Midwest Produce Conference & Expo

Event Dates
2016-08-15 - 2016-08-17
Organizer
Exhibitors
200
Event contact title
Midwest Produce Expo Sales
Event contact first name
Greg
Event contact last name
Andruch
Email
mpe@heiexpo.com
Event contact telephone number
(866) 652-1875
Description
The produce industry?s No. 1 source for breaking news, new product information and industry trends, The Packer now brings that depth of expertise to a new trade event, The Midwest Produce Conference and Expo. The 2014 conference was held Aug. 11-13, in downtown Chicago, bringing together leading produce industry buyers and sellers in a professional setting. ?The Packer is proud to be based in the Midwest, and we always wanted this event to be able to be held in other regional markets,? Publisher Shannon Shuman said. ?The Midwest Expo has proven to be an important regional event to the produce industry, and it?s time to bring it to other Midwestern cities.? ? By merging a focused conference program, networking events and retail tour with an expo of leading suppliers, Midwest Produce fills a niche in the region for produce growers, shippers, regional retailers and wholesalers. The Midwest Produce Expo will move to Minneapolis in August 2015.
Attendee information
Who Should Attend? Midwest Produce is designed for retail executives, produce executives and managers, foodservice managers, produce distributors and wholesalers, specialty food retailers, and buyers of produce from any industry.
Exhibitor information
Who Should Exhibit? Companies participating in Midwest Produce will include growers, suppliers, wholesalers, and distributors of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and floral. Also included will be packaging and labeling supplies and equipment, produce handling and storage equipment, displays and shelving, shipping and logistics organizations.
Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact