The 2027 event will return to the JW Marriott Starr Pass in Tucson, AZ, for three packed days of networking, showcasing, and education on January 13-15, 2026.

“Since its inception, SWIPE has continued to grow not just in attendance but also in what it provides to attendees,” says Lance Jungmeyer, FPAA President. “The FPAA members have built this show around networking, and this year the committee has pulled out all the stops. Last year we exceeded our goal of a 1 to 1 buyer to exhibitor ratio, and I know we will exceed that again this year.”

Starting at noon on Wednesday, January 13, attendees have the option of playing in the 58th Annual SWIPE Desert Golf Classic or the Lucha Libre Pickleball Paddle Battle. These two events come together with one big awards reception so the golf ball crowd and the pickleball crowd can compare the day’s highs and lows.

“This golf tournament is so fun and so great for networking that we have sold out the last two years,” says Kyle McGrath of Tricar Sales and the SWIPE Golf Committee chairman. “It’s great to see the level of networking that people have at our event, and we strive to create teams with people that help them elevate their businesses.”

The SWIPE Desert Golf Classic is played on one of the Southwest’s top golf courses at the JW Marriott. The fun, fast-paced Lucha Libre Pickleball Paddle Battle (ultimate winners face off against two Luchadores for the grand title) is a fun way for pickleball players to network and enjoy the amazing Arizona weather.

While the average temp across the USA will be 32-34 degrees, the weather in Tucson in January is in the low 60’s and sunny. What better way to start the day than outdoors playing golf or pickleball!

Thursday and Friday’s events are all geared to keep attendees away from their hotel room and out and about interacting with peers and partners, both current and potential.

“When you give people great ways to learn, have new experiences, and connect with each other, it really elevates the value of this event,” says Guillermo Martinez of Frello Fresh and the FPAA’s vice chairman. “This is a great event to kick off the year and to reconnect with customer friends, peers, and new people.”

Thursday, January 14, starts the day with networking educational sessions and speed dating (for business). Education sessions are designed for buyers, providers, and everyone in between. A key focus is dedicated to “Food is Medicine”, where experts break down what that means not just for the medical communities but for members of the produce industry.

SWIPE also has sessions on everything from public speaking, marketing, contract negotiations, social media, and an exclusive presentation showcasing data and details the industry can only get at SWIPE.

The afternoon features an exclusive women’s networking event, along with a 35-and-below event to help get those new to the industry involved. Closing out the evening is the must-attend opening party, where everyone can come together out on the beautiful patio overlooking the Sonoran Desert mountains to celebrate the industry and the people who make it happen.

Friday, January 15, kicks off with our “Mix and Mingle” events geared to get people in groups with their peers and partners working and learning together. Activities range from Southwest cooking and coffee classes to golf lessons, a skeet shoot tournament, and goat yoga. Everyone will spend the afternoon at the SWIPE Expo, where companies showcase firsthand the produce handled here in the Southwest and beyond.

After a full line-up, SWIPE wraps up with one more chance to shake hands and add a face to a name with low-key line dancing, mechanical bull riding, and a closing party that for sure will be remembered.

The FPAA and its planning committee are looking forward to welcoming the produce industry to Arizona for SWIPE 2027, not only the first show of the New Year, but a great way to kick it off!

About the Fresh Produce Association of Americas:

Founded in 1944 in Nogales, Arizona, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas has grown to become one of the most influential agricultural groups in the United States. Today, the FPAA provides a powerful voice for more than 100 U.S. companies involved in the importation and distribution of fresh produce grown in Mexico.

For more information about SWIPE 2027, FPAA membership, or upcoming events, please contact the FPAA at (520) 287-2707 or visit www.thefpaa.com or www.swipeexpo.com.