Registration is now open for Southern Innovations which will be held September 14 – 16, 2023 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Race to discover “What’s New?” within our industry as we springboard new product items and technologies into the marketplace. Join us for our annual tradeshow and conference focused on highlighting the latest innovations within the fresh produce industry, from organics and new product developments to technology and unique brand approaches.
We’re going green for produce fans by providing educational sessions led by industry leaders to complement our tradeshow, offering an opportunity to hear how to elevate your brand in an increasingly competitive field and receive valuable fact-based data to boost your business to the finish line. And as always, you’ll be able to sample a taste of true Southern hospitality as you fellowship with friends and colleagues.
Boogity, Boogity, Boogity
Let's Register for Southern Innovations!
Exhibitors, Start Your Engines! Race to Discover Southern Innovations Booth Assignments, Exhibitor Toolkits, Expo Floorplan, and more!
Exhibitor Booth Assignments
We’ve added the exhibitor booth assignment list as well as the expo floorplan to our Southern Innovations website under the “Exhibitors” tab of the accordion menu.
Exhibitor Toolkit
The Southern Innovations Exhibitor Toolkit is now available to boost your business to the finish line! If you haven’t already, you will soon receive the conference exhibitor toolkit along with other important information from AGS Expo Services (check your spam to make sure you’ve not missed it). We’ve also added the exhibitor toolkit to our Southern Innovations website under the “Exhibitor Information” tab of the accordion menu.
Sampling Guidelines
You must submit the Sample Distribution Request Form to the Charlotte Convention Center Director of Food and Beverage no later than two weeks prior to the event for approval.
What’s New? Wall of Innovation
There’s still time to secure your showcase space within our Wall of Innovation, but they’re going fast! Visit the “What’s New? Wall of Innovation” tab of the accordion menu on our Southern Innovations website to learn more!
Take a pit stop and fuel up on our newest digital toolkit! Take advantage of these digital tools available for you as you prepare to join us in Charlotte for Southern Innovations!
Short for “Learning, Interacting and Networking with Key players in the Supply chain,” LINKS is an educational leadership program where exceptional Southeastern growers and shippers can connect with Retail/Foodservice providers in the region in a non-competitive environment. By enhancing each side’s understanding of the retail supply chain, we can facilitate our mutual goals to better service consumers and drive Southeastern produce consumption. The SEPC will provide a meeting space at Southern Innovations to participating Retail/Foodservice members who facilitate the program with invited Growers and Shippers.
LINKS Reservation Options for SEPC Retail/Foodservice members*
- LINKS Meeting Description Options
- LINKS Meeting(s) with Grower/Shipper Companies
- Internal Company Meeting
- A La Carte Menu
- A/V options (Projector/Screen and/or PA System)
- Food & Beverage Service (at reserving company's expense)
*LINKS Meeting Reservations must be submitted/approved through SEPC by August 10th to ensure we have ample time to accommodate your meeting setup needs.
Cultivating Ideas – Growing Relationships – Producing Results
Each year, the SEPC strives to curate an impactful series of industry programs and networking events for our members. The SEPC Virtual Garden is our newest platform through which we will continue to keep members abreast of the latest developments in produce—whether those are happening in the soil, in the cloud, or anywhere in between.
Through the SEPC Virtual Garden, we have begun planting the seeds from our founding pillars – Networking, Innovation, Community, and Education – so that our members will reap the benefits of harvesting quality experiences guaranteed to increase the value of their membership.
In case you missed them, several sessions are available on demand!
The key to the success of our SEPC Virtual Garden is the community who tends it, and we are eager to serve alongside our SEPC family to see what we can grow together.
SEPC's STEP-UPP Class - some of our industry's brightest - headed to South Georgia last week to glean valuable info from outstanding SEPC member companies!
Thank you to Alpine Fresh, Baker Farms Produce, L&M, Leger & Son, Inc., Local Bounti, and Southern Valley for wonderful tours and educational experiences!
The class concluded their trip with an informative visit to the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Tifton Ag Center. What an unforgettable trip with such a talented and fun class!!
Don’t forget, we are still taking applications for our 2024 STEP-UPP Class!
Community Updates
Our featured charitable partner for July is Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children where children’s health and well-being are at the heart of what they do every day.
For more than 30 years, families have been able to find an environment where healing and hope are inspired by the fearless spirits of the kids they treat; where you’ll enjoy the most advanced technology, Central Florida’s only pediatric Level One Trauma Center and ED, and compassionate doctors, nurses, and staff who have your child’s health as their top priority.
