SWIPE 2027 agenda

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11 am Golf Registration: (note Shotgun start at 11:30 am)    Please take the shuttle from the JW Marriott Lobby to the golf course for check-in and team assignment.  Be sure to grab your SWAG bag and purchase tickets for our new and expanded Puttapaloozza event!

11:30 am – 6 pm.  2027 SWIPE Desert Golf Classic 

Join us at the oldest golf tournament in the produce industry; It’s a perfect way to start your three-day stay! Green grass and sun-filled skies welcome all skill levels, and because it is a scramble, there is plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy the day.  All green fees are included in your entry fee.  

Club rentals are available for an additional cost of $95 (simply add it to your registration when you sign up). 

11:30 am - 6 pm Lucha Libre Pickleball Paddle Battle    

Bring your skills; we will provide the paddles, balls, nets, and fun (luchador mask not provided).Round-robin style, so you stay busy; refreshments and a light bar keep you fueled. Winners face off against two of Mexico’s best luchadores in our final paddle battle.

6:30 pm – 8 pm Lucha Libre Pickleball Paddle Battle  and SWIPE Desert Golf Classic Awards Party. 

Beverages, food, and camaraderie are on us, as you spin tales of that one shot, that one serve that you “should have” made.  The party will be held at the golf clubhouse; all participants are invited.  Shuttle buses will return everyone to the hotel. 

8:30 am – 10 am Meet & Greet Breakfast

Located in the Arina Foyer, please join us in greeting the day with your fellow attendees.

9:00 am – 10:30 am Speed Dating (for business) Round 1

Been trying to get that introduction to no avail? Sign up for a chance to pitch your company to a select group of retailer buyers.  Each meeting is 10 minutes, and space is limited. 

Thursday Education Sessions

Starting at 10 am, we have a jam-packed day of timely and informative discussions planned to get you ready for 2027.

10:00 am – 10:30 am Education Sessions: Public Speaking (30 min)

Kick off the morning with this session focusing on improving your communication skills. Learn from those who excel at public speaking and make it look so easy.

10:30 am – 11 am Education Session: Sales, Negotiating, Contracts (30 min)

Join us to learn how to win a negotiation and actions to increase sales through listing, learning, and being prepared.

11:00 am – 12 pm Education Session: Food is Medicine (60 Min)

It is a new dawn for fruits and vegetables as doctors around the world are leaning into healthy foods being part of the cure.  Join us for this important session and find out how you can apply it to your business!

12 pm – 1 pm Lunch/FPAA Round Table on Mexico Growing, Weather, & Labor Trends

Lunch/FPAA Round Table on Mexico Growing, Weather, & Labor Trends  

Join your peers for lunch as we bring the industry up to speed on what is happening in Mexico and how it will affect 2027.

1 PM – 4 PM Expo Booth Setup for Exhibitors

Please use this time to assemble your booth in our main expo hall.  Personnel will be on-site to assist with any questions.

1:30 pm – 3 pm Speed Dating (for business) Round 2

Been trying to get that introduction to no avail? Here is your second chance. Sign up for a chance to pitch your company to a select group of retailer buyers.  Each meeting is 10 minutes, and space is limited. 

1 pm – 1:45 pm Education Session: Retail Trends, Data-Driven (45 min)

Data is important to every aspect of our business. In this session, we will talk about how to understand it, apply it to your business, and, most importantly, share it with your partners.

1:45 pm – 2:30 pm Education Session: Marketing Focus (45 Min)

Earlier, we heard about the very important “Food is Medicine” movement. In this session, we discuss how to take that message to retailers and to the consumer.

2:30 pm Education Session: Social Media (60 Min)

In this session, we will teach you how to create a viral sensation that catapults you to internet stardom.  Not really, but we will show you how to tailor your posts, build your audience, and expand your company's reach. 

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Garden Party (Women’s Networking event)

At this modern afternoon garden party, there will be ample opportunity to meet, learn from, and support fellow peers in our ever-growing industry. Join us for drinks and appetizers as we hear and connect with industry leaders.  

6:00 pm – 7 pm 35 Below Mixer

New to the industry and need some connections?  Business cards and a firm handshake are all that’s required for this mixer for the 35-and-under crowd. Please join us for drinks with your peers.  

