Connect and collaborate with leaders from every area of the apple industry, including production, packing, processing, sales, marketing, and new product development. In addition, the program will showcase diverse speakers and topics, growers and apple business leaders from across the nation, and the always anticipated crop forecast.
See who else is coming this year! (as of 7.19.24)
Member Rate
$895 (by August 1)
Non-Members
$1195 (by August 1)
Conference Registration Includes:
Access to all Education Sessions
Admission to Wednesday night’s Dinner Cruise (RSVP when registering, space is limited)
Networking Breaks throughout the Conference
Lunch and Happy Hour on Thursday
Breakfast on Friday
Not a USApple member? Contact Jessa Allen for more information.
Make plans to join us for Wednesday night’s Welcome Reception as we officially kick off the conference aboard The Spirit of Chicago, departing from Navy Pier. Conference attendees will enjoy an evening of amazing views, dinner, and fireworks! Be sure to RSVP when you register. Space is limited.
Dinner Cruise Sponsored by
FieldClock
Seso Labor
Storage Control Systems
Tiverton
Transportation Sponsored by
Charles & Alice, Inc
Gear up and give back with our exclusive t-shirt! Not only will it add a juicy flair to your wardrobe, but it also makes a meaningful impact. Every purchase supports our NextGen Fellowship program, empowering future leaders of the apple industry. The 2024 NextGen fellows designed and made this awesome shirt happen. Order yours today when you register and pick it up in Chicago!
Did you forget to order your t-shirt when registering? No worries. Order it now.
If your company wants to do a bulk order mailed directly to you, please fill this out.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm | Welcome Reception
The Spirit of Chicago, Navy Pier
Dinner Cruise Sponsored by FieldClock, Seso Labor, Storage Control Systems, Tiverton
Transportation Sponsored by Charles & Alice, Inc.
Space is limited. You must RSVP with registration.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15
9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Registration Open
9:00 am – 10:30 am | USApplePAC Breakfast (separate ticket required)
Rodney Davis, Former Illinois Congressman
11:30 am | Welcome Lunch
Sponsored by Adams Country Nursery, Community at the Core, Tekni-Plex
12:00 pm – 4:30 pm | General Session
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Jim Bair, USApple, President & CEO
Industry Outlook & Global Crop Report
Chris Gerlach, USApple, Vice President, Insights & Analytics
Succession Planning: Where to Begin
Michael Cohen, Agribusiness Succession Advisors, Private Wealth Advisor
Jeffrey DeWald, Agribusiness Succession Advisors, Managing Member
Ag Water Update
Kruti Ravaliya, FDA, Consumer Safety Officer, DPS-CFSAN
Networking Break
Sponsored by Knouse Foods Cooperative, Inc.
Agtech: Using Data to Improve Efficiency, Profitability and Sustainability
Itai Kanot, BeeHero, CoFounder and Chief Growth Officer
Deena Malaeb, Seso Labor, GM Payroll
Gary Vandenbark, Smart Apply, Inc, Chief Engineer
Bradford Warner, AgroFresh, Executive Director of Digital and Data Business
Farm Credit System Outlook: Agricultural Credit Conditions
Todd Van Hoose, Farm Credit Council, President & CEO
Apple Person of the Year Award
Presented by The Packer
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm | U.S. Regional Apple Crop Discussions & Regional Director Elections
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Cocktail Hour
Sponsored by GoGo Squeez and Marsh McClennan Agency
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
8:00 am | Breakfast
8:45 am – 12:00 pm | General Session II
USApple State of the Industry & Annual Business Meeting
Steve Clement, USApple Board of Directors, Chair
Apple Category & Walmart
Carrie Mack, Walmart, Senior Manager, Sourcing-Produce
Eat More Apples – Increasing Apple Consumption Campaign
Brenda Briggs, Rice Fruit Co., Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Julie DeJarnatt, Chelan Fresh, VP of Marketing and Brand Strategy
Kari Soldaat, Riveridge Produce Marketing, Inc., Director of Sales
Kaari Stannard, Yes! Apples, President & CEO
Networking Break
Pushing Through the Noise: Reaching Your Target Audience
Angela Sommers, Ten Acre Marketing, Senior Account Manager
Kaitlyn Thornton, Thornton Farms, 4th Gen Orchardist
James Williams, United Apple Sales, Business Development
Moderated by: Lynsee Gibbons, USApple, Director of Communications
USApple Forecast & Industry Insights
Chris Gerlach, USApple, Vice President, Insights & Analytics
12:00 pm | Conference Adjourned
