CARLSBAD, CA - Approaching her fourth Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference (WFPC), Stefanie Katzman has been an attendee, a speaker, and an advocate for the event—and for connection opportunities across fresh produce at large.
“Our industry is so unique—the stories expand as one thing touches the next,” the Chief Executive Officer for Katzman Produce shared with me, reflecting on how quickly things can change. “Conferences in general are so important. Networking in our industry is key, even more so than others because of the pace at which we work and the amount of outside forces that require us to move so nimbly and so fast.”
Any edge on what is around the corner is incredibly valuable, and it is through networking and connection that anyone in our industry can gain such stride.
“Networking in general is one of the most important opportunities of any event, and WFPC does that plus more,” Stefanie observed. “It gets more women involved, and it is one of the few events where every level goes, along with people from all different departments.”
With openness being so paramount to a successful experience, Stefanie pointed out that WFPC does well in constructing a less pressured situation as some events where buying and selling are the main focus. Instead, everyone is there seeking the same goal: to break down barriers and meet allies throughout the fresh industry. It is a goal everyone can take something away from.
“Even the veterans I have met say they learn from newer industry members, either from outside our industry or even operations at the ground level they didn’t know. My own first experience in 2023 was great all around; I met and got to listen to great people talk, sometimes about the industry and some about life in general,” Stefanie shared.
Drawing on her own experience as a leader who must evaluate any investment, Stefanie pointed out the value she's seen in attending conferences like WFPC.
“It’s hard to evaluate an event you haven’t been to as an employer,” she observed. “I tried to attend as many events as possible over a period of time to truly evaluate what made sense for our business and which people were the best fit to get the best return. But networking so you know people, both for a connection at any given company, but also learning who is out there and a skillset you might not yet know you need, is invaluable. Relationships and your integrity are so important in this industry, and women can become more valuable in their roles with that opportunity.”
Thankfully, the event’s growth is a measurable testament to its success, offering a range of roles and experiences for all who attend. But, Stefanie shared, it is on the attendees to maximize the opportunities.
“Like anything else, you’ll get out what you put into it. You will meet people who want to support and know you but you have to be willing to be you and converse as well,” Stefanie imparted on first-time and prospective attendees.
With the 2026 event upon us, I cannot wait to see how many new faces take this advice and where it leads them.
