The 2018 PMA Fresh Summit did not disappoint! Linda and Jim had warned me many times that it would be a HUGE produce convention, but HOLY GUACAMOLE! (Wholly Guacamole served mini hotdogs with their guacamole on them, life changing! Try it guys!)

On Thursday, Linda and I went to the convention center to set up our potato display for the show Friday and Saturday. We walked into the convention hall, there were signs upon signs through the 8 Hall (Halls A-H) span… surely I would be prepared for the THOUSANDS of people that would flood the hall the following morning, right? WRONG!

As I entered the Hall on Friday morning I felt like Dory from Finding Nemo, “just keep swimming… swimming…. swimming”. My complete objective for the weekend changed from talk to as many Potato companies from around the world to sample as much produce as possible, GO! (Just kidding, but seriously, if you like fruits and veggies, this show is AWESOME!) Linda and I got all settled in at our CPAC booth and she began to encourage me to “walk the show”. At 10:30 AM I finally agreed and ventured away from the CDA (Colorado Department of Ag) Island… I WAS NOT READY.

I took 4 steps away and instantly started panicking… WHERE’S MY BOOTH? Soooo, I went down the aisle about 18 blocks, turned left, turned left again and came back. I probably made this loop a thousand times throughout the next two days… Every time I walked away from our little island I was determined to find something new, innovative and of course, delicious! Y’all, I LOVE fruits and veggies– the sample didn’t stand a chance (LOL).

PRO-TIP: make a “PMA Wish List” prior to going to the show!

-Jess