At the 19th NAMC we charted the course.

The mushroom farm community came together in San Diego at the 19th North American Mushroom Conference (NAMC) to share information, show off products and chart the course for the future. More than 300 people registered for the event with 88 growers from the United States and Canada in attendance. The business sessions were thought-provoking, the Expo rated praise from vendors and the networking and social events were enjoyable. "I would like to congratulate you on a wonderful conference," said L. Bart Adams, Operations Manager, Mountainview Mushrooms. "It was my first conference and I really learned a lot. The presenters and vendor booths were relevant and helpful. The activities and networking opportunities were great as well."

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At the opening session, Conference Chairman Jim Angelucci, Phillips Mushroom Farms, welcomed the group, thanked sponsors for their generosity and encouraged a dialogue with presenters to make the most of the sessions. He introduced Murray O'Neil, Highline Mushrooms and Co-Chair of the 1st NAMC, who gave a short history of the collaboration between the American and Canadian associations. O'Neil introduced the keynote speaker, Ralph Noble, Ph.D., Warwick University; Horticulture Research International who gave the Andrew O'Neil Memorial Lecture, Improving the Efficiency and Environmental Impact of Mushroom Composting and Cropping.

The business sessions discussed real-world problems and solutions. American and international growers discussed Keys to Farm Survival in a Changing Environment. Ray Samp, moderator of the sessions, asked the audience to take note that the presenters were not talking about how to grow mushrooms or make compost. These growers talked about what mushroom companies must do to stay in business. The marketing, specialty and food safety sessions featured speakers who shared research that analyzed baby boomers, empty nesters, generation x-ers and the growing obesity epidemic. Consumers are interested in products that are good for your heart, nutritious, healthy, convenient, easy to prepare and good tasting. "There are many opportunities to promote mushrooms," said Elizabeth Sloan, President, Sloan Trends, Inc. However, great promotions won't go very far if food safety is not the first priority on the farm. Produce industry representatives reviewed legal issues, federal guidelines and recent recalls. Upcoming issues of Mushroom News will highlight some of the presentations.

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AMI tried a new set-up for the Expo and exhibitors really liked the change. "Everything in San Diego was so positive for the future of our business. The conference and Expo format received rave reviews from our folks," said Joe Caldwell, Vice President, Monterey Mushrooms, Inc." I held a wrap up session and got feedback from each person individually. Without exception, everyone said the conference met or exceeded expectations. The Expo format with the smaller booths, the refreshment breaks and meals in the Expo hall made it the most productive exhibition they could remember."

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Winners of the Expo drawing received outstanding prizes: Andrea Kettle, Highline Produce, Ltd., received a DVD player, Howard Andrews, Giorgi Mushroom Co., won the digital camera and Joyce Zimmerman, also of Highline Produce Ltd, took home the iPod.

The closing party aboard the California Spirit was fun! After a short walk from the lobby of the Sheraton to the dock, the boat sailed off through the San Diego Bay at dusk. Good food, a little wine, great conversation and some exceptionally talented dancers all added up to a good time. Our winter escape to California was complete.

Dave Carroll, President of Giorgi Mushroom Co. summed up the entire event. "On behalf of everyone at Giorgi I want to express my thanks and appreciation for all the hard work that was done to make the San Diego conference a great success," he said. "It was a very enjoyable and informative conference. Our group had a great time and had nothing but praise for the organization, the venue, the atmosphere and the camaraderie."