PMA Foodservice Delivered: A New Virtual Event Opportunity

July 8, 2020
11:00 am

Posted by Megan Zweig

On the heels of completing our first industry virtual tradeshow, there is a new opportunity for the fresh produce industry to participate in. The DMA Solutions Team is in the process of planning for PMA Foodservice Delivered taking place July 20 – July 24, 2020 and are sharing highlights for those of you considering participation in the virtual event – alongside us!

Since this is a new opportunity, we’re still learning about all that she show has to offer. But from what we know so far, we’re excited to take part and we’re eager to understand more about the immediate challenges facing our industry’s foodservice companies in the wake of the pandemic.

Whether you are already registered to participate or still contemplating you or your company’s attendance, following are key points that motivated our decision to take part as a sponsor in this event.

Key Points to Consider Before Becoming a Sponsor:

Understanding the challenges our foodservice colleagues are facing.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the foodservice sector of our business has been devastated. For those seeking to adapt and continue to serve customers, restaurants are being forced to adapt at a rapid in order to sustain through the ongoing pandemic and uncertainty.

The challenges being addressed during PMA Foodservice Delivered include:

1. 1. Menu Challenges
    In response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, operators have had to make many changes to their business operations, including modified menus and ingredients, reduced staffing levels, and new safety protocols.
  2. Delivery to Consumer Challenges
    Operators have adopted new business models to provide take-out, curbside pickup, and delivery.
  3. Supplier Challenges
    Strong partnerships, resilience and infrastructure are critical factors in creating a supply chain that can survive disruptions such as a global health or financial crisis.
  4. Staffing/Labor Challenges
    As part of adjusting to their new reality, operators have implemented new measures to ensure the health and safety of their employees. As they are settling into their new realities after reopening, some may keep the reduced staffing levels, while others are finding that they don’t have the staff to manage their operation.
  5. Fresh Ideas in Produce
    The fresh produce community is constantly adopting new strategies that propel growth and now is a great time to explore new ideas to help get the foodservice sector of our industry back on track.

Identifying where you have a solution.

This year, PMA is asking you to consider how your business can help foodservice buyers manage the challenges noted above with a product or service that you offer. If you can relate to one or more of these challenges and/or your company offers a product or solution that can better equip a foodservice business during this time, your presence is needed at PMA Foodservice Delivered. Your participation in the event will yield you many opportunities to present your brand throughout the show and gives you direct access to the businesses requiring solutions that you can fill.

Now is your chance to be seen and heard.

Almost everyday we talk to companies in the fresh produce industry that miss the opportunity to meet with their customers face to face. I could write a blog post two pages long on this topic alone but all I can say is, ask and ye shall receive. If face to face meetings with your customers aren’t in your near future, perhaps a virtual show is just what the marketing doctor ordered. PMA is offering all of us a chance to come together, learn and unite for the health of our industry. And I’d be remiss if I neglected to mention that attendance is free.

Front row seats to the educational sessions.

Since it is a foodservice focused show, the team at PMA has cleverly named the educational sessions accordingly and offers topics that appeal to the fresh produce marketer. Starting on Monday and through Friday, each day features at least one “Chef’s Menu” presentation which features a major topic for the day. The Chef’s Menu is quickly followed by a 20-minute “Tasting Session” where attendees are able to choose from a menu of shorter sessions. For those interested in networking, the evening “Mixers” are sure to stir up conversation and give you the face time you’re craving with friends and colleagues. Learn more about the conference schedule.

Now that you’re all set to participate in PMA Foodservice Delivered, consider how you’ll show up. If you need help with navigating the event or want to have a creative session with our team, we’re up to the task. Send us an email at info@dma-solutions.com and we will schedule time to huddle. See you on the 20th!