The Eastern Produce Council and PRODUCE BUSINESS magazine have once again joined forces to present an exciting world-class event for the industry. The four-day event includes networking opportunities, a one-day trade show of over 400 companies, retail “thought-leader” breakfast panel hosted by Perishable Pundit Jim Prevor, educational micro-sessions and tours of the region’s vibrant industry, including local retailers, wholesalers, foodservice distributors, urban farms and unique eateries.
The program also includes an outreach to students and faculty at regional universities as well as distinguished culinary schools, plus the “Connect with Fresh” media immersion, luncheon and show tour involving influential bloggers, consumer editors and those working with all forms of social media.
Back by popular demand are three co-located conferences for those who wish to come early and/or stay later:
Monday, December 5, the Foundational Excellence program with Cornell professors offering one day of industry trends and take-aways for executives with less than 5 years in produce;
Tuesday, December 6, the Global Trade Symposium offers attendees the latest insights on produce importing and exporting to and from the Northeast Region;
Thursday, December 8, the “Ideation Fresh” Foodservice Forum, covers the role of produce in culinary innovation and foodservice profitability.
Tuesday’s Opening Cocktail Reception and Wednesday’s events were free to representatives of buying organizations, including retailers, wholesalers, and procurement executives at restaurants and other foodservice operators.
Supply-side business types in the industry can purchase admission to the trade show and enjoy our Opening Night Cocktail Reception and Keynote Breakfast.
“Celebrating Fresh” is the theme of our conference, and there’s no better way to start celebrating than to be in New York City , The Event Capital of the World.
See More of New York Produce Show and Conference -2016 in World Liberty TV Food and Wine Channel by Clicking Here.
The annual New York Produce Show and Conference (NYPS) opened Dec.10-12 2024, with Where PASSION BECOMES ACTION as the overall theme.
The show had a record audience of more than 5,000 executives attending the one-day trade show and three co-located events.
There were close to 350-plus exhibiting companies and a record of 41 sponsors. The New York Produce Show is organized by Produce Business and the Eastern Produce Council.
“Feeling grateful and showing our gratitude can be our choice as we endeavor to change forever how we experience the challenges and blessings presented by our vibrant and vital produce industry,” says Ken Whitacre, chief executive/publisher, Produce Business.
The conference opened Tuesday with the Global Trade Symposium at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel.
The symposium provided an intensive look into global trade from the perspective of produce moving in Routes of Success.
The critical strategies and roadmaps importers use to bring the freshest, highest quality produce into the U.S. and Canada from every corner of the globe.
Some of the topics included; The Global scope of the U.S. Produce industry, importing from Mexico leveraging the most valuable Partnership, importing from Central America, importing from Europe, North America and South Africa: Leveraging the seasons and Transportation and Logistics, The dynamics of shipping and delivery.
Some of the Speakers for the Global Trade Symposium included: Ron Lemaire, President, Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), John Pandol, director of Special projects, Pandol Bros, Andres Ocampo, CEO, HLB Specialties, Robert Schueller, Director of Public Relations, Melissa’s, Alejandro Moralejo, CEO Salix fruits, Peng Liu, President Orchard direct and many more.
Rising Star Reception 40 under 40, young and brilliant minds involved in the produce business were honored, during this VIP and only invite reception.
Opening Cocktail reception took place, on the opening day, with who is who? of produce business in attendance, networking, enjoying drinks and good food.
The Next day Dec 11th 2024, we are at New York Javits Center, welcoming remarks by Susan McAleavey Sarlund, Executive Director, Eastern Produce Council, and Co- Organizer of the Show Alongside Produce Business.
Next up Remarks by Theresa Lowden, President, Eastern Produce Council, (EPC), Executive Vice President Produce and Floral JOH. Also Presented Produce Business innovation awards, as well as The Joe Nucci Award, Consumption Awards Recognition.
