Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Selling Fresh Produce to K-12 Schools: The Business of School Nutrition
This pre-conference session will bring together produce growers, distributors, and other industry suppliers to review the school nutrition guidelines and discuss how schools plan menus and consider their overall produce procurement process. To maximize opportunities for collaboration and shared understanding, this session will include “school nutrition experts” who will help to facilitate small group discussions that build upon the information presented.
Location: Embassy Suites Monterey Bay Seaside Hotel
* A separate registration is required for this pre-conference session.
Registration Open
Location: MCC: Serra Lobby
K-12 School Forum: Welcome Reception & Mini Expo
The K-12 School Forum connects the produce industry with school menu planners and chefs from the nation’s largest school districts, creating opportunities for ideation, collaboration, and exploring new produce choices for children at school. This reception is open to school nutrition attendees, program sponsors, and produce distributors that service school customers.
Location: Monterey Marriott, San Carlos Ballrooms
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Registration Open
Location: MCC: Serra Lobby
Buyer Sourcing Meetings (separate registration required)
A unique opportunity for foodservice suppliers to connect face-to-face with operators and distributors in a fast-paced, low pressure environment, opening the door for more in-depth conversations. Lunch is included and advance registration is required.
Location: San Carlos Ballroom I & II (Marriott)
Women's Fresh Perspectives Reception
Open to all but ticket required.
Location: The Club Room (Portola, Lobby Level)
Networking Reception at Custom House Plaza Monterey State Historic Park
Location: Custom House Plaza Monterey State Historic Park
Friday, August 1, 2025
Registration Open
Location: MCC: Serra Lobby
Fresh Ideas Showcase
The Fresh Ideas Showcase, located in the Portola's DeAnza Foyer, is THE place to see new ideas and be inspired by products/services introduced since last July.
Location: Portola Hotel: DeAnza Foyer
View 2025 Fresh Ideas ShowcasesNetworking Breakfast
Location: MCC: Steinbeck Ballroom Lobby
General Session: Health on the Menu: Navigating the New Foodservice Frontier
9:05 AM: Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards hosted by FreshEdge
Join David Henkes of Technomic for an eye-opening presentation on the shifting dynamics of health in the foodservice landscape. This session explores how health-forward trends are influencing menus, consumer behavior, and operational strategy – particularly in light of emerging factors like GLP-1 medications. Gain valuable market insights from Technomic's latest research, including data on growth opportunities and changing perceptions of "healthiness" across key foodservice segments.
Following the presentation, a dynamic panel featuring voices from operators, the K-12 foodservice community, and Gen Z will unpack the findings and explore practical applications for your business. Whether you're adjusting offerings to meet new expectations or seeking ways to drive fresh produce demand, this session offers a roadmap to success in the evolving health-conscious marketplace.
Location: MCC: Steinbeck Ballroom
Speaker / Moderator

David Henkes
Senior Principal and Head of Strategic Partnerships
Technomic
Panelist

Daniel Patino
Co-founder & Executive Chef
Salad and Go

Erin Primer
Director of Food & Nutrition Services
San Luis Coastal Unified School District

Julyessa Struckmeyer
Recent Graduate
Fresno State University -
Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology
Foodservice Expo Open
Location: Monterey Conference Center – 1st Floor – Serra Ballroom
Portola Hotel & Spa – 1st Floor – DeAnza Ballroom