INSIDER TIPS for the 2017 Viva Fresh Expo

written by IFCO SYSTEMS, 17th April 2017, in Stories

The 3rd annual Viva Fresh Produce Expo is just a few days away. IFCO is proud to be a longtime member and ongoing sponsor of the Expo and the Texas International Produce Association. We are eager to get to Austin for this year’s Expo and its multi-faceted components, along with nearly 2,000 attendees.

IFCO Director of Retail Sales Ed Bertaud is a past TIPA Chair, current Expo Steering Committee member, and South Texas resident. We asked him to provide some insider tips to help Viva Fresh attendees make the most of the Expo and Austin. Here is what we learned:

ED’s EXPO SHOUT-OUTS

Thursday, April 22

19th Hole Celebration
6:00 – 9:30 pm

Even if you don’t participate in the Viva Fresh Open golf tournament, this is a can’t-miss event. South Texas country singer Lauren Corzine will perform live!

Friday, April 23

Aggies for Fresh Reception
4:00 – 5:00 pm

Aggies for Fresh is on a mission to recruit students from Texas A&M University to the fresh produce industry. Learn about these ten students and meet them in person at the reception.

Welcome Reception
6:30 – 8:30 pm

In addition to networking with your industry colleagues, we’d love to see you at the Welcome Reception in support of our industry and the Texas International Produce Association. Plus, it’s at Maggie Mae’s – a local legend in Austin with the largest rooftop view on 6th Street – with live music featuring the Eric Tessmer Band and chef-inspired dishes.

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

ED’s VENUE SHOUT OUTS

Favorite Restaurant in Austin – Moonshine Grill

This restaurant takes you back to a simpler time. Comfortable and familiar, relaxed and easygoing, Moonshine greets guests like family and they’re serving up great cooking with an innovative take on classic American comfort food.

Where to Get Cocktails – 6th Street Entertainment District or Rainey Street

Dare to bar crawl like the University of Texas students do? 6th Street Entertainment District is right by the convention center and boasts hot spots like The Blind Pig Pub, Shakespeare’s, Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar and several saloon options. For a less rowdy scene, try Rainey Street and visit this little district of former houses turned bars, like Half Step. Also, you can’t miss Austin Container Bar made entirely of shipping containers.

Best Texas Fare – Matt’s El Rancho

If you’re willing to venture beyond the 6th street hotspots, take a cab to Matt’s El Rancho and order the Bob Armstrong Dip. You won’t be sorry!

Great Food Variety: Swift’s Attic

Focused on the creative, whimsical and delicious, Swift’s Attic is most recognized for their "R&D" style approach to producing the ever-changing menu that proudly showcases a melting pot of flavor profiles and influences. Plus, they have an outstanding craft beer list.

ED’s SIGHTSEEING MUST-DO

Explore the Texas State Capitol & The University of Texas Campus

Both located a stone’s throw from the convention hotel, no trip to Austin is complete with a visit to the Texas State Capitol and the UT Austin campus. The beautiful capitol building designed in 1881 offers guided and self-guided tours of the building and grounds during business hours. And even though we mentioned supporting Aggies for Fresh earlier, you should also check out what the Longhorns have to offer on their campus. Stroll around The Tower, UT’s most recognizable landmark and don’t miss the iconic LBJ Presidential Library and museum devoted to this president’s career and American history.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2017 Viva Fresh Expo. Please stop by IFCO Booth #603 and say hello to Ed and the IFCO team!

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