National Anthem was performed by Harlem School of the Arts. Keynote speaker was Matthew Luhn, Former creative lead, Disney/Pixar (Monsters Inc., Cars, Toy Story), Mr. Luhn’s Speech was one of the best speeches I heard for a long time, you can listen partially to it by clicking link below.
The Ribbon Cutting took place just before the Show floor opened up, with VIP people in attendance from the produce world, cutting the ribbon and officially opening the show floor.
Consumer Media and Influencers Explore Health, Consumption at NYPS Media Lunch, A select group of 65 consumer media and influencers discussed and debated health trends, produce prescriptions and how to increase produce consumption to affect health during a private luncheon and presentation held during the New York Produce Show on December11, 2024.
Attending the event were top journalists which included our Chief Editor, Dr Adal Muneer, For World Liberty TV, Food Channels and dieticians from cooking magazines, social media, radio programs, news services and television as well as retail store dieticians.
Stefanie Katzman of wholesaler S. Katzman Produce welcomed the group, talking about the role of Hunts Point Market as well as the importance of increasing produce consumption.
Main speaker Marion Nestle, the Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, Emerita, at New York University, presented a provocative message looking at produce prescriptions and the politics of dietary choice and influencing consumption.
“We must address the politics of produce in America, from production to consumption, and argue for policy changes to make a positive difference in produce intake and population health,” said Nestle. “We need to rebalance the discussion.”
Attendees discussed the practical aspects of how to integrate more produce into diets with
Katie Calligaro, director marketing and communications at The Foundation for Fresh
Produce. “Plant-passionate communicators can help improve health through encouraging readers and shoppers to incorporate more fruits and vegetables,” she said. “We know nine out of ten Americans are not eating enough fruits and vegetables.
We want to help our communicators have access to the best information so they can deliver consistent, positive and inspirational content directly to consumers as we work together to improve consumption. This group is imperative to meeting consumers where they are.”
For a hands-on component, Robert Schueller of Melissa’s showcased unique specialty produce items and discussed Melissa’s top 20 trending specialty items for 2025 including top five: dutch yellow potatoes, ginger, baby red potatoes, steamed lentils and steamed red beets. “Reasons driving these trends are color, convenience, cross-cultural, organic, and plant based,” he says. “But, overall it still comes down to flavor.”
Attendees were treated to a fun, guided tasting of uncommon produce flavors by culinary expert Jill Overdorf of the Produce Ambassador. Additionally, event co-sponsor Thx!
Dreams, discussed its socially conscious program that partners with produce brands to provide authentic connections between shoppers and farmworkers. The initiative works to help farmworkers achieve their personal dreams.
See much more about New York Produce Show 2024, in our World Liberty TV, Food Channels by clicking here.
Some Video Footage Provided by Tribeca Film Festival copyright 2025
Just Sing, (UK) – World Premiere. On the cusp of graduation, the members of USC’s celebrated SoCal VoCals have one more challenge to conquer before adulthood:
The International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella in New York City. Directed by Abraham Troen, Angelique Molina. Produced by Sarah Thomson, John Battsek.
After the Movie: A special performance by the SoCal VoCals. To learn more about Just Sing click here.
Pavilhão Short Documentary from Brazil: premiere of the latest short documentary feature at Tribeca this year – “Pavilhão”, written and directed by Victoria Fiore. Here is a brief synopsis: “Set in Rio de Janeiro, Aleksia wanders on a journey through time, unveiling the origins of samba and its emergence from resilience, joy, spirituality and resistance of her Afro-Brazilian community“. To learn more about Pavilhao, click here .
Tribeca X: We had a pleasure of covering, Tribeca X, the Tribeca Festival’s flagship program for brand-driven storytelling, today announced its speaker lineup and official selections for the Tribeca X Awards.
Which took place on June 9–10 at Spring Studios, the event convenes top talent from Hollywood, advertising, and business for two days of high-impact conversations and networking at the intersection of creativity, commerce, and culture.
