Humanitarian Athlete and Concert Pianist Join IFPA CEO in Global Show Keynotes; Cathy Burns Comments

WASHINGTON, DC - International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) announced the dynamic keynote speaker lineup for the Global Produce & Floral Show, bringing together influential voices who will inspire attendees with insights on leadership, purpose, and impact.

Taking place October 14-16 in Orlando, the Global Produce & Floral Show will feature three unique keynote sessions designed to inform, motivate, and empower produce and floral professionals from around the world.

Wednesday, October 14

• General Session: State of the Industry
• Speaker: Cathy Burns, CEO, International Fresh Produce Association

The event will open with IFPA CEO Cathy Burns delivering the much-anticipated annual State of the Industry address. Burns will bring the organization’s insight on key trends, challenges, and opportunities — and what they mean for association members and the global produce and floral community.

"The Global Produce & Floral Show isn't an event you attend — it's where you bring the toughest problems facing your business and leave with the people, the answers, and the momentum to solve them,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns in the recent release.

Thursday, October 15

• General Session: Fighting for What Matters: Purpose, Resilience, and Impact in a Global Industry
• Speaker: Justin Wren, Former UFC and Bellator MMA Fighter and Humanitarian

On Thursday, Justin Wren will share his journey from world-class athlete to global changemaker. After achieving success on the world stage, Justin discovered that true impact comes from serving others and leading with heart.

His work through Fight For The Forgotten has delivered clean water, restored land, and created opportunities for communities in need around the world. Through authentic storytelling and heartfelt insights, Justin will energize and inspire attendees to approach their work, their leadership, and their global connections with renewed clarity—ready to stimulate demand, strengthen communities, and make an impact that extends far beyond the show floor.

Friday, October 16

• Women's Fresh Perspectives Breakfast: Play Bigger. Lead Bolder.
• Speaker: Jade Simmons, Rockstar Concert Pianist, Activational Speaker, & CEO of Jade Media Global

The show's keynote program will conclude with the Women's Fresh Perspectives Breakfast featuring internationally renowned speaker and performer Jade Simmons. In this immersive, customized keynote, Simmons will inspire attendees to embrace purpose-driven leadership, expand their influence, and boldly step into the opportunities ahead.

Tailored for IFPA’s fresh produce and floral community, this high-energy experience will explore how leaders can navigate change, unlock untapped potential, and help shape a thriving future for their teams and the industry. Attendees will leave energized and empowered to lead with purpose, grow with confidence, and cultivate impact that extends far beyond the final day of the show.

"When we come together, we stop being individual companies and become one industry. That's the power of advocacy — your voice, joined with thousands of others, becomes an amplified and elevated force that moves fresh produce and floral forward," Burns added. "This year's keynotes will bring a unique perspective on leadership, resilience, and growth that reflects the spirit of our industry and the opportunities ahead."

Only attendees with an All-Access Pass can attend the general sessions. For more information or to register, visit IFPA’s website.

The Global Produce & Floral Show is the premier event for the fresh produce and floral industry, convening more than 20,000 professionals from across the supply chain for networking, education, innovation, and business opportunities.