- Farm Journal & The Packer events provide retail and food service buyers with the opportunity to meet with targeted prospects and network, socialize and meet face-to-face with qualified suppliers in fantastic destinations.
- Event attendees will enjoy informative educational sessions, expert speakers, multiple networking sessions, activities and pre-scheduled Biz-Match meetings. Not to mention, your hotel accommodations are complimentary.
- What categories are eligible to be hosted?
- Retail
The Retail category is valid for full-service retail chains that sell food to consumers. The company must have at least 10 stores or more. (Buyers with fewer locations may be included at the discretion of Farm Journal.) Air travel reimbursement and lodging are provided upon request and approval. You will be contacted after registering to confirm if you qualify. - Foodservice
The Foodservice category is valid for broadline or chain foodservice industry members. Broadline Foodservice: A company that provides food and non-food products to restaurants, cafeterias, industrial caterers, and hotels. Chain Foodservice: Includes restaurants, hotels, industrial caterers, cafeterias, and meal box subscription companies. Air travel reimbursement and lodging are provided upon request. You will be contacted after registering to confirm if you qualify.
- Retail
Contact us with questions about the Hosted Buyer Program.
Jordan Davis, jordandavis@thepacker.com, 816-405-2724
Lauren Haines, lhaines@thepacker.com, 913-731-9347
Join us at the beautiful JW Marriott Miami Turnberry resort with two full days activities, networking, BizMatch speed dating, education, expo and the chance to meet with the top suppliers in fresh produce.
Go online and apply for our hosted buyer program which features:
- Waived registration fees
- Complimentary hotel nights
- Possible Travel/Airfare reimbursement
- BizMatch participation (mandatory if receiving a hosted experience)
To secure your hosted invitation, please fill out the hosted buyer application.
View the full event agenda here.
Who attends ECPE? View previous hosted buyer attendees below!
Already confirmed to attend? Login below to our hosted buyer portal to update your registration or travel information.
HOSTED BUYER REFERAL PROGRAM
Introduce us to your fellow buyers and retailers, and if they’re approved to attend East Coast Produce Expo, we’ll give you both an entry to win an ECPE Prize Package valued at over $500. Receive an entry into the prize drawing for each person your refer.
NETWORKING ACTIVITIES
All activities below are complimentary to Hosted Buyers. Choose one activity per day. (Golf club rental is $95)
All activities will have a mix of buyer and supplier participants to make it easy to network.
No refunds on any cancellation of activities after December 1, 2025.
Steeped in a rich country club tradition are the two legendary 18-hole championship courses in Aventura. Originally designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr., both the Soffer and Miller courses have been re-imagined by famous golf icon Raymond Floyd, and have played host to numerous South Florida PGA and LPGA championships. The longer and more challenging course of the two, the Soffer Course brings you risk and reward on nearly every hole, with narrow fairways winding past small creeks. The white sand creates a stunning contrast with the lush ficus, banyan, and olive trees lining the fairways.
Monday, January 12, 2026
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Soffer Course
Limited to 100 players
add to registration/ RSVP required
- Premium Golf Cart with enhanced GPS system
- Complimentary privileges to practice area and facilities
Cost - (+ $95 Club Rental if needed)
LITTLE HAVANA FOOD TOUR
Discover some of the most authentic Cuban cuisine outside of the island on a culinary adventure like no other in Little Havana. From sizzling empanadas and mouthwatering Cubanos to refreshing mojitos and rich coladas, Little Havana is a food lover's paradise. Our expert guides will take you on a gastronomic journey introducing you to hidden gems and family-owned establishments that have been serving up traditional Cuban fare for generations.
DATE & TIME: Monday, January 12, Depart hotel at 9:15 AM
Return to Hotel by 1:30 PM
Attendees: 10 Minimum/ 50 Maximum
PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
Join us for this new fun activity at East Coast Expo! No experience necessary - all welcome!
Check the box “Yes, I plan to play pickleball” when registering to get signed up. Cost is $55 per person. Pickleball paddle and other fun swag provided!
A short clinic will start the morning, and then teams will be assigned and a round robin fun tournament format will be played. You'll get to play with a variety of people! Paddles and balls provided. Snacks and drinks included.
DATE & TIME: Monday, January 12, 7:30am Departure from Hotel
Return to hotel by 12:00 PM
Location: The Yards
Attendees: 32 Minimum/ 64 Maximum
PRODUCE POOL DAY
Looking to connect with fellow Produce Expo participants while taking in the Florida sun? Join us at the JW Marriott's Cascata Pool for a morning of relaxation and connection. We will offer build your own acai bowls, beverages, chair massages and some other fun surprises.
DATE & TIME: Monday, January 12, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
PRODUCE ON THE PAVEMENT 5K RUN/WALK
Join your fellow attendees as we promote health and wellness with a 5K Run/Walk on the Don Soffer Exercise Trail around the JW Marriott Turnberry property. The event will start with a 10-minute stretch session.
DATE & TIME: Tuesday, January 13, 6:45 AM - 7:45 AM
