Tips for the 2017 United Fresh Produce Show June 13-15

written by IFCO SYSTEMS, 8th June 2017, in Stories

In just a few days, businesses from all areas of the fresh produce supply chain will gather in Chicago to attend the 2017 United Fresh Produce Show for another year of learning, innovation, recognition, and networking. IFCO proudly continues to support and sponsor this event as a longtime member. This year is especially special to us we celebrate 25 years of a better supply chain. Through years of experience as an exhibitor, we have a few recommendations for attendees to make the most out of this year’s expo:

Tuesday, June 13

United Fresh Opening Party
Shedd Aquarium 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Known as "The World’s Aquarium," the Shedd Aquarium will be the site for this year’s opening party. We, and other sponsors, look forward to a great event. IFCO will also celebrate 25 years of a better supply chain – please be sure to join us on the Terrace as you make your rounds during the party. Don’t miss out on this terrific party – catching up with familiar faces and introducing yourself to new ones (including scaly and furry ones) on the Chicago lakefront.

Wednesday, June 14

Joint General Session – Doug Rauch, Conscious Capitalism Co-CEO
8:00 am – 9:45 am
Skyline Ballroom, McCormick Place West

Everyone is likely to learn and gain inspiration from this year’s speaker, Doug Rauch of Conscious Capitalism. Doug spent the majority of his career in the grocery industry— 31 years with Trader Joe’s Company, including 14 years as a president within the company. He’s eager to share his career lessons and his perspectives on life, business, and leadership.

FreshTEC Conference
12:00 pm – 4:15 pm
Level 1, McCormick Place West

Bruce Taylor of Taylor Farms kicks off the conference with lessons on embracing technology and insights into how tech will impact the industry. Sessions throughout the day will cover topics such automation, food safety tech, latest developments from renowned universities, controlled environment growing, and tech investment opportunities.

Hygienic Design Summit
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
McCormick Place West

Debuting for the first time ever, the Hygienic Design Summit will offer the latest education on sanitary design in temperature controlled and other food facilities. This session will be led by Joe Stout of Commercial Food Sanitation and feature experts across food safety, facility designers, and produce packers and processers.

Thursday, June 15

Breakfast General Session
8:00 am – 9:45 am
Skyline Ballroom, McCormick Place

This key session is a "must" for a dive into urgent issues presently facing the fresh produce industry. Speakers include United Fresh Chairman Tony Freytag and the incoming chair Susan Reimer-Sifford.

Don’t miss…

Food Safety Pavilion – open during show hours

The Food Safety Pavilion provides an opportunity for attendees to learn about food safety specific solutions to comply with FSMA and advance their food safety operations. The University Research Poster Session will showcase cutting-edge research on food safety and quality aspects of fresh and fresh-cut produce from an international range of researchers and research organizations.

Don’t forget to review the Schedule-at-a-Glance for additional details on the expo.

In addition to these must-attend events, we also have some favorite eateries straight from a Chi-town local from the IFCO family:

Casual Food Recommendations:

  • 5411 Empanadas – The bacon, date, and goat cheese empanada is definitely worth a visit!
  • Chi Café – Chinese classics
  • Lillies Q– BBQ
  • Pleasant House Pub –British-style pies
  • Jim’s Original Hot Dog– Polish-style hot dogs
  • Pequod’s Pizza – Chicago style pizza with caramelized crust

Other Dining Recommendations:

  • Acanto – Cozy wine bar right with an amazing selection across from Millennium Park
  • The Purple Pig – Mediterranean inspired hot spot on the Magnificent Mile
  • La Sirena Clandestina– Latin-American fare with a low-key atmosphere
  • Bad Hunter– Veggie-focused restaurant—perfect if you’re up for something different
  • Palette– Classic American favorites by renowned Chicago Chef Derek Rylon

We look forward to seeing you at the 2017 United Fresh Show. If you’d like to meet with us, please schedule a meeting to sit down with us during show hours. To learn more about IFCO visit www.ifco.com.

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