United Fresh announced Tuesday it will resume its in-person fly-in this fall. The United Fresh Annual Washington Conference is scheduled for Sept. 20-22 at the Grand Hyatt Washington. The association's 2020 fly-in took place online.

"After a year of virtual events, we're thrilled to bring our industry back together in person for one of the most important events of the year—our opportunity to explain our challenges and voice our concerns with the nation's top elected leaders," United Fresh Chairman Danny Dumas said in a statement.

The conference will include face-to-face Congressional meetings and virtual meetings following the event. It will also include a Produce Advocacy Bootcamp for attendees who are new to communicating with Congress, general sessions with national leaders and networking with industry leaders. The event has been held for more than 25 years, since Bill Clinton's presidency.

"We're looking now at how we can get our members together with the most members of Congress, whether on Capitol Hill, at nearby facilities or even in the hotel," United Fresh Senior Vice President of Policy Robert Guenther said in the statement. "We're also looking forward to new opportunities to deliver the ‘Washington, DC experience' to first-timers and all of our attendees who have missed in-person gatherings this year."

The cost is $795 for members and $995 for nonmembers.

Members of the Produce Marketing Association can participate at United Fresh's member rate. The $10 million-revenue United Fresh and $26 million-revenue PMA announced earlier this year that they plan to merge on Jan. 1. The two groups are operating independently through this year, then the combined group will be jointly run by United Fresh CEO Tom Stenzel and PMA CEO Cathy Burns. Burns will lead the association beginning in 2023.

Founded in 1904, United Fresh brings together growers, shippers, fresh cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations.

MORE CEO DATELINE

• Academic groups blast laws that restrict teaching about racism
• U.S. Travel Association CEO calls for CDC guidelines around business meetings
• American Forest & Paper Association releases sustainability goals
• American Bankers Association to relocate next year
• Groups lament cancellation of Keystone XL pipeline