Conversations That Matter: Reflections from Two Produce Industry Events

Two Conferences. Hundreds of Conversations. One Clear Message.

Over the past month, our Business Development Director, Bryan Barsness, had the opportunity to attend two important events in the fresh produce industry—the West Coast Produce Expo in California and the International Fresh Produce Association's Washington Conference in Washington, D.C.

While the two events had very different focuses, they shared one common theme: our industry is evolving rapidly, and collaboration has never been more important.

West Coast Produce Expo

The West Coast Produce Expo brought together growers, shippers, distributors and solution providers from across the industry for several days of networking, education and relationship building.

Of course, it wasn't all business.

Bryan also took part in the Expo's pickleball event—a great reminder that some of the best conversations don't always happen inside conference rooms. Events like these create opportunities to strengthen relationships with existing partners, meet new faces, and have conversations that continue long after the final session.

More importantly, they provide valuable insight into the day-to-day challenges produce businesses continue to face.

Labor pressures.

Operational efficiency.

Visibility across the supply chain.

The increasing need for technology that adapts to the realities of fresh produce rather than forcing businesses into generic processes.

IFPA Washington Conference

Just a few weeks later, Bryan travelled to Washington, D.C. for the IFPA Washington Conference—an event focused on the policy, advocacy and future direction of the fresh produce industry.

Industry leaders came together to discuss the issues shaping tomorrow's produce supply chain, including labour, food safety, nutrition, trade, sustainability and the future of specialty crops. Attendees also met directly with lawmakers and government officials to help ensure the voice of the produce industry continues to be heard.

For us, attending wasn't simply about keeping up with industry news.

It was about understanding the bigger picture.

The decisions being made today—from regulation to food safety to supply chain resilience—will influence how produce businesses operate tomorrow. Staying connected to those conversations helps us continue building solutions that genuinely support the industry's needs.

Why We Attend

Trade shows and industry conferences aren't just calendar events.

They're opportunities to listen.

To learn.

To understand what's changing.

Every conversation with growers, distributors, importers and retailers provides another piece of the puzzle. Those insights help shape the way we think about technology, implementation and the future of produce ERP.

A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to meet with Bryan over the past month.

We always leave these events with new ideas, stronger relationships and an even greater appreciation for the people who make this industry what it is.

We're already looking forward to the next opportunity to connect.