WASHINGTON — Food Marketing Institute and the United Fresh Produce Association plan to co-locate their annual trade shows in Chicago for the next three years, the groups announced in a media call.
The two organizations had decided on a combined 2014 FMI Connect and United Fresh show last year, but confirmed last week that the partnership would continue through 2016.
“From our perspective, this really brings sort of vine-ripe vibrancy and fresh-picked energy to FMI Connect’s focus on the total store experience. This is an area that we are very energized about, and this is going to provide a great opportunity for us to be focused on what our members are focused on,” said FMI President and CEO Leslie Sarasin.
Read more: United Fresh 2014 Information and Contacts
Though FMI and United Fresh have co-located shows before, most recently in Dallas in 2012, leaders said the new partnership would bring more integration between the two groups this time around. Exhibitors and attendees will see this particularly on the show floor but also possibly in joint education sessions.
“We’ve got to move past the strictly buying and selling relationships that has sometimes characterized produce and retail and really have management from both of our members work together on how to take advantage of the opportunities that are there,” said United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel.
Registration for the 2014 show, taking place June 10-13, is now open.
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