The program continues to solidify its position as the premier destination for C-suite executives, CMOs, and marketers looking to shape the future of storytelling and brand engagement. The 2025 Tribeca Festival is presented by OKX.
This year’s lineup showcases how entertainment powerhouses and influential brands are redefining storytelling by blending Hollywood craft with marketing strategy:
Some of the speakers included at the two-day Conference: Paris Hilton, Co-founder and CEO of 11:11 Media, and company President & COO Bruce Gersh unpack creator-led storytelling, community building, and the evolving landscape of modern brand engagement.
Steve Zahn and Rick Gomez, co-Founders of Macaroni Art Productions, and Chef Ouita Michel, all based in Lexington, Kentucky, speak about the incomparable production experience in Lexington and the episodic series YOU BELONG HERE.
Kenneth Cole, fashion icon and founder of the Mental Health Coalition, reflects on four decades of using fashion as a platform for storytelling, activism, and social impact.
A Man with Sole: The Impact of Kenneth Cole (Kenneth Cole) With heart & ’sole’ and unflinching determination, global fashion icon and activist Kenneth Cole has put ‘cause’ before ‘commerce’ for 40 years, using his brand to ignite social awareness and change, to give voice to the voiceless, to defy and shatter stigmas and to inspire and empower action for good. Director: Dori Berinstein.
Haider Rafique, CMO of OKX, and actor Chazz Palminteri present Mild Mild West, a first-of-its-kind Western that fuses crypto and cinema in a groundbreaking cross-industry collaboration.
Ynon Kreiz, Mattel CEO, on scaling legacy through culturally relevant brand storytelling. To learn more about Tribeca X, Click here.
This year’s jury brings together a prolific collection of creative forces—from international stars and Oscar winners to cult icons and comedy trail blazers. Notable names include Jennifer Beals, Matthew Broderick, Ilana Glazer, Art Linson, Kyle MacLachlan, Mira Sorvino, alongside other visionaries tasked with discovering tomorrow’s breakthrough talents.
In addition, the Nora Ephron Award will honor an exceptional female filmmaker who represents the spirit and vision of the legendary filmmaker and writer.
“We’re proud to welcome an eclectic group of jurors to this year’s Tribeca Festival,” said Nancy Lefkowitz, EVP at Tribeca Enterprises. “Their breadth of expertise across genres will be instrumental in recognizing standout storytellers and honoring bold new voices from around the world.”
More than 30 industry luminaries were selected to honor feature-length and short film categories, composed of narrative and documentary films. Additional juries have also been established to honor the best work in Tribeca’s games, as well as submissions in the audio storytelling category. The winning films, projects, filmmakers, storytellers, and actors in each category will be announced at the Tribeca Festival ceremony on June 12.
ABOUT THE TRIBECA FESTIVAL: The Tribeca Festival, presented by OKX, brings artists and diverse audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, music, audio storytelling, games, and immersive. With strong roots in independent film, Tribeca is synonymous with creative expression and entertainment. Tribeca champions emerging and established voices, discovers award-winning talent, curates innovative experiences, and introduces new ideas through exclusive premieres, exhibitions, conversations, and live performances.
The Festival was founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in 2001 to spur the economic and cultural revitalization of lower Manhattan following the attacks on the World Trade Center. The annual Tribeca Festival will celebrate its 24th year from June 4–15, 2025 in New York City.
In 2019, James Murdoch’s Lupa Systems bought a majority stake in Tribeca Enterprises, bringing together Rosenthal, De Niro, and Murdoch to grow the enterprise.
People and mass media in attendance from all over the world came to be part of the 24th Annual Tribeca film festival, I myself covered the original Tribeca film festival which took place at the Conrad hotel, 24 years ago.
Since then the Tribeca film festival has grown as one of the largest film festivals in the World. We had the pleasure of covering as much as possible as so much was happening and one cannot possibly cover everything.
