International Fresh Produce Association Highlights Monterey Bay Live! Session; Joe Watson Shares


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Mon. July 17th, 2023 - by Anne Allen

NEWARK, DE & WASHINGTON, DC - We’re just a couple of weeks away from the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) annual Foodservice Conference, and it’s one you definitely won’t want to miss! The event will feature a host of thought-provoking interviews, a lively chef demo, and more courtesy of the Monterey Bay Live! session.

Joe Watson, Vice President, International Fresh Produce Association“This is one of the most popular sessions at The Foodservice Conference,” said IFPA Vice President Joe Watson. “This year, we have speakers that strive to drive our industry forward in ways that make a big difference—innovation and operations; creative plant-based dishes; and sustainability, access, and stewardship.”

The fun and energetic session will be moderated by award-winning author, speaker, consultant, and television host Leslie Sbrocco. The July 27 session features conversations and demos with several high-powered foodservice professionals, including Art Kilmer, Chief Operating Officer for P.F. Chang’s; Melissa Melshenker Ackerman, Chief Executive Officer of Planet Harvest; and Nazim Khan, CEC, WCEC, WCMC, Executive Chef of Nutrition and Dining Services at Bryan Health, Lincoln, NE.

International Fresh Produce Association’s annual Foodservice Conference is coming to Monterey, California, and will feature a host of thought-provoking interviews, a lively chef demo, and more

According to a press release, the session also features recognition of IFPA’s Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards winners.

“These awards pay special tribute to chefs and foodservice operations for their innovation, creativity, and all-around excellence in their use and promotion of fresh fruit and vegetables in the culinary arts,” Watson said. “Awards go beyond simple recognition, though. When we highlight the best of the best, others are inspired to up their game as well.”

The exciting event also boasts industry-wide innovation, networking opportunities, a strong education program, and a 1:1 buyer ratio.

The Monterey Bay Live! session will be moderated by Leslie Sbrocco and will feature Art Kilmer, Nazim Khan, and Melissa Melshenker Ackerman

“This event gathers the who’s who of produce in foodservice,” Watson added. “These are the right people to engage in conversations around the issues most important to our industry as we all strive for solutions. This is the pinnacle of the produce foodservice year. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Monterey later this month.”

The conference will be held July 27–28 in Monterey, California. For more information on the Monterey Bay Live! session, click here.

We can’t wait to see you there!

International Fresh Produce Association