Las Vegas a tipping point

The United Fresh Marketplace show in Chicago had the familiar and predictable feel of many industry trade shows, but yet it lacked that special buzz, the breathless excitement, the sense of big stage spectacle that makes an event truly memorable. Also, I glumly note that "Mary Ann" from Gilligan's Island wasn't there, and the Macarena wasn't blaring from any exhibits in Fresh Marketplace.

Some big exhibitors of the past - Dole and T&A, to name a couple - were not on the show floor. Some other booths appear to have been downsized from past years.

Yet many exhibitors I talked to were well pleased with the value of the show. More than one said that getting a few buyer relationships solidified is worth more than a bushel full of business cards that lead to nowhere.

The United event also created great value in their short courses they offered on Saturday.
Sunday's retail award banquet, when United recognizes 20 outstanding produce managers and when The Packer Man of the Year is awarded, was a highlight. Those who attended the Women in Produce reception were rewarded with a great message from Jan DeLyser.

Make no mistake, the United Fresh Produce Association has never been more valuable to its members. With work on the farm bill coming to a crescendo, immigration being moved to the front burner and food safety in the limelight like never before, United staffers stand in the gap on issues that literally means billions of dollars to the industry.

Next year's event in Las Vegas will be important for United's trade show future. Having an organic pavilion in the show may help pull in some exhibitors who now exhibit with the All Things Organic show. While Vegas has been knocked for its distractions, the venue is sure to draw a big crowd. Getting exhibitors locked in and selling the floor space out out is critical and could be a tipping point to a bigger and better future - complete with Mary Ann and the Macarena, I hope.