Events & EducationHighlights

Tournaments

Viva Fresh Open

Thursday, April 10th  |  07.30am (Tee Off) & 01.30 pm (Tee Off)  |  Golf Club of Houston

Thursday, April 10th  |  07.30am (Tee Off) & 01.30 pm (Tee Off)  | Tour 18 Golf Club

This year, the Viva Fresh Open Golf Tournament is expanding to include a second course, the Tour 18 Golf Club, alongside its established location at the Golf Club of Houston. Taking place on Thursday, April 10th, this exciting addition offers players a unique opportunity to experience two incredible courses in one unforgettable day.

The Golf Club of Houston remains a favorite, offering its championship-caliber layout and premium facilities. Now, with the inclusion of Tour 18 Golf Club, players can also enjoy the thrill of teeing off on replicas of some of the most famous golf holes from around the world.

This expansion ensures more players can join the fun while enhancing the tournament experience with greater variety and memorable challenges. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this enhanced Viva Fresh tradition

*Registrants for Golf must be registered to attend the Viva Fresh Expo.

Pickleball Tournament

Thursday, April 10th  |  9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Drop Shots – Houston Farmer’s Market

We’re excited to introduce the inaugural Viva Fresh Pickleball Tournament, hosted at Drop Shots HTX, located in the historic Houston Farmers Market in the Greater Heights Houston area. With six indoor courts and a lively atmosphere, this unique venue sets the stage for an unforgettable experience where fun meets friendly competition.

Whether you’re a seasoned pickleball pro or trying the sport for the first time, this high-energy event offers something for everyone. It’s a perfect blend of competitive play and industry networking, giving you a chance to connect with colleagues while enjoying one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S.

More details about tournament registration, rules, and event scheduling will be announced soon. Get ready to serve up some fun, make lasting connections, and be part of the excitement at the first-ever Viva Fresh Pickleball Tournament!

Tours

Let’s Brew Tour

Thursday, April 10th  |  12.00 pm-04,00 pm  |  Houston Breweries

More information to come so please stay tuned!

$200 / ticket and you must be registered as an attendee at Viva Fresh to attend.

Astros Reception

Thursday, April 10th  |  7:00 pm- 9:00 pm | Minute Maid Park

Step up to the plate for an unforgettable evening at Minute Maid Park! The Astros Reception invites Viva Fresh attendees to experience the home of the Houston Astros in a truly unique setting. Whether you’re exploring the stadium’s iconic features, connecting with fellow industry professionals, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, this event promises to be a home run.

Keynote Luncheon

2024 Keynote Speaker

Friday, April 11th |  12.00 pm

Stay tuned! We haven’t announced this year’s keynote speaker yet—but in the meantime, check out last year’s incredible keynote presenter below.

2024 Keynote Speaker: Max Lugavere

Max Lugavere is a health and science journalist, filmmaker, and bestselling author. He wrote the Genius trilogy of books, including the New York Times bestseller Genius Foods and the Wall Street Journal bestseller Genius Kitchen. He hosts The Genius Life podcast, one of the top health and wellness podcasts in the U.S., with an audience of over 1.5 million followers across social media.

His expertise has been featured on The Rachael Ray ShowThe Today Show, PBS’s Brief but Spectacular, and The Doctors, with coverage in VICEFast CompanyThe New York TimesPeople Magazine, and CNN. He’s also appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience and The Diary of a CEO. An engaging and sought-after speaker on health and wellness, Lugavere regularly delivers keynote talks and corporate seminars around the world.

Clean Eating Challenge

Clean Eating Challenge:

Making Changes That Change Lives

Friday, April 12th | 2:15 pm – 3:00 pm

he Viva Fresh Clean Eating Challenge is back for another year! This six-month program encourages participants to adopt a healthier lifestyle by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s not a weight loss competition, but rather a personal wellness journey aimed at making long-term changes to diet and exercise habits.

During this year’s session, challenge participants will share their personal stories, reflecting on their six-month experience—the successes, struggles, and everything in between. They’ll discuss how clean eating has impacted not only their health but also their relationship with the fresh produce industry.

This session is a reminder that as industry professionals, we’re not just talking the talk—we’re walking the walk by consuming the very fruits and vegetables we promote. Come be inspired by real-life transformations and gain valuable insights into how small, consistent changes can create a lasting impact on health and well-being.

Educational Sessions

2025 Educational Session 1

Friday, April 12th | 3:15 pm – 4:00 pm

Stay Tuned! We haven’t announced this year’s educational session topic yet—but while you wait, check out one of last year’s standout workshops below.

