The Eastern Produce Council's John J. McAleavey Gala was a magnificent night with great food, music, dancing and excellent company. Dancing and desserts were had after happy hour  with a Beatles tribute band. The council's largest fundraiser of the year was a massive success, according to EPC Executive Director Susan McAleavey Sarlund and Vice President Theresa Lowden.
 
The gala took place April 1 at the Westmount Country Club in Woodland Park, NJ, which was decorated beautifully with countless chandeliers, flowers and a buffet that could rival any in Las Vegas.

The Texas International Produce Association's 2023 Viva Fresh Expo returned to the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, TX, March 30-April 1. With more than 2,500 attendees roaming the 200-booth Viva Fresh Expo in Dallas on April 1, the show got very high marks from exhibitors who lauded both the intimacy of the show and the great turnout by buyers.

More than 200 attendees at the Fresh Produce & Floral Council's recently held luncheon were eager to hear from guest speaker Chef Nyesha Arrington. The luncheon began with FPFC Chair Michael Schutt of Raley’s and Rachelle Schulken, Apprentice taskforce chair, introducing the 2022 Apprentice Class at the graduation. After the graduation concluded, Master of Ceremonies Shonna Williams of Cardenas introduced Myisha Nathaniel of Raley’s and Arrington.

The Texas International Produce Association's 2023 Viva Fresh Expo returned to the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, TX, March 30-April 1. The three-day event combined everything the industry loves: great food, plenty of networking, unique education and building relationships in a vibrant, relaxed and intimate setting.

In addition to shining a light on the importance of Texas as a vital trade corridor and production zone for fresh fruits and vegetables, it puts a large focus on promoting healthy eating and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

BOSTON—The New England Produce Council held its annual dinner dance gala Saturday, March 25 at the InterContinental Boston hotel. The event had a casino night theme, with games and decor setting the mood. A record number of attendees showed up early and packed the cocktail reception before the evening shifted to the ballroom for dinner and dancing — and a late-night snack station.

The floral industry is a dynamic and exciting sector that is constantly evolving. For many in the industry, events like the Floral Distribution Conference are essential to staying connected and informed. Sahid Nahim, CEO of New Bloom Solutions, has attended FDC multiple times and believes it is one of the top industry conventions. "FDC allows us to recharge and get inspired for the rest of the year. We were able to catch up, connect with our current customers, and meet potential new customers," said Nahim.

The most recent FDC, held in March 2023, was exceptional according to Molly Mullins