When the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) opens its sixth annual Fresh Connections: Southern Africa Conference and Expo later this month, attracting, developing and retaining industry talent will be a major focus.

The Centre for Growing Talent by PMA (CGTbyPMA), previously known as the PMA Foundation for Industry Talent, celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. To ensure it can meet industry needs over the next ten years, CGTbyPMA will be upscaling its programme investments to attract more top university students to careers in the fresh-produce and floral industry; further develop leadership programmes for workers at all stages of the career continuum, and redefine its retention strategies to aid companies looking to retain current employees.

Once again, this year’s conference will feature the CGTbyPMA Young Professionals Reception, taking place on Wednesday, 17 August. The reception is an ideal platform for professionals aged 35 and younger who aim to expand their professional network by connecting with peers.

Another key focus will be CGTbyPMA’s Women's Fresh Perspectives Breakfast on 18 August.

Aimed at cultivating the potential of women, the seated breakfast session is a great opportunity to for women and men working in the fresh produce and floral industry to share their success stories, inspire others and gain career insight.

Monhla Hlahla, director for Solitron Holdings, Ruta Thari Holdings and Royal Bafokeng Holdings, is the keynote speaker for this breakfast session. Hlahla will provide her perspective on the challenges women face in business, in the industry and how individuals and business can address those challenges.

Limited tickets are still available for PMA’s Fresh Connections: Southern Africa Conference and Expo, and can be bought via the event website.