As you can see some of the films, Conferences, Opening nights, Short films and so much more. See more about Tribeca film Festival in our World Liberty TV, Film Channels by clicking here.
Made in NY” Mayor’s Award for Lifetime Achievement: Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller.
As “Stiller & Meara,” Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller gained nationwide fame as a comedy team on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” They have performed together in nightclubs and theatres across the county and have made countless appearances on television and radio. As Frank Costanza on “Seinfeld,” Stiller received an Emmy Award nomination, won the American Comedy Award for “Funniest Male Guest Appearance in a Television Show” and was honored by the Paley Center for Media as ‘TV’s All Time Funniest Relative.’ Following “Seinfeld,” Jerry enjoyed a nine-year run as Arthur Spooner on the hit CBS series, “King of Queens.” He has also appeared in numerous films, including The Taking of Pelham One-Two-Three, The Ritz, Hairspray, and Zoolander (with son, Ben Stiller).
Television appearances include “Seize the Day,” “Murder She Wrote,” “In the Heat of the Night,” ‘The Good Wife” and many others. Meara is remembered for her film work, including Fame, Boys from Brazil and Awakenings. On television Meara played Peggy Moody in “All My Children,” starred in the series “Kate McShane,” and had recurring roles on “Rhoda,” “Archie Bunker’s Place,” “Alf,” “Sex in the City” and “King of Queens.” She has received five Emmy nominations for her television work. Anne’s script After-Play was produced by Manhattan Theatre Club then moved Off-Broadway to Theatre Four.
Meara won the Outer Critic’s Circle John Gassner Award for playwriting for After-Play. Meara and Stiller have also both appeared on Broadway. Meara’s credits include Eastern Standard and Anna Christie, for which she was nominated for a Tony Award. Stiller has appeared in various shows, including Hurlyburly, Three Men on a Horse and What’s Wrong with this Picture. Most recently, Stiller has appeared in commercials for Capital One Bank, and the couple has hosted their own web series, StillerandMeara.com. They are currently appearing in a Public Service Announcement for Mayor Bloomberg’s Million Tree Initiative.
BY: Liliana Rocio, Senior Editor For World Liberty TV
CES is the world’s gathering place for all those who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for 50 years — the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace.
Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, it attracts the world’s business leaders and pioneering thinkers.
CES showcases more than 4,400 exhibiting companies, including manufacturers, developers and suppliers of consumer technology hardware, content, technology delivery systems and more; a conference program with more than 250 conference sessions and more than 170,000 attendees from 160 countries.
And because it is owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® — the technology trade association representing the $401 billion U.S. consumer technology industry — it attracts the world’s business leaders and pioneering thinkers to a forum where the industry’s most relevant issues are addressed.
With 11 official venues, CES spans more than 2.9 million net square feet of exhibit space and features 36 product categories and 22 Marketplaces.
To help you navigate, venues are grouped into three geographical areas: Tech East, Tech West and Tech South.
The first CES took place in New York City in June 1967. Since then, thousands of products have been announced at the yearly show, including many that have transformed our lives.
The World Trade Center Las Vegas (WTCLV), one of the busiest facilities in the world, is a 3.2 million-square-foot convention center located within a short distance of the famous Las Vegas Strip.
The WTCLV engages in trade activities, provides trade and exhibition services, and provides reciprocal services to other members of the World Trade Center’s Association network.
History of CES. The first CES kicked off in 1967, with 250 exhibitors and 17,500 attendees in New York City. Since then, CES has grown by more than 10-fold and now encompasses both traditional and non-traditional tech industries.
World Liberty TV , Technology and Technology Review Team made their 14th Appearance at CES 2020, see some of the products and vendors we saw debut some of the newest gadgets one can use to change your lives once and for all , See it right here in our World Liberty TV, Technology Channels and Blogs by Clicking here.
