Parma, Idaho, USA
November 4, 2010
A conference focused on the challenges and opportunities facing watermelon growers in North, Central and South America is set for April 7-9, 2011 in Miami Beach, Florida. The International Watermelon Conference, organized by hybrid seed supplier Nunhems, will bring together industry experts—including watermelon growers themselves—to discuss issues such as exporting, food safety and retail marketing.
“This is a conference designed specifically for watermelon growers,” said Pepe Gomez, Nunhems Watermelon Crop Sales Managers. “The goal is give growers a forum where they can learn about what is and what is not working from peers as well as others vital to our industry.”
The three-day event’s theme, “The Road Ahead,” sets the stage for a conference that is focused on the future of the industry – and how growers can profit it from it. Activities will include a series of panel discussions, a keynote speaker and a guided tour of a local watermelon exporter as well as plenty of time for networking and social activities.
This is the second time Nunhems has hosted the International Watermelon Conference. The first conference was held in Valencia, Spain and, while open to growers around the world, most of the discussions centered on issues facing European growers.
The 2nd International Watermelon Conference—dubbed the “Americas Summit”—will focus on growers on this side of the Atlantic, according to Gomez. “This is an incredible time for watermelon growers,” he said. “There are tremendous potential for those who can take advantage of the changing marketplace and technology. We hope the Americas Summit is a platform to help watermelon growers seize those opportunities.”
The event will be held at The Eden Roc Renaissance Resort and Spa in Miami Beach, Florida. With world-class restaurants, boutiques and, of course, the beach, nearby, the International Watermelon Conference promises plenty of activities when conference activities are not in session.
In keeping with the event theme, organizers will give away a brand new Harley Davidson motorcycle during the conference’s dinner banquet. “Our goal is to create an event that’s both valuable and memorable,” Gomez said. “We want people to know that this event’s not only going to be content-rich, it’s going to be fun.”
To receive more information about the conference, including pricing and the speaker list, visit www.InternationalWatermelon.com.
Nunhems, a subsidiary of Bayer CropScience, is the global specialist in vegetable genetics and services. As a globally integrated group of teams Nunhems builds unique customer relationships and shares products, concepts and expertise with the professional horticultural production industry and supply chain. Its portfolio includes leading varieties and brands in crops such as leek, onion, carrot, melon, cucumber, tomato, watermelon, lettuce and pepper.
With annual sales of EUR 240 million in 2009, Nunhems is among the world’s leading vegetable seed companies with an extensive range of 28 species and some 2,500 varieties. With more than 1,500 people, Nunhems is present in all major vegetable production areas in the world.
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