🎸 REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR SOUTHERN INNOVATIONS—Where Innovation Takes Center Stage! 🌟

Southern Innovations Agenda

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

• 12:00pm – 4:00pm: SEPC Board of Directors’ Meeting (SEPC Board of Directors only)
• 6:30pm – 9:30pm: VIP Dinner (Valued In Produce; by invitation only)

Wednesday, September 9

• 7:00am – 2:00pm: Martin Eubanks Sporting Clays Classic

Sharpen your skills and enjoy some friendly competition at this annual SEPC tradition. Set against a scenic backdrop, this sporting clays tournament is the perfect mix of networking, precision, and outdoor adventure.

• •  Tournament Schedule:
    • 7:00am: Check-in w/ Grab-n-Go Breakfast 
    • 7:30am: Shuttle Departure to Nashville Gun Club
    • 9:00am – 1:00pm: Sporting Clays Tournament
    • 1:00pm – 2:00pm: Awards Luncheon & Networking
  • Equipment & Ammo Provided: Firearms and ammunition will be available, or you may bring your own.

Lock in your aim, connect with industry peers, and take your shot at victory in this Music City sporting classic!

• 6:30am – 2:00pm: Founders Memorial Golf Tournament

Tee off in honor of SEPC’s founders while enjoying a day of friendly competition, networking, and Southern hospitality on one of Nashville’s premier golf courses.

• •  Tournament Schedule:
    • 6:30am: Shuttle Departure to Hermitage Golf Course
    • 7:00am – 7:45am: Breakfast
    • 8:00am: Shotgun Start/Tournament Play Begins
    • 1:00pm – 2:00pm: Awards Luncheon & Networking
  • Golf Club Rentals: Need clubs? Reserve yours by selecting by August 28th to have them ready on your cart upon arrival.

Enjoy a day on the greens, connect with industry peers, and compete for top honors at this Music City classic!

• 8:00am – 3:00pm: SEPC Next Generation Leadership Academy Session (SEPC NGLA Class only)
• 8:00am – 5:00pm: SEPC Committee Meetings (SEPC Committee Members only)
• 8:30am – 1:30pm: The Cool Cucumber Classic Pickleball Tournament

Get ready to serve up some fun at the Cool Cucumber Classic! We are moving the competition to the beautiful Brentwood Country Club, nestled in the scenic hills of Middle Tennessee. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a "new big dill" to the sport, join us for a morning of high-energy competition and premier industry networking.
Don't miss out on the fastest-growing sport in the world—come show us your best dink shot in one of Tennessee's most beautiful settings!

• •  Tournament Schedule:
    • 8:30 a.m. Check-in & Grab-N-Go Breakfast
    • 9:00 a.m. Shuttle Departure to Crush Yard
    • 10:00 a.m. Tournament Instructions/Pickleball Tournament
    • 12:00 p.m. Awards Luncheon & Networking
    • 1:00 p.m. Shuttle Return
• 9:00am – 2:00pm: STEP-UPP Team Building Experience (STEP-UPP Retail & Foodservice participants only)
• 1:00pm – 6:00pm: Attendee Check-In & Badge Pickup
• 1:00pm – 6:00pm: Exhibitor Booth Setup (exhibitors and showcase participants only)
• 6:30pm – 9:30pm: Welcome Reception

Get ready to kick off Southern Innovations 2026 in true Music City style! Join us for an unforgettable evening where the grit of Broadway meets the glow of the future. Our Welcome Reception is the ultimate high-energy opening act for a week of networking, innovation, and Southern hospitality.

Thursday, September 10

• 7:30am – 8:00pm: Attendee Check-In & Badge Pickup
• 7:30am – 5:00pm: Exhibitor Booth Setup (exhibitors and showcase participants only)
• 8:30am – 9:45am: SEPC University Educational Session - What's New?
  • Guest Speaker: Anne-Marie Roerink

In an industry that moves as fast as a Nashville minute, staying ahead of the curve isn't just an advantage—it's a necessity. Join us for this premier SEPC University session as Anne-Marie Roerink debuts SEPC's sixth annual "What’s New?" consumer research, a cornerstone of the Southern Innovations experience.

