The Washington Conference

Save the Date: September 24-26, 2018 | Washington, D.C.

Be a part of the ONLY event where the entire fresh produce industry comes together to advocate for a more profitable future. While each participant brings a unique perspective from his or her own segment of the produce supply chain, there’s nothing like our whole industry coming together in common purpose.The United Fresh Washington Conference unites us as an industry.

One United voice coming together to deliver a determined and clear message to our elected officials and the new administration is essential to navigating the changing political environment.

United Fresh leaders Susan Reimer-Sifford, Tony Freytag, and Tom Stenzel share why you need to be part of the Power of Fresh. Click on the images below to hear their perspective on why you need to join them in our nation’s capital.

This year’s United Fresh Washington Conference provides you and your industry colleagues the opportunity to deliver a powerful message to help shape decisions made in Washington that directly impact your business. Don’t leave our industry’s future in someone else’s hands – join us September 24-26 in our nation’s capital!

See Who Attended
See 2017 Photos

Schedule of Events

Monday, September 24, 2018

All Day	Volunteer Leadership Meetings JW Marriott (various locations)
7:00 am – 6:00 pm	Registration Open
11:30 am – 4:30 pm	Rising Leaders Program
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm	Celebrate Fresh Opening Reception

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

7:00 am – 1:00 pm	Registration Open
8:00 am – 9:45 am	Opening Breakfast General Session
9:45 am – 10:00 am	Nutrition Break
10:00 am – 11:00 am	Insider’s View on Key Business Issues in DC \| What is Happening Right Now Concurrent Breakout Education Sessions
11:15 am – Noon	Crafting Our Message for Capitol Hill Education Session
Noon – 1:30 pm	General Session Luncheon
2:00 pm	The Power of Fresh Group Photo Capitol Reflecting Pool, U.S. Capitol Building
2:30 pm – 5:30 pm	March on Capitol Hill: U.S. House & Senate Congressional Meetings
6:15 pm – 9:00 pm	United FreshPAC Reception & Dinner (Separately Ticketed Event) Enjoy one of the best venues in the city while networking with produce industry friends and partners. This annual reception and dinner honors those industry members who have made a personal commitment to strengthen our industry. Individual tickets are $500 per person and $250 for a spouse/guest for more information please contact Angela Tiwari atiwari@unitedfresh.org or 202-303-3416.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

7:30 am – 10:00 am	Registration Open
8:00 am – 10:00 am	General Session Breakfast
10:15 am – 12:30 pm	Administration Briefings and Tour

*Schedule subject to change.

March on Capitol Hill

U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate Congressional Meetings
Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Let’s shape our future!

You are the Power of Fresh! Join the largest grassroots effort of the fresh produce industry as we March on Capitol Hill. This is your time to meet face-to-face with your elected officials and their staff to discuss critical issues to your business and share personal testimony of how actions taken in Washington directly affect you, your community and the produce industry overall.

Attendees will take a small sampling of what product our industry has to offer to our congressional meetings. This is a perfect segway to inviting your congressional leaders and their staff to your facility to see the impact you have locally.

Rising Leaders Program

The Rising Leaders Program, held annually at the United Fresh Washington Conference is designed for produce industry up-and-comers who want to better understand the impact of public policy and the legislative process as it pertains to their business, the program is a must-attend. Participants in the Rising Leaders Program must register for the Washington Conference. There is no additional cost to attend the Program.

Additional details about the 2018 Rising Leader Program coming soon!

Advocate of the Year Award

Volunteer Leadership MeetingsMarket Segment Boards and Expert Policy Councils

United Fresh Produce Association is led by more than 450 individuals currently serving in elected or appointed positions of leadership. These volunteer leaders represent our member companies throughout the entire produce supply chain from farm to table. Attendees are welcome to observe market segment boards and expert policy council meetings.

Monday, September 24, 2018 | Volunteer Leadership Meetings

All Day

Detailed Volunteer Leadership Meeting Schedule Coming Soon

Hear What People Are Saying

“It’s easy to think that policies set in Washington won’t impact our daily business, but nothing could be further from the truth. It’s definitely worth the time and financial investment to go to D.C. and take an active role in the industry’s future. If we don’t who will?”
– Douglas Kling, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Village Farms International, Inc.

“We all attend a number of events throughout the year. However, the Washington Conference is the only platform in which we discuss policy in depth and can bring our message directly to members of Congress. We can express the critical nature of their vote and how their decisions directly impact the future of the fresh produce industry”
– Jose Rossignoli, General Manager, Tropical Category, Robinson Fresh

“Federal legislation will have a major impact on all of us in the produce industry now and for years to come. We need to talk directly with our lawmakers and government officials to show them how federal policies affect our business.”
– Ron Carkoski, President & CEO, Four Seasons Family of Companies