The Washington Conference
September 16-18, 2019 | Washington, D.C.
Be a part of the event that unites the entire fresh fruit and vegetable industry in Washington, D.C. – The United Fresh Washington Conference – where hundreds of industry leaders converge September 16-18 to address the industry’s most pressing public policy matters.
You will engage in strategic, face-to-face dialogue with key members of Congress, their staff and top regulatory officials. Help us share our industry’s message and educate the nation’s top policymakers on the importance of the full supply chain of fresh fruits and vegetables and the sector’s impact on jobs, growth, and consumer demand.
Don’t miss fresh produce week in Washington and your opportunity to deliver a powerful message to help shape decisions made in Washington that directly impact your business.
Why Attend?
Collaborate: Join Forces, Learn Together and From Each OtherHear unique perspectives on the crucial issues impacting business from policy experts and industry leaders.
|
Engage: Network with Every Segment of the Fresh Produce IndustryHundreds of attendees from every segment of the industry and engage directly with top political and policy experts on the issues of the day in an intimate experience. United Fresh members interact with and learn from fellow industry leaders including grower-shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesaler-distributors, retail food-service and service providers. The following conference events provide a prime opportunity to make connections within the industry:
|
Advocate: Two Days of Congressional MeetingsTake the Power of Fresh to the nation’s top policymakers in both the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate to share the importance of the full fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain’s impact on jobs, growth, and consumer demand.
|
What People Are Saying
“Well, there is one thing I love more than produce, and that’s politics! This is the perfect trip for me. I’m sure it will be fascinating!”
– Michelle Cortez, Sales Account Manager, Empacadora G.A.B., Inc., Washington Conference First-Timer
“United Fresh’s Washington Conference is one of the best annual events, where I feel I’m truly giving back to the industry. It provides the unique opportunity to speak on behalf of our company, our community and the fresh produce industry overall, so that our voice on key issues can be heard and we can make a difference. I always look forward to getting back to Capitol Hill!”
– Jacquie Ediger, Executie Vice President, Pro Citrus Network, Inc
“There’s nothing more eye-opening than meeting with elected officials in their offices on Capitol Hill. It’s imperative that we, as an industry, are able to share how their decisions in D.C. are impacting our day-to-day operations and the long-term health of our businesses. It’s a long road, but each meeting makes a difference.”
– Anthony DeAngelis, Director-Northeast Division, Christopher Ranch LLC
“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”
– Jackie Caplan Wiggins, Vice President and COO, Frieda’s, Inc.
Schedule At A Glance
Monday, September 16, 2019
| 8:30 – 11:30 am | Volunteer Leadership Meetings (various locations) |
| 8:30 – 11:30 am | Produce Advocacy Bootcamp |
| Noon – 5:00 pm | Venture Beyond the Fresh Produce Aisle Opening General Session Luncheon |
| 6:00 – 7:30 pm | Celebrate Fresh Opening Reception on Capitol Hill |
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
| 8:00 – 10:00 am | Opening General Session Breakfast |
| 10:15 – 11:45 am | Policy Engagement & X-Change Sessions |
| Noon – 1:30 pm | General Session Luncheon |
| 2:00 – 5:30 pm | March on Capitol Hill: U.S. House of Representatives Meetings |
| 6:30 – 8:30 pm | United FreshPAC Reception & Dinner (Separately Ticketed Event) To learn more contact Angela Tiwari, Director of Grassroots & Political Action, at 202.303.3416. |
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
| 8:00 – 10:00 am | General Session Breakfast |
| 10:00 am – Noon | Produce Industry Engagement: Beyond Capitol Hill |
| 12:30 – 1:45 pm | U.S. Senate Lunch Gather-and-Go |
| 2:00 – 5:00 pm | March on Capitol Hill: U.S. Senate Meetings |
| 6:00 – 8:00 pm | United Fresh Board of Directors and Leadership Alumni 25th Anniversary Celebration (Separately Ticketed Event) |
Thursday, September 19, 2019
| 8:00 am – 3:00 pm | Board of Directors Meeting |
*Schedule subject to change.
Volunteer Leadership MeetingsMarket Segment Boards and Expert Policy Councils
Monday, September 16, 2019
| 8:00 am – 4:00 pm | Food Safety & Technology Council |
| 8:00 am – 11:00 am | Government Relations Council |
| 8:30 am – 11:30 am | Volunteer Leadership Meetings Grand Hyatt Washington | various locations Finance & Business Management Council |
Thursday, September 19, 2019
| 8:30 am – 3:00 pm | United Fresh Board of Directors |
Never has there been a more critical time for the produce industry to come together in Washington, D.C. to experience the Power of Fresh!
For more information and to get engaged, contact Angela Tiwari, Director of Grassroots & Political Action, at 202.303.3416.