We are honored to partner with them in many ways, including their Healthy Lifestyles Weekend Wellness Workshops.
Reinforcing our SEPC Cares initiative, SEPC member volunteers joined the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Strong4Life Superhero Sprint team once again on Saturday, June 3rd, at Piedmont Park to distribute fresh produce to event attendees, benefiting their Strong4Life program which helps Georgia families raise healthy, resilient kids. SEPC member companies donated and transported over 12,000 lbs. of nutritious fruits and vegetables to share with race participants and their families who welcomed the generous offering with gratitude.
Prior to the race on Saturday, SEPC members had the opportunity on Friday, June 2nd, to visit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Mission Center to learn more about their new North Druid Hills Campus and experience a visualization of the future state-of-the-art Arthur M. Blank Hospital.
The 11th annual Radiothon hosted in partnership with SuperTalk Mississippi will take place on Thursday, July 13, 2023.
Tune in to SuperTalk FM to hear testimonies from those who have been directly impacted by Palmer Home and their mission.
Call 662-469-5533 on July 13th to donate or make a donation through their secure online portal below at any time.
In 1961, Paul and Glenda embarked on a mission to spread the word about the urgent need to help their boys. Paul climbed on a bike and rode to Omaha, Nebraska, from Vidalia, Georgia. During that ride, Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, became their very first contributor. Fast forward 17 years, and they’re still commemorating Paul’s ride.
Today, they honor Paul’s legacy by taking several boys on a life-changing summer bike adventure that helps them plant God’s Word in their hearts and introduce them to Jesus Christ. These young gentlemen are truly transformed by the experience, and their changed lives have the potential to impact countless others. Partner with them through the Paul Anderson Bike Ride and help make a real difference.
To learn more about SEPC Cares and how you can join the Southeast Produce Council in giving back to the community by educating others about the benefits of healthy eating and habits, click the link below.
Nolan Family Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship was established to memorialize Jim Nolan, who took an ethical stand on a business matter at great cost to himself. As a result of his professional ethics, Nolan was ostracized by colleagues and remained isolated in his efforts to maintain moral integrity in his workplace. It would have taken only a few others with the courage to speak out to change the course of events. Tragically, Jim died before the trial that finally vindicated his actions by a judge and a jury of 13 who found in his favor. Our sincere thanks to Theresa Nolan for providing this scholarship to the members of the Southeast Produce Council. She is a lifetime member of the SEPC and is always available to lend a helping hand wherever needed.
Scholarship Details
One college-aged student (graduating high school senior or current college student) will receive a one-time scholarship of $5,000 to their enrolling college/university. The scholarship will be awarded based on GPA (3.0 or higher), references, and quality of essay.
Thank you to all applicants!
The recipient will be announced July 31st!
Visit our website for more scholarship information.
Renew your SEPC Annual Membership for 2023 - 2024!
Behind every piece of produce are countless people who helped along the way – the skilled hands, sharp minds, and big hearts that comprise a critical industry in our country. SEPC brings these worlds together. Because together, we create a strong, vibrant industry now and for decades to come.
Together We Grow Higher!
Please review the membership information on our website and select which annual membership* best suits your company's needs.
*Please note that our annual membership period runs June through May of the following year. We do not prorate our membership fees.
**All conference attendees are required to be SEPC members in order to attend any events. Exhibitors are required to maintain a corporate membership.**
Our Sponsors
SEPC sponsors are a vital part of our existence. Simply put, sponsor contributions help us bring more to the table for everyone. Like better networking and education events, fresh talent, and a broader awareness of best practices throughout our industry. And of course, when you help us promote produce, your organization will gain crucial exposure at our events and engagements throughout the year. Together, we create a strong, vibrant industry now and for decades to come.
Together We Grow Higher!
Check out this month’s Sponsor Spotlights on our social media platforms to learn more about each of our SEPC Level Sponsors!
Congratulations to Douglas Bond of Freshway Foods for being the first to answer our June SEPC Fruit & Veggie Trivia Question correctly!
JuLY Trivia Question
BE THE FIRST TO ANSWER CORRECTLY AND WIN A $25 GIFT CARD!
Which vegetable, commonly used in sweet desserts, has poisonous leaves and an edible stem?
Contact us
Please note that our mailing address has changed! See our new mailing address below in the contact information.
242 North Masonic Street | Millen, GA 30442 | 877.720.SEPC (7372) | info@seproducecouncil.com