NEPC Expo Creates a Two-Day Path from Connection to Commerce

The New England Produce Council will give produce, floral and foodservice professionals two distinct ways to engage when its 26th annual expo returns to Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, MA, Aug. 17-18.

 

Monday’s programming emphasizes leadership, community and relationship-building, while Tuesday shifts attention to sourcing, product discovery and the business issues shaping the Northeast marketplace. That structure allows attendees to begin conversations away from the exhibition floor before meeting with more than 170 suppliers during the main show. 

 

The inaugural NEPC Women’s Program Luncheon will be among this year’s most notable additions. Scheduled Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Monet Room, the event is designed to encourage mentorship, professional growth and stronger connections among women throughout the produce and floral industries.

 

CarrieAnn Arias of USA Pears will moderate a panel featuring Christina Stipe of Northeast Shared Services, Lisa Letch of Shaw’s, Jenna Sullivan of So Good So You and Cheryl Schondek of the Greater Boston Food Bank. Attendees will also assemble goodie bags for Rosie’s Place, a Boston organization that provides emergency shelter, meals and other services to women experiencing poverty and homelessness. 

 

Registration and exhibitor setup will continue throughout Monday. An invitation-only VIP reception from 5-6 p.m. will lead into the broader cocktail reception on the South Lawn from 6-8 p.m., giving suppliers and customers an informal setting to reconnect before the exhibition opens.

 

Maurice A. Auerbach Inc. considers that relationship-building a central reason to participate.

 

“Our primary objectives are to see our existing customers and hopefully pick up a new customer if possible,” said Bruce Klein of Maurice A. Auerbach. “It’s the end of the summer, it’s at a great location and it’s a great networking opportunity.”

 

Business discussions will move into a more concentrated setting Tuesday. The day begins with an expo breakfast from 7:45-9 a.m., followed by the exhibition from 9:10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Picasso Ballroom. Lunch will be available on the South Lawn from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

 

The show floor will bring together suppliers offering produce, floral products and industry services. Conversations are expected to extend beyond product introductions as buyers and vendors address pricing, transportation, supply reliability, packaging, sustainability and the promotional opportunities available during the late summer and fall.

 

NEPC’s scale remains part of its appeal. The single-day exhibition gives attendees access to a broad supplier base without requiring several days to navigate the floor.

 

“The show is pretty good for a one-day show because a lot of people show up,” said Kurt Zuhlke, president of Kurt Zuhlke & Associates. “We have a lot of customers that are exhibiting, so I like to go and meet them and say hello.”

 

Retail food-store personnel and foodservice operators who meet the event’s eligibility requirements can attend the show free of charge. NEPC members may also register for basic admission to the exhibit floor or premium admission that includes Monday’s reception. 

 

America’s 250th birthday will provide the visual theme. NEPC is encouraging exhibitors to incorporate patriotic elements into their booths as part of the “NEPC by the Sea” event, tying the anniversary to the innovation, resilience and opportunity represented by the produce and floral industries. 

 

The result will be an event that moves deliberately from people to products. Monday creates room for leadership development, service and conversations without the pressure of an active trade-show floor. Tuesday gives attendees a focused opportunity to compare programs, evaluate new offerings and address upcoming business needs.

 

That combination should help companies leave Encore Boston Harbor with more than leads and product information. The most valuable outcome may be a strengthened relationship, a clearer understanding of the regional market or the beginning of a partnership that continues well beyond the two-day gathering.

 

For more information, visit newenglandproducecouncil.com.