NOGALES, AZ - Much to my delight, FPAA’s 48th Annual Produce Convention and Golf Tournament is right around the corner, and ready to show Nogales a blast while educating the area’s thriving produce scene on some of the industry’s most important issues. From Thursday, November 3 to Saturday, November 5, the FPAA is welcoming all distributors, brokers, retailers, and more to come together to network, visit with friends and colleagues, expand your business, and solidify relationships.
“We are very excited about this year’s convention,” Paula Beemer, the Association’s Communications Coordinator tells me ahead of the event. “Not only do we promise to deliver the fun and quality of the previous 47 years, but we are making extraordinary efforts to surprise our guest with more. We are seeing great registration activity so far, and we hope it continues until the day of the event.”
Catch the following highlights, and more, as we head into one of my personal favorite produce events.
Motivational & Educational Sessions:
In addition to several Lunch Educational Sessions, the convention kicks off on Thursday afternoon with a keynote by Dede Murcer Moffett, Speaker/Author of the book; SNAP Yes The Art of Seeing New Achievable Possibilities in Business and Life.
Educational sessions focused on Food Safety and the 2016-17 Import Season Kickoff will also be held during the day.
Opening Fiesta and Friday Night Gala:
My most memorable moment from last year’s event was the Opening Fiesta, filled with great music, dancing, and not to mention one of the best buffets I can think of in recent memory. Catch me there doing another round or two on the dance floor!
Friday night is the Gala Dinner, where the FPAA recognizes outstanding members that have been Pillars of the FPAA, advancing the Mexican produce industry on behalf of the association's members.
Golf:
While maintaining the traditional two-day overall tournament format, this year golfers who are unable to participate on both days now have the option of participating in one-day tournaments (Friday or Saturday). According to the FPAA, for golfers who maintain the same team (no exceptions), they will be automatically entered into the two day tournament. Meanwhile, all two-person teams will also be competing head-to-head Friday at the Tubac Golf Resort and Saturday at Canoa Ranch.
With winners for 1st, 2nd or 3rd place on Friday and Saturday, as well as overall awards for 1st place, Runner-Up for teams that participate on both days, Hole-in-one, closest to the pin, and longest drive, there are plenty of chances to come home with an excellent story of victory.
5K Run/Walk for Salad Bars to Schools:
This year the Association is announcing a new 5K Run/Walk through the beautiful area surrounding the Tubac Golf Resort. Not only do you get to catch a great view, but this also raises money to fund salad bar equipment for area schools.
1st Culinary Showcase: Top Dishes out of Mexico’s Top Produce
An event held in conjunction with the Consulate General of Mexico in Nogales, Arizona and the FPAA, the showcase will highlight the importance of Nogales, Arizona, as a main gateway of Mexican produce into the U.S. and our shared cultural heritage. It will include over nine chefs and it will also be open to the community.
For an entire schedule of events, click here. To register for the convention, click here. To register for the 5K, click here.
See you all in Nogales!