2024 Educational Session:

Lime Grading Workshop

With nearly 750 loads of limes entering the U.S. every week, buyers and sellers often struggle to agree on quality standards. This interactive session brought clarity to the complexities of lime grading with a live demonstration led by experts from the Texas Cooperative Inspection Program and the USDA.

Attendees learned how to distinguish between yellowing and blanching, what a “US #1, Mixed Color” designation really means, and how to identify key defects while evaluating limes in real-time. The workshop covered essential grading techniques, tips on assessing color consistency, and the nuances behind one of the fastest-growing commodities in the produce industry. It was an eye-opening experience for anyone looking to better understand lime quality standards and improve their sourcing accuracy.

2025 Educational Session 2

Friday, April 12th | 4:15 pm – 5:00 pm

Stay Tuned! We haven’t announced this year’s educational session yet—but here’s a look back at one of last year’s impactful discussions.

2024 Educational Session:

Feeding the World:

Understanding America’s Ag Strategy for National Security

Last year’s session featured Colonel (Ret.) Mark Purdy, Chief Operations Officer and former military leader with over 30 years of experience in operations, logistics, and national security strategy. Mark shared how his leadership background—spanning combat command, managing multi-billion-dollar security portfolios, and directing strategic war games—informs his approach to guiding organizations toward operational success.

Raised on his family’s farm in Ohio, Mark connected his agricultural roots with his national security expertise, offering a unique perspective on how America’s ag strategy impacts global stability. His insights shed light on the critical role the produce industry plays in supporting both economic growth and national defense.

2025 Educational Session 3

Friday, April 12th | 3:15 pm – 4:00 pm

Stay Tuned! We haven’t announced this year’s educational session yet—but here’s a look back at one of last year’s impactful discussions.

2024 Educational Session:

TSA PreCheck:

All About the Tomato Suspension Agreement

Last year’s session explored the complexities of the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement (TSA), including its recent updates, comment periods, and the upcoming Sunset Review. Industry experts Dante Galeazzi, President of TIPA, and Devin Sikes, Esq. of Akin Gump, provided valuable insights into how these changes could impact tomato buyers and sellers in the U.S., covering critical topics like distressed loads, minimum pricing, and trade compliance.

In Bloom Reception

TIPA Women in Produce Reception

Friday, April 11th  |  9:30 am

In Bloom is a dynamic organization within TIPA dedicated to empowering and advancing women in the produce industry through networking, mentorship, advocacy, and professional development. With a focus on fostering a supportive community, In Bloom creates opportunities for growth throughout the year, culminating in an exciting women-focused event at Viva Fresh. United by the belief that “When one woman wins, we all win,” In Bloom is cultivating female leaders ready to drive the industry forward while championing fresh produce and mutual success.

EDGE

EDGE: Encouraging Discovery and Growth in Education

The Viva Fresh Expo is proud to support EDGE: Encouraging Discovery and Growth in Education, a networking opportunity that introduce students from colleges and universities across Texas to internships and immediate job openings in the region’s fresh produce industry. EDGE will once again be bringing students to Viva Fresh in hopes of replicating the same success. You’ll have an opportunity to meet these talented students at the EDGE Reception on Saturday, April 13.

This program is available to all Texas colleges and universities.

If your company is looking for hard-working and intelligent students to fill available positions EDGE is here to help! If you have internship or job openings or are interested in volunteering as a mentor in EDGE please contact us.

Y-TIPA

Y-TIPA: Networking Event for ages 35 and under

Friday, April 11th  |  5:30 pm

It was recently announced that The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) has formed a new networking group called Y-TIPA specifically for industry members under the age of 35. The focus of the group is to network, build connections, and provide useful education to the newest generation of fresh produce luminaries. The new group will be hosting various events throughout the year to build and train the younger community of TIPA members.

WELCOME RECEPTION

Welcome Reception

Friday, April 11th  |  7:30 pm

Following a day brimming with enlightening educational sessions, we invite attendees to unwind at the Viva Fresh Welcome Reception. Join us on Friday, April 11th, at 7:30 pm, at the Houston Marriott Marquis – Altitude Pool Deck. Revel in the charm of a delightful spring evening accompanied by live music.

EXPO HALL OPENS

Expo Hall Opens

Saturday, April 12th  |  10:30 am

Following a day brimming with enlightening educational sessions, we invite attendees to unwind at the Viva Fresh Welcome Reception. Join us on Friday, April 11th, at 7:30 pm, at the Houston Marriott Marquis – Altitude Pool Deck. Revel in the charm of a delightful spring evening accompanied by live music.

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(956) 581-8632
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