FOUNDATIONAL
EXCELLENCE
Laying the Groundwork to Excellence. The Cornell University Future-Leaders-In-Produce Foundational Excellence Program is crafted specifically for produce industry executives with less than 5 years’ experience to fill a void of educational opportunities for this group of produce professionals.
NEW YORK PRODUCE SHOW
Sheraton New York Times Square
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Why attend the Foundational Excellence Program?
The produce industry offers a rich and rewarding career path along with industry-specific executive challenges. As a young professional starting out in this ever-evolving industry, or a senior executive transferred from another industry, it is important to have produce industry knowledge, support and mentorship.
What will I learn?
The Cornell University Future-Leaders-In-Produce Program was crafted specifically for produce industry executives with less than 5 years’ experience to fill a void of educational opportunities for this group of produce professionals. We invite you to join us for this career-building educational immersion into the structure and operations of the produce industry, including topics such as marketing in produce, leadership and career development, trends in cuisine, consumer trends and other critical industry issues.
2025 Foundational Excellence Program
SHERATON NEW YORK TIMES SQUARE
7:30 am
Registration
8:30 am
Breakfast
9:15 am
Welcome: Opening Remarks
Speaker: Ken Whitacre, CEO, Phoenix Media Network and Publisher, Produce Business
9:30 am
Critical Issues in the Produce Industry
Speaker: Miguel Gomez, Cornell University
10:15 am
Coffee Break
10:30 am
Marketing Strategies in Produce
Speaker: Brad Rickard, Cornell University
11:15 am
Leadership and Development for Early-Career Executives
Speaker: Bill Drake, Cornell University
The goal of this session is to provide foundational insights and perspectives that are essential for success as individuals embark on their career journeys in the produce industry. Bill will break down common myths and misconceptions about leadership, as well as critical differences between management and leadership and changing demands of leadership in career transitions.
Noon
Networking Lunch
1:00 pm
Young Professionals in the Produce Industry
Speakers: Panel Discussion hosted by Ken Whitacre
Join us for a dynamic panel discussion featuring the fresh produce industry’s rising stars. These young professionals are innovatively shaping the future of agriculture, sustainability, and distribution. Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities they face, their perspectives on sustainability, technology integration, and consumer trends, and learn how the next generation is driving positive change in the world of fresh produce. Do not miss this opportunity to hear from and engage with the industry’s future leaders.
1:45 pm
Trends in Cuisine
Speaker: TBA
Explore the evolving landscape of food and dining, shaped by shifting consumer preferences and broader societal trends. Changing tastes, lifestyles, and values influence what we eat, how we source food, and the dining experiences we seek. From new culinary movements to innovative approaches in food service, discover the trends that are redefining how consumers interact with food today. Whether you are part of the food industry or simply curious about where dining is headed, gain fresh insights into the future of food and the dynamics of consumer behavior
2:30 pm
Forecast for the Future of Produce: Discussion and Breakout Groups
Speaker: Kristen Park, Cornell University
In a provocative and interactive session, you will work with other participants to develop a working consensus around select issues facing the industry and discuss strategies to prepare your company for its future challenges and opportunities.
3:15 pm
Q&A and Closing Remarks
Speaker: Miguel Gomez, Professor, Cornell University
FOUNDATIONAL EXCELLENCE PROGRAM
2025 Speakers Bios Coming Soon
FOUNDATIONAL EXCELLENCE PROGRAM
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Enhance Your New York Produce Show Presence. With more than 5,000 produce and floral professionals attending, The New York Produce Show and Conference delivers tremendous opportunity to do more business. Reach the highest level of retail and foodservice buying decision-makers. Sponsorships enhance your exhibitor experience and add more value.
OVERALL SPONSOR (2 Available)
Champion Fresh Talent: Sponsor the Foundational Excellence Program, part of the Cornell University Future Leaders Program. Ideal for those in their first five years of the industry, regard less of age.
• 3-minute video and/or 3-minute presentation at commencement or after break
• Meter Board at the presentation stage
• Welcome to share branded printed materials with program attendees
BREAKFAST SPONSOR (3 available)
Breakfast and Foundational Excellence go hand in hand!
• 3-minute video and/or 3-minute presentation at commencement or after break
• Meter Board featuring all breakfast sponsors
• Incorporate a fresh produce item in the breakfast
COFFEE BREAK SPONSORS (1 available)
Caffeinated Excellence!
• Branded napkins
• Featured on the sponsor Meter Board at Foundational Excellence sessions
LUNCHEON SPONSORS (3 available)
Host Foundational Excellence Luncheon!
• 3-minute video and/or 3-minute presentation during lunch service
• Meter Board at the presentation stage
• Incorporate a fresh produce item in the luncheon
AUDIO/VISUAL SPONSORS (3 available)
Amplify your brand at the Foundational Excellence Sessions by sponsoring the AV throughout the sessions.
• Dedicated Meter Board identifying your brand as the crucial AV Sponsor
All sponsors receive the following special recognition:
Company logo on signage throughout the Javits Center, in hotel meeting areas, and within the official Show Directory.
Company logo on The New York Produce Show and Conference website’s sponsor page.
Sponsors recognized during opening reception, keynote breakfast and on visual communications throughout the show.
Recognition in Produce Business magazine.
To discuss tailored packages that support your marketing objectives, please contact us here.
Contact Us
Boca Raton, Florida 33481
United States
(561) 994-1118