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!
Some heroes wear camouflage, but within our industry they wear coveralls, work boots, gloves, aprons, hairnets, chef coats, safety glasses, and wide-brimmed hats. At Southern Exposure – PRODUCE: The Unseen Heroes, our produce industry heroes will be in plain sight. This year’s Southern Exposure will take place March 7 – 9, 2024 at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida.
Explore the possibilities to Be All You Can Be together!
Exhibitors must complete their registration within the Exhibitor Portal using the link provided via email to the primary contact on file.
Gear up with our Southern Exposure Digital Toolkit now available!
Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals
The SEPC is excited to feature your new products within our Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals showcase!
How to Submit Your Showcase
- As you register for Southern Exposure, select Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals as one of your sessions.
- Once you register, you’ll receive a submission link via email for your showcase information.
- Submit your information for your Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals showcase through the submission link by Friday, December 15, 2023 to be included in our conference directory.
- Cases are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited.
- You must include one (1) high-resolution image of your product as well as a detailed description (50 words or less).
If you miss the Friday, December 15, 2023 deadline, your showcase information may still be included within our conference app.
Once you register, you will receive an invoice for your showcase.
Showcase Information
Price: $500
- Case Dimensions: 37” W x 13” H x 25.5" D
- Space is limited to one (1) case per member company (unless approved by the SEPC).
- All shelves include lighting.
- Cases will be locked before and during the exposition.
- Display items must not adhere to the case itself.
Eligibility Requirements
- Your company must be a member of the Southeast Produce Council and in good standing.
- Your new products must have been submitted to market since March of 2023 or will be launched before July 2024.
Here is an example of our Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals showcase with last year’s theme: Produce - The Final Frontier!
Innovation Stations
Our Innovation Stations are also back by popular demand in which one (1) of your team members may highlight a new product, product line, or service during our Southern Exposure Expo.
How to Submit Your Innovation Station Application
- Submit your application for an Innovation Station through the link below by Friday, December 15, 2023.
- Stations are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited.
- Priority will be given to waitlisted companies who meet the criteria as well as companies who are interested in joining the SEPC.
- You must include your logo, one (1) high-resolution image of your product (or product family), as well as a detailed description (50 words or less).
- You will be notified via email by Friday, December 15th, regarding your application.
- If approved, you will then receive an invoice for your Innovation Station.
Price: $1750 (does not include individual/group registration fees)
Eligibility Requirements
- Company must be a member in good standing of Southeast Produce Council.
- Company is not currently exhibiting at Southern Exposure (unless prior SEPC approval).
- New product, product line, or family of items must not exceed 4 individual SKUs.
- New product must have been presented to market since September of 2023 or will be launched before July of 2024. (Verification required)
Innovation Station Guidelines:
- Space is limited to one (1) Innovation Station per member company.
- One company member allowed in station at a time. (Individual registration required. Additional associates would also need to purchase individual registrations or register as part of a group registration.)
- No additional signage, banners, display racks, etc. will be allowed!
- Sampling is permitted per convention center policies (see exhibitor kit).
- One (1) stool will be provided at each station.
- Storage space is available within the desk area of the station.
- Innovation Station setup during listed Exhibitor Setup hours.
- Innovation Stations are branded with the conference theme; submitted company logo will be included on the face of the desk (within the white circle as pictured below)
Here is an example of our Innovation Stations with last year’s theme: Produce - The Final Frontier!
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 option (1. Projector/Screen 2. PA System)
- Food & Beverage Service (at reserving company's expense)
(*Note that requests will be accommodated as they are received, and we will do our best to coordinate your space needs with what is available. LINKS meeting requests must be submitted/approved through SEPC.)
Save the Date!
Mark your calendars to meet us in Nashville, TN for next year’s Southern Innovations held September 12 – 14, 2024. Registration will open in March 2024.
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.
APPLY NOW!
2024 STEP-UPP Foodservice Class
Are you, or do you know, a foodservice professional looking to develop a greater understanding of the produce industry through strategic orientation, personal leadership, and hands-on field experience?
If so, we invite you to find out more and apply for our 2024 STEP-UPP (Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals) Foodservice program where you'll experience exceptional networking opportunities and learn the inner workings of the supplier side of the industry.
The 2024 class year officially starts in January 2024 and will provide a variety of experiences through both classroom experiences and on-the-ground field tours in the spring and summer. The year will culminate with graduation at Southern Innovations held September 12-14, 2024 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, TN.
We will be accepting applications for the 2024 class now through this Friday, November 3rd before 5pm EST. Only 10-12 students are accepted each year, so get your application in today!
Community Updates
We’re proud to support these impactful organizations, and we hope you’ll join us this #GivingTuesday, November 28th, in supporting their missions. If you feel so led to make a contribution, each of our charitable partners would greatly appreciate your donation.
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.
The Vorhees Vision Scholarship was created to reward the achievements of young individuals who demonstrate a true entrepreneurial spirit in their lives as they pursue their educational goals. This scholarship is named in honor of the late Terry L. Vorhees, founder and first Executive Director of the Southeast Produce Council. Because of his vision and efforts, the Southeast Produce Council became and remains one of the best resources in the produce industry today.
Scholarship Details
One college-aged student (graduating high school senior or current college student) will now receive a one-time scholarship of $10,000 to their enrolling college/university. The 2nd place recipient will receive $1,500, and the 3rd place recipient will receive $1,000.
The application can only be submitted online through our link which will be provided beginning November 27, 2023.
The application deadline is January 12, 2024 at 5pm EST.
Congratulations to Bruce Letchworth of Continental Fresh for being the first to answer our October SEPC Fruit & Veggie Trivia Question correctly!
November Trivia Question
BE THE FIRST TO ANSWER CORRECTLY AND WIN A $25 GIFT CARD!
This pricey produce originates from the island of Japan and is considered one of the most expensive fruits in the world. While the price varies drastically, a pair of this fruit was sold for $30,000 at an auction, costing more than some used cars. Planted in volcanic ash, it takes 100 days of constant care to reach its full delectable size, and while it costs more than any other fruit, some may say it’s worth every penny.
Can you name it?
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