USApple Plans In-Person Outlook Conference

Posted by David Eddy|May 20, 2021

The U.S. Apple Association Board of Directors this week gave an enthusiastic go-ahead to hold the organization’s annual conference in-person this summer. The 126^th Annual Crop and Outlook Marketing Conference will take place Aug. 19-20 In Chicago. The two-day meeting will showcase diverse speakers and topics, growers, and apple business leaders from across the nation, and the always anticipated crop forecast.

“Since Chicago has reopened for business and the majority of meeting attendees will have access to the COVID-19 vaccine by August, the board of directors agreed it’s time to move on with an in-person meeting,” said USApple President and CEO Jim Bair. “While our virtual Outlook conference last year was a big success, meeting virtually can’t compare to seeing one another face to face.”

To keep on-site attendees safe, USApple will abide by all CDC COVID-19 recommendations. USApple is also exploring options to make available recorded content of the meeting for those registrants who do not yet feel safe to travel.

“I think we are all ready to get back to seeing one another and having those in-person experiences as the ‘new normal’ begins to take shape,” concluded Bair. “We are pleased that USApple is helping lead the industry forward by making this important decision.”

The Apple Grower of the Year award will be presented during the Outlook conference.