4 • September | October 2026 • abasto.com IFPA Unveils the Program for the 2026 Global Produce & Floral Show BY ABASTO T he International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has finalized its event lineup for the 2026 Global Produce & Floral Show. The event will take place from October 14–16 in Orlando, Florida. To start, this year’s speakers will tackle corpo- rate strategy while sharing personal stories of purpose and resilience. Three key- note sessions will serve as the centerpiece of the event. Burns Opens the Event with the “State of the Industry” IFPA CEO Cathy Burns kic- ks off the Global Produce & Floral Show on Wed- nesday, October 14, with her signature annual State of the Industry address. Burns will guide attendees through the trends, cha- llenges, and opportunities shaping the fresh produce and floral supply chain. Burns described the event as far more than just a networking opportunity: “The Global Produce & Flo- ral Show isn’t an event you October 14–16, 2026: Event dates at the Orange County Convention Center (Or- lando, Florida, USA). 20,000+ Attendees: Supply chain pro- fessionals, including growers, shippers, suppliers, retailers, wholesalers, food- service operators, and floral leaders. 1,000+ Exhibitors: Showcasing fresh produce, floral pro- ducts, complemen- tary items, tech, and packaging. 5,000+ Key Buyers: Executives and decision-makers with direct purchasing authority. 82% Purchasing Influen- ce: Percentage of attendees who directly impact their companies’ buying decisions. 70 Countries & All 50 U.S. States: Total international reach and national coverage projected for the 2026 edition. At a glance just attend—it’s where you bring your toughest busi- ness problems and leave with the people, answers, and momentum to solve them.” A Different Kind of Fight: From Martial Arts to Humanitarian Work On Thursday, October 15, former UFC and Bellator competitor Justin Wren will take the stage for a keynote titled “Fighting for What Matters: Purpo- se, Resilience, and Impact in a Global Industry.” Wren built a career com- peting at the highest le- vels of combat sports, but found that serving others meant far more than win- ning fights. Through his organization, Fight For The Forgotten, he helps provide clean water, resto- re land, and build oppor- tunities for underserved communities worldwide. Jade Simmons: Concert Pianist and “Activational Speaker” On Friday, October 16, during the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Break- fast, concert pianist and self-described “activatio- nal speaker” Jade Simmons will deliver “Play Bigger. Lead Bolder.” Simmons heads Jade Media Global and has built a reputation for blending live performance with lea- dership development. IFPA describes the session as a customized, high-energy experience designed speci- fically for the produce and floral community. Registration & Access An All-Access Pass provides entry to the general sessions, educational sessions, and the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Break- fast, which celebrates women’s leadership and perspectives across the industry. This pass also includes access to all three days of the trade show floor and the opening recep- tion on Wednesday, October 14. Special Insert Agriculture industry