New York Produce Show Announces All-New Foundational Excellence Cornell-Hosted Future Leaders Program

NEW YORK – The New York Produce Show and Conference will host its signature Foundational Excellence professional development program on Dec. 2, focusing on how to increase fresh fruit and vegetable consumption through key marketing strategies and how to lead in uncertain times.

Redesigned for professionals with less than five years of experience, the Future Leaders program will feature more breakout discussions, new opportunities for networking, and a heavy lean into the Show’s overarching theme as “The Center of Growth.”

Hosted by Produce Business magazine and the Eastern Produce Council, the full-day event will feature five sessions presented by Cornell University instructors plus the popular Young Leaders Q&A Panel and lunch at the Sheraton New York Times Square. Current registrants and exhibitors can get more information on the program on the New York Produce Show website.

“This is truly a can’t-miss event for anyone in the industry looking to leverage the latest trends and insights from leading educators at one of the best universities in the world,” says Ken Whitacre, CEO and President of The New York Produce Show. “More than ever, young professionals need solid guidance, research-based application, and the opportunities to discuss creative and innovative strategies with other industry leaders. This immersive day offers all of that.”

The program is one of two educational events – along with the Global Trade Symposium – that help kick off Day 1 at the New York Produce Show, now celebrating its 16^th year. The conferences are part of a huge opening day that includes the Produce Business 40-Under-Forty Rising Star Reception and the show’s Opening Cocktail Reception.

The buildup to those high-energy programs starts Wednesday morning with a continental breakfast for registrants of the two events. Whitacre will offer opening remarks at each.

The Foundational Excellence Program will open with back-to-back sessions on produce consumption. Cornell professors Brad Rickard and Kristen Park will lead interactive discussions on how the produce industry can overcome economic, environmental, and social challenges to finally “move the needle” on fresh fruit and vegetable purchasing.

Rickard will then host a session on how creative marketing strategies can achieve those goals. Breakout groups of attendees will come together to address critical activities that can be initiated at various stages along the supply chain – from plant breeding to farms to packers to distributors and to consumers (retail and foodservice operators).

Foodservice and culinary trends will be the focus of professors Lilly Jan’s session, where she will “explore current and emerging trends influencing cuisine and foodservice, from evolving approaches to health and wellness to global flavors, changing dining habits, and new ideas about value and experience.”

Guests will be treated to a full lunch before the program shifts to leadership – and one of the major highlights, where top young professionals take the stage to discuss their careers and their perspectives on sustainability, technology integration, and consumer trends. Speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

The event wraps up with a dynamic session on “Leading in Uncertain Times” with professor Bahriye Goren, where attendees will learn how to navigate the maze of AI and digital disruption, food safety and reputational crises, economic uncertainty, and rapidly evolving jobs and careers. Participants will learn practical ways to face uncertainty, help others make sense of change, balance care with accountability, and create forward momentum to apply in real-world situations.

Those interested in attending the session or any of the New York Produce Shows’ special events – including the International Trade Show on Thursday, Dec. 3, and Foodservice Forum or Industry Tours on Friday, Dec. 4 – can get more information here.

Media Contact

Please direct all media inquiries to Chris Burt, Director of Communications for Phoenix Media Network, at cburt@phoenixmedianet.com.

About Phoenix Media Network

With roots in New York City and headquartered in Boca Raton, Fla., Phoenix Media Network has provided industry-leading insights across the fresh food and perishables industry for nearly four decades. Founded in 1985, Phoenix Media has grown exponentially.

It boasts the signature New York Produce Show and Conference as well as supporting publications, Produce Business, Deli Business, Cheese Connoisseur and PerishableNews.com. Phoenix’s mission is to initiate industry improvement; to elevate and modernize the industry; and to help promote and foster discussions on marketing, merchandising, management and procurement.