March or April 2025 - TBD

Executive Leadership Summit

North America

Attendance by invitation only

Event Update

We have been closely monitoring the growing wildfire situation in Los Angeles, which includes Santa Monica. Keeping the safety and health of this group, our Executive Leadership Summit guests, and our staff top-of-mind, the IFPA leadership team has made the difficult – but prudent – decision to delay our Executive Leadership Summit.

We apologize for the inconvenience in rescheduling travel plans. We are considering a March or April Executive Leadership Summit in a location to be determined.

What is the Executive Leadership Summit?

Industry leaders will gather at the International Fresh Produce Association's Executive Leadership Summit to react to today's issues and explore implications for the new association. Guest speakers will tee up relevant topics, and participants will join small group discussions to consider what they mean for IFPA as it strives to create a vibrant future for all.

The summit will jump-start IFPA's transformative engagement around high-level topics and priorities:

Strategic association commitments to connect, guide and advocate for members
Demand creation to grow consumption for a healthier world
Advocacy to support a positive business climate
Labor and talent to grow strong, successful businesses
Business solutions to bolster a sustainable future

Collective power enhances potential, and this conclave of leaders will combine the wisdom of industry insiders with the insights of a global network to grow prosperity for members and the industry.

This event is designed for C-suite and senior executive leadership. If you're interested in attending, please contact Miriam Wolk.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

1:00 PM

Welcome and Orientation to the Meeting

Speakers:

Cathy Burns, CEO, International Fresh Produce Association
Tammy DeBoer, President, Harris Teeter Supermarkets

1:10 PM

IFPA's Strategic Commitments to the Industry

Speaker:

Lauren M. Scott, President, Foundation for Fresh Produce

1:20

Panel of Taskforce Members and Discussion Activity

Speakers:

Tammy DeBoer, President, Harris Teeter Supermarkets
Rodolfo Spielmann, CEO, Naturesweet
Elyse Lipman, CEO, Lipman Family Farms
Alex Dinovo, President & COO, DNO Produce

2:00 PM

AI Unleashed: Transforming Business in a New Era

Explore the latest trends in artificial intelligence and their transformative impact on the business landscape. This session will delve into how AI innovations—from generative models to predictive analytics—are reshaping strategies, enhancing decision-making, and driving efficiency across industries. Gain insights into emerging AI applications, ethical considerations, and practical steps for integrating AI to future-proof your business.

Moderator: Vonnie Estes, VP, AgFood Technology Innovation, International Fresh Produce Association

Speakers:

Elliott Grant, Former CEO of Mineral, Alphabet's moonshot in Agriculture
Hussain Sharifi, Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company
David Beaumont, Senior Expert and Associate Partner - Southern California, McKinsey & Company

2:30

AI Group Activity and Discussion

2:50

Break

3:05

Global Economics Unpacked: Strategic Insights for Agriculture, Produce, and Floral Markets

Gain a comprehensive perspective on the evolving economic landscape. Explore a high-level analysis of global economic trends and their specific implications for agriculture, produce, and floral markets. This session will equip you with essential knowledge to strategically navigate the shifting dynamics of global economics in our industry.

Introducer: Miriam Wolk, Chief Membership Officer, International Fresh Produce Association

Speaker: Scott Anderson, Chief U.S. Economist and Managing Director, BMO Capital Markets

3:30

Fireside Chat

Speakers:

Cathy Burns, CEO, International Fresh Produce Association
Scott Anderson. Chief U.S. Economist and Managing Director, BMO Capital Markets

4:00 PM

Break

4:05

Trade Winds and Ballot Boxes: Navigating Domestic and International Trade in a Post-Election Landscape

Introducer: Doug Bohr, Chief Strategy and Program Officer, International Fresh Produce Association

Speaker: Isabelle Icso, Senior Director, International Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

4:40

Audience Q&A

4:50

Thank you and closing

5:00

Reception

Event Location

Hotel Casa del Mar

1910 Ocean Way,
Santa Monica, CA. 90405

Have any questions regarding this event?

Shelly Su

Event Manager

+1(302)207-2140 Email Shelly Su

Sponsorship Opportunities

Peter S. Wilder

Sales and Engagement Manager

International Fresh Produce Association

+1(302)607-2115 Email Peter S. Wilder