Monday, November 4

7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Registration & Guest Services

Check-in with Western Growers staff to collect your badge and Annual Meeting materials.

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Board of Directors Breakfast

For meeting attendees only

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Board of Directors Meeting

Open to Board Members, WG Members, and Invited Guests.

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
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Laura Ling

Kickoff Keynote

Laura Ling is an award-winning journalist and media executive. Her investigative work on E! and Z Living Networks has highlighted critical issues like teen suicide, women's rights in Turkey and internet censorship in Mexico. While reporting on human trafficking in North Korea, Laura and her colleague were detained for 140 days before returning to the United States. Don't miss out on this opportunity to hear Laura's compelling insights as the Kickoff Keynote Speaker.

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12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
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Bari Weiss

PAC Lunch

Award-winning journalist and author Bari Weiss will be the PAC Luncheon speaker during the Western Growers 2024 Annual Meeting.

 

The Western Growers Political Action Committee (PAC) provides strategic campaign support to elected officials and candidates.  Proceeds from our annual PAC luncheon help amplify our members’ voices in political contests across on both state and national levels. PAC Luncheon ticket must be purchased in addition to a Full, Guest, or Single Day pass. PAC Luncheon tickets are $195 per person.

Michael Shellenberger

Environmental Progress, Founder & President

2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Featured Session #1 - Sustainable Packaging

Join us for an insightful panel on Sustainable Packaging, bringing together industry leaders to explore the significant strides made by growers and retailers in sustainable packaging solutions. The discussion will emphasize the critical roles of lightweighting, plastic reduction, recyclability improvements and the integration of end-of-life infrastructure. With a focus on consumer demand and data-driven insights, this panel will highlight why the transition to sustainable packaging is not only a regulatory necessity, but also a vital response to market expectations. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with experts and learn about the future of packaging in the fresh produce industry.

Panelists:

  1. Ron Lemaire, President, Canadian Produce Marketing Association
  2. Jenét DeCosta, Sr. Director of Public Affairs, Driscoll’s
  3. Dave Podesta, Director of Quality Assurance, Sysco
  4. Kevin Kelly, CEO, Emerald Packaging

6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Party with the Partners - Boots and Roots Hoedown

Y’all are invited to a rootin’ tootin’ good time at our Boots and Roots Hoedown! Grab your cowboy boots and your favorite denim and join us for an evening of lively music, dancing and delicious food.  It’s going to be a Country Western chic celebration, so bring a touch of bling if you like, but don’t forget to pack a jacket or sweater for when the temperature drops after sundown. We can’t wait to see you there for a night of fun and festivities!

2023 Diamond Sponsors