Name: The Washington Conference Schedule
Start: 2023-09-18T09:00:00
End: 2023-09-20T17:00:00
Location: Grand Hyatt Washington

Monday, June 8, 2026

7:00 A.M. - 5:30 P.M.

Washington Conference Registration Open

8:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.

Volunteer Leadership Meetings

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM: U.S. Nutrition & Health Policy Working Group
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM: U.S. Workforce & Business Policy Working Group
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM: USMCA Policy Working Group
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Organics Committee
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Food Safety Council
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Joint Meeting of the U.S. Policy Committee, U.S. Fresh Ambassador Network, FreshPAC Board of Directors, U.S. Grassroots & Engagement Committee

4:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.

FreshPAC Board of Directors (by invitation only)

1:30 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Featured Session: Shaping Tomorrow's Table Through Nutrition and Food Safety

Dive into a high-impact, two-part education session bringing together regulatory leaders and forward-thinking industry experts to tackle national nutrition priorities and the future of food safety. Attendees will gain practical insights and a platform for meaningful discussion on pivotal issues facing our industry.

The session kicks off with a deep dive of FDA's "Make America Healthy Again" nutrition agenda, spotlighting initiatives expected to be launched in 2026, including Front of Pack labeling, nutrition claims and more. We'll discuss what this means for fresh produce industry—from consumption to packaging changes—and how it may impact the larger retail food environment.

Next, leading industry speakers will share inventive solutions and best practices in food safety, followed by an engaging panel discussion featuring key updates and policy advancements. Come ready to ask questions, share perspectives, and help shape the future of nutrition and food safety. Join us and be part of the movement to advance America's health!

5:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.

Welcome Reception

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

7:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Washington Conference Registration Desk Open

8:15 A.M. - 9:00 A.M.

Capitol Hill Kickstart: Rise & Shine Welcome Meet Up

Empowering First-Time Attendees to Connect, Share, and Navigate Capitol Hill

Welcome, first-time attendees! Start your day connecting with fellow newcomers and seasoned advocates. Enjoy lively conversations, gain insider tips, and hear real stories that will help you approach Capitol Hill with confidence.

9:00 A.M. - 10:30 P.M.

Breakfast & General Session: Fresh Forward With the State of Fresh

Setting the Policy Stage for Produce & Floral

This session sets the stage for a pivotal day, framing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for industry stakeholders and advocates. IFPA CEO Cathy Burns will deliver the State of Fresh, shedding light on the most pressing U.S. policy priorities and advocacy initiatives shaping the industry's future.

Following Cathy's keynote, attendees will gain a high-level perspective on today's dynamic policy environment. This session will reinforce the profound impact of member engagement and set a motivating tone for advocacy.

10:30 A.M. - 10:45 A.M.

Morning Break

10:45 A.M. - 12:15 P.M.

Charting Tomorrow: U.S. Agriculture and Global Leadership

Administration Official Insights & Fireside Chats on Trade and Regenerative Agriculture

Join us as we share unique perspectives on how federal initiatives are positioning the industry to meet tomorrow's challenges, drive innovation, and ensure the continued resilience of America's food and agricultural systems.

We will then transition into two fireside chats focused on Trade and Regenerative Agriculture, two IFPA priorities shaping the industry's long-term resilience, innovation, and sustainability. Gain valuable insight into the current landscape, opportunities for industry preparedness, and challenges surrounding these topics, offering important context for industry leadership and engagement.

12:15 P.M. - 1:30 P.M.

Lunch

1:30 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Championing Change: Amplifying Advocacy for IFPA's 2026 Policy Vision

Industry Voices Collaborating to Influence Policy on Capitol Hill

A senior Administration official will join us to offer invaluable insights on the current federal policy landscape, highlighting how industry priorities fit into broader government initiatives and challenges.

The remainder of this session will immerse attendees in IFPA's 2026 U.S. policy priorities and legislative asks, providing the tools and messaging needed to advocate effectively for the produce and floral industry. IFPA's policy leaders will break down the most pressing issues driving industry engagement—including Labor, Production Profitability, Food Safety, Health & Nutrition, and the Supply Chain—ensuring you're prepared to champion these causes in upcoming meetings with lawmakers.

An open discussion amongst regions will follow, allowing participants time to ask questions, share perspectives, and strengthen their understanding of Capitol Hill meetings.

5:00 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.

The Joy of Fresh: Capitol Hill Reception

Join us on Capitol Hill for The Joy of Fresh Reception, where we honor the abundant contributions of fresh produce and floral to our health, happiness, and economy. This exclusive event brings together influential leaders from across Washington, D.C. including congressional and administration staff, allied partners, consumer advocates, and attendees of the IFPA Washington Conference. Experience an atmosphere of connection, celebration, and advocacy for a brighter, fresher future!

7:00 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.

FreshPAC Reception and Dinner

Leave your personal mark on DC. There's never been a more important time to influence politics and policy to drive fresh produce and floral industry success and growth.

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

7:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.

Registration Open

8:30 A.M. - 9:30 A.M.

General Session & Breakfast - Huddle to Fight for Fresh on Capitol Hill

Whether you're a seasoned advocate or a Capitol Hill first timer—get ready for game time! Designed to get organized and set the tone for a successful day of fighting for fresh. Unite with your congressional meeting team and the scheduling team from Soapbox who will deliver a "What You Need to Know" overview, including all meeting logistics and schedule distribution. You'll leave informed, equipped, and ready to make a meaningful impact on our industry.

9:45 A.M. - 10:30 A.M.

Travel to Congressional Meetings - self travel, no buses

10:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Advocate for Fresh on Capitol Hill:
U.S. House of Representatives & Senate Meetings

Every Voice Counts

Your participation will help ensure that policies strengthening fresh produce and floral remain at the forefront of legislative priorities. Let's work together to build healthier communities—one conversation on Capitol Hill at a time.

This is your time to ensure that fresh produce and floral business priorities are at the forefront of legislative priorities. In face-to-face meetings, make your voice heard to elected officials and their staff, helping politicians to understand and support the most important issues to your business—including labor, increasing consumption, and food safety—and share how actions taken in Washington directly affect you, your community, and the entire supply chain.

The Washington Conference

Schedule of Events