Register now for Outlook 2025.
Complete the online registration form here.
See who has already registered (as of 7.21.25).
Download the conference program.
Member – Registration Fee | $950
Non-Member – Registration Fee | $1250
Save $100 when you register by August 1.
Not a USApple member? Click here to become a member and save $300 off your conference registration.
Don’t Forget to Buy Your Cruise Ticket
Dinner Cruise Ticket: $80 (Ticket Value = $180)
Join us for Wednesday Night’s Welcome Reception aboard The Spirit of Chicago. Ticket includes cruise on Lake Michigan, dinner, drinks, music/dancing, and fireworks. Be sure to purchase your ticket when you register for the conference or email jallen@usapple.org. Space is limited.
Dinner Cruise Sponsored by Storage Control Systems and Valent BioSciences
Transportation Sponsored by Charles & Alice, Inc.
Download the conference schedule.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12
All Day
Core Connect Business Meetings
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13
All Day
Core Connect Business Meetings
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Welcome Reception Dinner Cruise | The Spirit of Chicago, Navy Pier
(Tickets must be purchased in advance. Space is limited. Email jallen@usapple.org to purchase a ticket.)
Dinner Cruise Sponsored by Storage Control Systems and Valent BioSciences
Transportation Sponsored by Charles & Alice, Inc.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14
All Day
Core Connect Business Meetings
9:00 am
Registration Opens
10:00 am – 11:30 am
USApplePAC Brunch (separate ticket required / download invitation / make donation here)
Tom Bevan, Co-founder and Executive Editor, RealClearPolitics
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Welcome Lunch
Sponsored by AgWest Farm Credit, Aweta, Farm Credit East, TekniPlex
12:00 pm – 4:30 pm
General Session I
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Jim Bair, President & CEO, USApple
Fireside Chat with H-E-B
David P. Figliola, Senior Director, Produce, H-E-B
Kristen Walla, Business Development Manager, Produce, H-E-B
The Squeeze is On: Navigating Consumer Expectations in Fresh and Processed Apples
Tom Barnes, Chief Executive Officer, Category Partners, LLC
The View From the Potomac
Diane Kurrle, Sr. Vice President, USApple
Networking Break
Coffee Sponsored by Knouse Foods Cooperative, Inc.
Snacks Sponsored by BASF
Cut, Crushed and Concentrated: The Evolving Market for Apple-Based Products
Mike Auvil, Vice President of Raw Procurement, Crunch Pak
Luca DaPonte, Vice President, Hosh International LLC
John Halverson, Purchasing Category Director – Apples, GoGo SqueeZ
Industry Outlook & Global Crop Report
Chris Gerlach, Vice President, Insights & Analytics, USApple
Data as Medicine: Addressing Pain Points in Apple Supply Chains
Bradford Warner, AgroFresh, Executive Director of Digital and Data Business
Apple Person of the Year Award
The Packer
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
U.S. Regional Apple Crop Discussions & District Director Elections
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Happy Hour
Sponsored by GoGo SqueeZ and Marsh McClennan Agency
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15
All Day
Core Connect Business Meetings
8:00 am
Breakfast
Sponsored by Tiverton and Vivid Machines
8:30 am – 12:00 pm
General Session II
USApple State of the Industry & Annual Business Meeting
Brett Baker, Chair, USApple Board of Directors
Approaching Risk Management with a Different Lens
Brendan Riley, Sr Risk Control Specialist, Business Insurance, Marsh McClennan Agency
Jake Teeter, Sr Risk Control Specialist, Business Insurance, Marsh McClennan Agency
Stacy Young, Sales Executive, Agribusiness and Construction Specialty Practice, Marsh McClennan Agency
CHARTING A PATH TO ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
Block-Level Accounting for Breaking Even
Karina Gallardo, Extension Economist, Washington State University
Turning the Tide: How Today’s Struggles Will Redefine Tomorrow’s Orchards
West Mathison, President, Stemilt Growers Inc.
Welcome Sauer, Retired Agriculture Executive
Networking Break
Sponsored by Rahal Fruits & Flavors and USI Insurance Services
Current Economic Conditions and Outlook
David Oppedahl, Policy Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
USApple Forecast
Chris Gerlach, Vice President, Insights & Analytics, USApple
12:00 pm
Conference Adjourns
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
160 E Pearson St.
Chicago, IL 60611
The discounted group block is SOLD OUT at The Ritz.
Here are a few hotels within walking distance.
The Westin (Marriott)
The Drake (Hilton)
Hilton Magnificent Mile
