THE EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM

Q: Who should attend this produce leadership program?

The program is tailored for rising managers, supervisors and high-potential specialists aged 25 to 40 with 5 to 10 years of professional experience in the produce or floral industries. It is ideal for cross-functional candidates who routinely go beyond their job descriptions and are being groomed for senior leadership positions. Due to its highly interactive nature, the cohort size is strictly limited to 50 participants per session.

📅 JANUARY 24 - 28, 2027 | 📍 Tucson, AZ
The University of Arizona

A leadership development program for rising fresh produce & floral industry professionals.

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Program moved to January

The Emerging Leaders Program will now take place at the beginning of the calendar year rather than in December. This change is designed to better accommodate participant schedules and provide a stronger foundation for success throughout the year. The first class under this new schedule—the 2026–2027 Emerging Leaders cohort—will convene January 24–28, 2027.

Program Overview

The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) prepares high-potential leaders from all segments of the global fresh produce and floral supply chains, to embrace increasing levels of responsibility and handle both challenges and opportunities inherent in future leadership roles within the industries.

During this four-and-a-half-day program, coupled with ongoing online learning and a capstone course at IFPA's Global Produce & Floral Show, participants will:

✓ Learn from top industry leaders and university professors

✓ Hone cross-functional skills through real-world simulations, case studies, group exercises and discussions

✓ Build valuable relationships with peers throughout the global supply chain

✓ Take advantage of professional coaching during the program

Part of:
The Game of Leadership

Traditional looking gameboard with a start and finish block connected by a path along which a game piece would move through various Produce industry training events.

Learn more about the full path

This program is in partnership with

Who Should Attend

The program is limited to 50 participants, creating an intimate setting for learning and discussion. Applicants will be selected to participate based on meeting a majority of the criteria below:

Age range: 25-40 (+/- 2 years)
5-10 years professional experience
Cross-functional background
Recruited from across the industry
High-potentials recognized for innate leadership abilities
Proficiency in English is essential

Why Attend

This program is designed to hone leadership competencies and address industry issues, while allowing for learning and networking in an intimate environment with a diverse group of peers.

For companies:

ELP is an opportunity to engage and empower key young employees, creating a pipeline of qualified leaders through practical, real-world simulations.

For employees:

ELP offers advanced training developed with the University of Arizona to prepare you to tackle challenges and lead with confidence.

Investment
Pricing

IFPA Members:
US$7,550

Non-Members:
US$8,820

Pricing includes five (5) nights’ accommodations (arrival Sunday, January 24, departure Friday, January 29) as well as most meals beginning Sunday, January 24 through dinner Thursday, January 28 and program materials.

Event Location

The University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona

Emerging Leaders Program Frequently Asked Questions

The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is a premier 4.5-day leadership development program specifically designed for high-potential professionals in the global fresh produce and floral supply chains. Delivered in partnership with the University of Arizona's Eller College of Management, ELP combines intensive classroom instruction, business simulations, professional coaching, and ongoing online learning with a capstone experience at the Global Produce & Floral Show.

The program is tailored for rising, high-potential managers and specialists aged 25 to 40 with 5 to 10 years of professional experience in the produce or floral industries. It is ideal for cross-functional candidates who routinely go beyond their job descriptions and are being groomed for senior leadership positions. Due to its highly interactive nature, the cohort size is strictly limited to 50 participants per session.

Tuition is US$7,550 for IFPA Members and US$8,820 for Non-Members. This fee is comprehensive and covers five nights of premium accommodations (arrival Sunday, January 24, departure Friday, January 29, 2027), program materials, and most daily meals starting with dinner on Sunday through dinner on Thursday.

The next cohort will convene from January 24 to January 28, 2027, on the campus of The University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. The program has permanently transitioned from December to late January to better accommodate participant and company schedules.

The program focuses on advanced business strategy, cross-functional management, leadership competencies, and real-world supply chain simulations. Under the guidance of University of Arizona Eller College faculty and industry leaders, participants hone professional communication, collaborative decision-making, and critical thinking skills needed to handle senior leadership roles with confidence.

Have any questions regarding this event?

Nikki Wootten

Director, Education & Talent

+1 (302) 607-2144 Email Nikki Wootten

THE EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM

A leadership development program for rising fresh produce & floral industry professionals.

Who Should Attend

Why Attend

InvestmentPricing

Event Location

The University of Arizona

Emerging Leaders Program Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IFPA Emerging Leaders Program?

Who should attend this produce leadership program?

How much does the Emerging Leaders Program cost, and what is included?

When and where does the next Emerging Leaders cohort take place?

What leadership skills does the program teach?

Have any questions regarding this event?

Investment
Pricing