6 pm – 7 pm. High-End, VIP, Exclusive Mixer

What’s better than the afterparty?  The before party, of course!  Open to a limited number of sponsors, join with SWIPE VIPs to kick off the night at this exclusive mixer.  

7 pm – 10 pm “Welcome to the Show” Opening Party

Join us outside under the clear Arizona night sky as we celebrate the end of the first day and get ready for a fast-paced Friday.  Colleagues, cocktails, and fabulous Southwest food are waiting.

8 am – 9:30 am Fuel Your Day Breakfast

Friday is a big day full of opportunities to network and get things done. Join us for breakfast and get started the right way.

8 AM –11 AM Expo Booth Setup for Exhibitors

Please use this time to assemble your booth in our main expo hall.  Personnel will be on-site to assist with any questions.

8 am – 11:30 am Mix and Mingle Morning Activities

Friday morning has numerous activities to network with your peers. Please make sure you have signed up in advance, as the events are filling up quickly.

8 am – 9 am Mix and Mingle Morning: Day Break Morning Hike

Leaving from the hotel lobby, we will hike up nearby trails, taking in the morning sun, the cactus, and native fauna.  A casual hike, but hiking shoes are encouraged.

8 am – 11:30 Mix and Mingle Morning: SWIPE Skeet Tournament

Head over with us to one of the largest sport shooting facilities in the country, where we will start the day getting to know each other and shooting things out of the sky (preferably clay targets).  Shotguns provided, and all skill levels welcome.   

Lunch is included with this event.

9 am – 10 am Mix and Mingle Morning: Coffee Class

Start the morning right as we explore Mexican and Southwest coffee.  We will grind, brew, and mix different unique flavors as we start the day on a caffeine high.  The class merges with the Morning Cooking Class to share coffee and snacks.

9 am – 10 am Mix and Mingle Morning: Morning Cooking Class One

Join us as we cook with one of Arizona’s top chefs to perfect the art of tortillas. The class will explore the history of this Mexican Staple and all the different ways to make the classic tortilla. The class merges with the Coffee Class to share coffee and snacks.

9 am – 10 am Mix and Mingle Morning: Golf Lessons Session 1

Want to learn or improve your game?  Join us on the course as the Starr Pass golf pro walks you through the basics.  No experience or clubs needed. 

10 am – 11 am Mix and Mingle Morning: Yoga with Goats

Start your day with us on the beautiful green lawn as we stretch and relax.  No need to bring your yoga mats (or goats); we will provide both.

10 am – 11 am Mix and Mingle Morning: Golf Lessons Session 2

Want to learn or improve your game?  Join us on the course as the Starr Pass golf pro walks you through the basics.  No experience or clubs needed. 

11:00 am to 12 pm Mix and Mingle Morning: Morning Cooking Class Two

Ceviche and Guacamole are the star of this cooking class.  Learn from one of Arizona’s best on how to make each and how to put your own twist on them.  The class will join with the Mixology class at the end to share drinks and food.

11:00 am – 12 pm Mix and Mingle Morning: Mixology Class

Using ingredients native to the Southwest, our mixologist will take you through the classics, providing you with all the recipes to make you the hit at your next party.

11 am – 12 pm Mix and Mingle Morning: Golf Lessons Session 3

Last chance, want to learn or improve your game?  Join us on the course as the Starr Pass golf pro walks you through the basics.  No experience or clubs needed. 

11:30 am – 12:30 pm. Snacks Before the Show

Snacks and drinks (nonalcoholic) will be set up outside the expo to help keep you going as we get ready for the expo.

12:30 pm – 5:30 pm 2027 Southwest International Produce Expo (SWIPE)

This year’s event will include chef stations throughout the expo showcasing select exhibitors’ products. Bring your business cards and appetites.  

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Happy Hour on the Show Floor

Join us for cocktails as we wind down the show.

5:30 pm – 7 pm Expo Booth Breakdown

Personnel will be on-site to assist with any questions.

6 pm – 9:30 “Boots Required” Closing Party

We thought we would go out with a bang. One last night under the beautiful Arizona sky with your friends, both old and new. We pulled out all that the Southwest offers. The evening will include mechanical bull riding, line dancing (with instruction), live music, great food, drink, and so much more. Join us as we say goodbye to Arizona and get started on 2027!