senator who is shaping our industry’s future.

2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.              Afternoon of Influence: March on Washington

Help shape our industry’s business climate for the future.

March on Capitol Hill - Congressional Hill Visits
Whether rookie or long-time produce advocate, you’ll be part of the most important produce industry March on Capitol Hill.  Unite Fresh schedules meetings with Members of Congress from your home city or state, and you meet with your Senator or Representatives to tell them about the produce industry’s needs for a stable labor force, increased produce in schools and food safety research.

Town Hall Discussion With U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Attendees may also choose to participate in a one on one discussion with FDA on the state of the fruit and vegetable industry. U.S. Food and Drug Administration is the primary food safety regulatory agency that oversees our industry. Meet with top FDA official to hear their views on produce food safety and security. This unique opportunity will give you the chance to ask questions and learn more about how the FDA regulatory system works. 

6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.             United FreshPAC Reception & Dinner
Don’t miss this spectacular view of the Capital from the rooftop terrace of Charlie Palmer Steak House! After a busy day, we’ll close the evening with a more informal fun event. Enjoy a  private performance by Capitol Steps one of the funniest political satire groups in the country - Sign up Now!  Tickets are separate from conference registration, to learn more contact Angela Bezon at abezon@unitedfresh.org or 202-303-3416

Friday, September 12, 2008

7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.           Registration Open

8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.              Breakfast General Session
Hear from the very influential Representative Rosa DeLauro, Chairwoman of the Agriculture-FDA Appropriations Subcommittee. DeLauro will discuss her views on food safety policy, and the importance of increasing children's consumption of nutritious foods, including her support for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program. Find out how the political landscape in Washington, D.C. shapes the policies that impact your business and the produce industry’s future.

10:00 a.m. - Noon                    Afternoon of Influence: March on Washington   

A Worldwide Produce Industry - NEW THIS YEAR!
This year’s field education program takes attendees to their choice of three foreign embassy briefings. Learn how these countries view trade with the United States, and gain new perspectives on the globalization of our industry.

1:  Delegation of the European Commission

2:  Embassy of Australia

3:  Embassy of Mexico

The Newseum -  NEW THIS YEAR!
Or, attendees can choose to visit one of Washington D.C.'s newest museum attractions -  The Newseum - offering visitors an experience that blends five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology.

12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.             Produce Industry Presidential Debate
The 2008 Presidential election is considered by many one of the most elections of our lifetimes.  For the first time, WPPC will provide attendees an up close look at what is in store during the fall election campaign and how the two presidential candidates will go head-to-head on the issues most important to you. You can’t be here in DC just weeks before a Presidential Election without getting up to speed on how our country will change under each candidate. In our closing lunch session hear from the Obama and McCain presidential campaigns discussing key business, agriculture and social issues that will dominate the Fall election season.  Attendees will hear first-hand the candidates’ positions on issues that matter to the produce industry.  You won’t get this type of inside information anywhere else!