2026 Agenda

Agenda is tentative and subject to change. Additional events and details will be posted soon.
* Items have additional cost to participate. Sign-up during registration process. 

Time Name Description Location Name
Monday, January 12, 2026
7:30 AM - 5:00 PMRegistration

Stop by and pickup your name badge and swag!

Majestic Ballroom Foyer
7:30 AM - 12:00 PMPickleball 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. Transportation will be provided to the pickleball courts.

 
8:30 AM - 12:30 PMGolf Tournament*

Tee up for an unforgettable experience at the JW Turnberry Miami Golf Tournament! Join us to play the premier Soffer Course with picturesque greens and views.
Sponsored by:

 

 
9:15 AM - 1:30 PMLittle 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. Transportation from JW Turnberry hotel provided.

 
10:00 AM - 1:00 PMProduce 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. 

Cascata Pool
11:30 AM - 1:00 PMGolf Lunch & Awards*  
12:00 PM - 6:00 PMExhibitor Setup  
3:00 PM - 5:30 PMBizMatch+

BizMatch+ sessions are pre-determined scheduled meetings between buyers and sellers. These are pre-scheduled in advance.
Your company will be notified with your scheduled meetings if you are participating.

Majestic Ballroom 6-8
7:00 PM - 9:00 PMOpening Reception - Go for the Gold

Get ready to Go For the Gold! Join us for an unforgettable Olympic-themed reception, celebrating the spirit of competition, excellence, and global unity. Mingle with fellow enthusiasts, enjoy delicious refreshments, and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of fun and games. Pineapple bowling, curling and more!  Get in the spirit of the games with team attire! 


Reception Sponsored by:

Cascata Pool
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
7:00 AM - 4:00 PMRegistration & Info Desk Majestic Ballroom Foyer
8:00 AM - 9:30 AMBizMatch+

BizMatch+ sessions are pre-determined scheduled meetings between buyers and sellers. These are pre-scheduled in advance.
Your company will be notified with your scheduled meetings if you are participating.

Majestic Ballroom 6-8
8:00 AM - 9:00 AMBreakfast

Start the day with breakfast sponsored by:  

Royal Ballroom
9:30 AM - 9:50 AMFresh Trends 2026: Consumer Insights Revealed

ECPE attendees will get a first look at The Packer’s annual consumer report that takes a deep dive into 50 fresh fruit and vegetable commodities, exploring the why behind the buy of five generations of produce shoppers. What’s driving produce purchase today and how you can capture a larger share of basket? We’ll reveal data, insights and analysis from the report that will inform your success in the year ahead and beyond.

Speakers:  Jen Strailey, Produce Editorial Director, The Packer / Farm Journal

Royal Ballroom
9:50 AM - 10:30 AMHarnessing the Marketing Mindset of CPGs to Fuel Produce Consumption

This panel of marketing gurus will explore how bringing a CPG sensibility
to fresh produce marketing campaigns can elevate brands, cultivate loyal
customers and drive consumption. Panelists will discuss their most successful
campaigns to date and why they resonated, providing you with inspiration and
actionable takeaways for your business. 

Moderators:  Lance Burditt, Senior Vice-President, Food & Agricultural Sustainability 
                     Christina Herrick, Produce Editor, The Packer
Panelists:
Kevin Hamilton, Vice President of Global Marketing Communications for the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
Cristie Mather, Vice President Marketing,  Mushroom Council
Kim Chackal, Co-Owner, VP Sales & Marketing , Equifruit
John Cymbal, Co-Founder - Chief Marketing Officer, Molly's Grape & Citrus Company

Royal Ballroom
10:30 AM - 11:30 AMSuccess is a Journey, Not a Destination

SPEAKER:  Dominique Dawes, Three-time Olympian, Olympic Gold Medalist, and Gymnastics Academy Owner

Royal Ballroom
11:30 AM - 4:00 PMExpo Open & Lunch

Maximize your trade show experience by taking advantage of our dedicated expo hours and prime networking opportunities on the show floor. Explore the latest innovations, connect with industry leaders, and forge valuable partnerships.

Lunch Sponsored by:

Majestic Ballroom 1-5
6:30 PM - 8:30 PMClosing Reception

Free to all attendees! Enjoy a relaxing evening to close out the event on the beautiful Cosair Lawn of the JW Turnberry hotel. Overlooking the golf course, this evening will give you one last chance to connect with all attendees.

Corsair Lawn