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Over 30 leading figures from the produce industry, specializing in the international trade of fresh fruits and vegetables, are set to speak at the upcoming Global Trade Symposium during the 2024 New York Produce Show and Conference, scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 10. They will delve into the intricate and vital process of importing fresh produce to the U.S. and Canada, with a particular focus on the East Coast.

Prominent speakers include George Pitsikoulis, President and CEO of Canadawide Fruit Wholesalers; Leo Holt, President of Holt Logistics; Alejandro Moralejo, CEO of Salix Fruits; Raquel Espinoza, Director of Sales and Marketing at Produce House and the newly appointed Chairwoman of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA); and Andres Rodriguez, the U.S. Agricultural Attache to Chile. These industry experts will contribute to engaging panel discussions and individual presentations throughout the day at the Sheraton New York Times Square. Global regions such as Europe, South Africa, Asia, Central America, and South America will all be represented, with a dedicated session on Mexico, the largest produce exporter to the U.S. and Canada.

As we approach the end of 2024 and look ahead to 2025, trade show exhibit design is undergoing rapid transformation, influenced by technological advancements and evolving attendee expectations. From the impact of Las Vegas’ Sphere to the growing use of AI-powered interactions, trade show floors this year are offering a mix of immersive experiences, innovative technology applications, and sustainable practices, all of which are reshaping brand storytelling and setting new benchmarks for exhibit design. Here’s what has caught our attention:

The Sphere Phenomenon

Since its grand opening in Las Vegas less than a year ago, Sphere has raised the bar for immersive experiences. After hosting its first corporate keynote, we are eager to see how brands will harness this enormous platform to enhance their messaging. On trade show floors, the Sphere Effect is already being seen in full-display video walls, curved high-resolution backdrops for live performances (such as those by Epson), and even 4D experiences with mixed-reality seating (like Walmart’s exhibit at CES).