All agenda items listed below are subject to change.
 

Time Name Description Location Name
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
3:00 PM - 6:00 PMRegistration Open

 Come grab your name badge and other swag in the Sinatra Ballroom Foyer.

Center Registration Counter
4:30 PM - 6:00 PMWednesday Evening Activity - Happy Hour & Tequila Tasting

Join the Happy Hour Mixer at The Edge, overlooking the beautiful lake and pool at the JW Marriott. Sit back in this laid back space with tequila tasting, acoustic music and great networking. This activity is limited on space and RSVP in advance is required. Cost: $40

The Edge
Thursday, May 28, 2026
6:30 AM - 11:30 AMFarm Field Tours

Continental breakfast available before departure. Bus will pickup and depart near the West Coast Expo registration desk at 6:30am
Cost: $125  (pre-registration required). Limited availability.

Farm Tour Stops TBA

Center Registration Counter
6:45 AM - 12:30 PMGolf Tournament

Breakfast available starting at 6:45am
Shotgun start at 7:30am

Cost: $295

Tee up for new connections. We invite you to our upcoming scramble golf tournament—a perfect opportunity to meet new friends and enjoy a relaxed day on the green. All skill levels are welcome! Cost includes all green fees and breakfast. Club rentals available for additional cost of $95 (simply add to your registration when you sign up). 

Pro Shop
7:00 AM - 10:00 AMPickleball Tournament

Cost is $75 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. Breakfast and drinks included.

JW Tennis Courts
8:00 AM - 5:00 PMRegistration Open Center Registration Counter
11:00 AM - 6:00 PMExhibitor Move In Sinatra Ballroom
12:30 PM - 1:30 PMGolf Lunch & Awards

Lunch will be ready by 12:00pm and on a flow as golfers finish on the course. Awards presentation and winning teams and contests will be announced no later than 1:30pm.

San Jacinto Ballroom
2:30 PM - 5:00 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. Email us at produceexpos@farmjournal.com if you're interested in purchasing a BizMatch+ session.

The Pavillion
3:00 PM - 4:00 PMFresh Connections Circuit

Want to meet more people in less time? Our new speed-networking session offers 5-minute "discovery" rounds to help introduce you to new people at our event. Don’t leave your networking to chance. Sign up to participate with these quick introductions and high-level discovery to see if there’s a fit for business in the future.

Sinatra Foyer
7:00 PM - 9:00 PMThursday Reception

Kick off the West Coast Produce Expo with a high-energy, desert-inspired bash that blends the magic of Coachella with the heart of the produce industry. As the sun sets and the iconic Ferris wheel begins to glow, join us for a networking experience designed to spark connection and celebrate the future of fresh.

Whether you’re catching the view from atop the Ferris wheel or dancing between bites, this is your moment to celebrate the vibrant spirit of our industry—festival style. Come grab a cocktail or two, enjoy fantastic food and bring your business cards and festival spirit! 

Sponsored by:
      

East Front Lawn
Friday, May 29, 2026
7:00 AM - 8:00 AMPilates & Produce - A Yoga Experience

Join us in The Grove for some outdoor pilates and yoga to start your day! Yoga towels and other swag provided.

The Grove
8:00 AM - 9:00 AMBreakfast

Join us for breakfast to kick off the morning!

JW Pavilion
8:00 AM - 9:30 AMBizMatch+

Pre-determined scheduled meetings. You will be notified individually if you are scheduled to participate in a BizMatch+ session.

San Jacinto Ballroom
8:00 AM - 5:00 PMRegistration Open Center Registration Counter
9:00 AM - 9:10 AMWelcome

Welcome to West Coast Produce Expo! Opening comments and The Packer and Equitable Food Initiative will present the Farmworker of the Year award.

The Pavillion
9:10 AM - 9:50 AM3 AI Strategies to Protect and Grow Retail Margins

Fresh produce is the heart of the grocery store, but it's also where margins are most at risk. This session provides a roadmap for retailers to protect their bottom line using three AI-powered pillars:

  • Demand Forecasting: Smarter ordering and replenishment.
  • Predictive Shrink and Smart Markdown Optimization: Predictive tools that ensure items sell in time.
  • Data-Driven Personalization and Promotion ROI: Targeted promotions that increase revenue by 5% to 15%.

Moderator: Christina Herrick, The Packer
Panelists: Francisco Martin-Rayo, CEO, Helios
                 TBD

The Pavillion
9:50 AM - 10:25 AMNavigating USMCA Review: The Future of North American Produce Trade

On July 1, USMCA faces its first major six-year review. For the produce industry, the stakes couldn't be higher. Whether the agreement is extended, dissolved into bilateral deals, or left in limbo, one thing is certain: uncertainty is the new baseline. Featuring a tri-national panel of industry experts, this session provides a deep dive into the political and economic shifts that will redefine how produce moves across our borders.

Moderator: Brian Kuehl, Director of Government and Public Affairs, Pinion 
Panelists:   
Ana Ambrosi, Corporate Communications and Sustainability, Avocados From Mexico
Kam Quarles, Chief Executive Officer, National Potato Council
TBD

The Pavillion
10:25 AM - 11:00 AMBillions in the Basket: Engaging the Hispanic Shopper With Fresh

Hispanic consumers are the engine of fresh, outspending other demographics on the fresh perimeter by 4% annually. Are you meeting this important shopper’s high standards for quality and variety? This session breaks down the "fresh-first" mindset of the Hispanic shopper. Discover how optimizing your product mix, leveraging organic trends, and mastering cross-merchandising strategies do more than reach one demographic — they elevate the shopping experience throughout the store.

Moderator: Jennifer Strailey, The Packer

Panelists:
Ruth Villalonga, CEO and Founder, Villa Communications

The Pavillion
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM"Never Give Up - Never Quit"

If you're looking for a sob story you've come to the wrong place, and Travis himself will be the first to tell you so. But if you're looking for an inspiring speaker who epitomizes resilience and who will leave an indelible mark on your audience then Travis is your man. Be prepared to laugh, to reflect, to laugh again, and to stand up and cheer as Travis shares the astonishing story of how he, and his wife Kelsey, live their motto "Never Give Up - Never Quit." The subject of the NETFLIX original movie "Travis - A Soldier's Story" and author of the N.Y. Times Bestseller "Tough As They Come", Travis is a seasoned veteran of the speaking stage who has shared his story with millions around the world. Unabashedly using humor while sharing a story many would consider tragic, Travis redefines human capability and the remarkable power attitude has upon outcome. Travis Mills is a speaker you will never forget.

The Pavillion
11:30 AM - 12:30 PMLunch Served

Sponsored by:

Springs & Sinatra Ballrooms
12:00 PM - 5:00 PMExpo Open

Come visit our exhibitors!  View the floorplan here.

Springs & Sinatra Ballrooms
4:00 PM - 5:00 PMClosing Reception

Join us for a cocktail to end the day while making those last stops on the trade show floor!

Springs & Sinatra Ballrooms
5:00 PMExpo Closes