2009 WPPC Schedule of Events

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.          Welcome Reception for Volunteer Leaders (Invitation only)
All members of United Fresh boards, councils and tak forces that will be meeting the following day are invited for this welcoming reception.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

All Day                                    United Fresh Volunteer Leadership Meetings

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.        Allied Association Chairmen and Presidents Breakfast
                                                and Roundtable Discussion (Invitation only)

11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.       Management Resource Center
This new center will feature tabletop displays and small booths offered by solution providers with tools and services to meet future challenges and opportunities in traceability, food safety, sustainability, government nutrition programs, and other areas being shaped by public policy today.

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.           United Fresh New Member & First-Time WPPC Attendee Welcome
All new United Fresh members and first-time attendees are invited to join association leaders for a welcome meet and greet.  You’ll have the opportunity to meet new friends and colleagues  and then participate in the Advocacy and Grassroots Seminar following the welcome event.

2:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m            Advocacy & Grassroots Seminar
Learn simple and effective strategies to unlocking our produce industry’s voice throughout the conference.

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.           Fresh Festival on Capitol Hill
United’s traditional Fresh Festival in the historic Cannon Caucus Room features the freshest reception of the year for members of Congress and their staffs, key administration officials, and produce leaders from almost every state across the country.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.           Opening Keynote Breakfast Session
Our opening Keynote Session will feature Congressional leaders who will provide insight into Washington policy and specific issues of importance to the produce industry.

9:30 a.m. â€" 11:30 a.m.        Management Resource Center Open 

10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.       General Session: A United Produce Voice in DC
Join experts to discuss our key legislative and regulatory goals for the produce industry, and how you can drive real change on the issues that matter most.

12:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.          Senate Luncheon Session 
It’s back to Capitol Hill for lunch in the historic Dirksen Senate Office Building, hosted by Senate friends of our industry.

2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.           The March on Washington: An Afternoon of Advocacy

March on Capitol Hill - Congressional Hill Visits
As we break into small groups, veterans and newcomers will be paired into strong produce teams calling on more than 140 Congressional offices.

Town Hall Discussion With U.S. Food and Drug Administration 
For those on a food safety mission, we’ll travel to FDA’s office in College Park, Maryland for a town hall discussion with top FDA officials

6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.         Take Me Out To The Ball Game!  United FreshPAC Event
Plan for a great night of fun in a luxurious private suite as the world-champion Philadelphia Phillies take on the hometown favorite Washington Nationals.  You can dress down after a day on Capitol Hill and enjoy your favorite baseball food and beverages at the game.  Don’t miss this fun event! Tickets for this event are separate from WPPC registration, to learn more, contact Angela Bezon at abezon@unitedfresh.org or 202-303-3416.

Friday, September 11, 2009

7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.         Breakfast General Session
Find out how the political landscape in Washington, D.C. shapes the policies that impact your business and the produce industry’s future.

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.       Field Education Programs  
WPPC’s concurrent educational programs offer something for every interest, allowing attendees to enhance their Washington experience with one of our two unique offerings:

1:  White House Briefing

2:  U.S. Capitol Tour - Capitol Visitors Center

11:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.      WPPC Closing Lunch
Wrap-up this year’s WPPC with an entertaining look at today’s political issues with Paul Begala, well-known CNN analyst and former advisor to President Bill Clinton.  Those who’ve seen Begala in his frequent television appearances know that he balances his strong political viewpoint with wit and insights that even hard-core conservatives can appreciate.