• 10:15am – 11:15am: SEPC University Educational Session - The Future of Produce
  • Guest Speaker: Mike Lee

What will the produce department look like in 2030? 2040? 2050? While none of us have a crystal ball, we have the next best thing: Mike Lee. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and equipped with a "futurist mindset" that will allow your organization to see around corners and lead the industry into its next era.

• 12:00pm – 2:00pm: Good Seeds & Southern Roots Keynote Luncheon

Hosted by Good Seeds and Southern Roots, this session will feature a dynamic keynote.

• 2:30pm – 3:30pm:  Good Seeds & Southern Roots Working Genius Workshop

"From Theory to Action: A Hands-On Working Genius Experience"
Following our Keynote Luncheon, it’s time to roll up our sleeves. Join Good Seeds and Southern Roots for an interactive breakout session designed to move you from understanding The Working Genius framework to mastering it within your own organization.

• 1:30pm – 5:00pm: SEPC Committee Meetings (SEPC Committee Members only)
• 2:00pm – 4:00pm: SEPC Board of Governors’ Meeting (SEPC Board of Governors only)
• 6:30pm – 10:30pm: Chairman's Dinner Dance

"An Evening of Stars, Stripes, and Spirit"
As we bring Southern Innovations 2026 to a grand crescendo, join our SEPC Board of Directors for an evening celebrating the freedom, resilience, and hard work that define both the American farmer and the American dream. Let’s raise a glass to our history, our industry, our leadership, and our future.

Friday, September 11

• 6:00am – 9:00am: Exhibitor Booth Setup (exhibitors and showcase participants only)
• 8:00am – 4:00pm: Attendee Check-In & Badge Pickup
• 11:00am – 12:00pm: Exposition Pre-Entry (Retail & Foodservice Attendees early access to Gold & Silver Level Exhibitors)

This exclusive, one-hour pre-entry session is designed specifically for our Retail and Foodservice attendees to connect with our Gold and Silver Level Sponsors & Exhibitors before the official expo doors swing open. Make the most of your expo experience by joining us for this premier networking hour—where quality connections are grown.

• 12:00pm – 5:30pm: Exposition

Our Southern Innovations Expo is more than just a trade show—it’s a high-energy hub designed to showcase the future of the produce industry while keeping you fueled and focused.

• • As you navigate the floor and connect with industry-leading exhibitors, be sure to experience our curated show floor features:
    • The Wall of Innovations: Our premier showcase featuring the latest products, packaging, and tech breakthroughs hitting the market. See firsthand the cutting-edge advancements driving our industry forward.
    • The Relaxation Station: Stop by for a quick chair massage to melt away the stress and recharge your batteries for a productive afternoon.
    • Refreshment Oasis: Stay energized with a selection of fresh snacks and beverages available throughout the expo floor.

Whether you’re hunting for the next big trend or strengthening your professional network, the Southern Innovations Expo provides the perfect environment to grow higher.

• 5:30pm – 7:30pm: Exhibitor Load-out

Saturday, September 12

• 7:30am – 9:00am: Al Finch Memorial Prayer Breakfast

Before we depart, take a moment to nourish your body and spirit and connect with others in a meaningful way. Let’s gather together to celebrate our blessings, honor a legacy, and remember why we are stronger when we grow together.

Registration Types

Please select your registration type based on the following criteria:

Catch our Early Bird Pricing by September 3rd*

Exhibitor: $4,050

• Exhibitors will receive four (4) complimentary booth associate registrations.
• Additional Booth Associates: $1225 each until 9/3 | $1,375 after 9/3

General Attendee: $1,575 until 9/3 | $1,675 after 9/3 

• Registration for one (1) person only. This route is for growers, shippers, packers, brokers, processors, logistics, importer, exporters, and other similar industry professionals. 

Group: $5,375 until 9/3 | $5,900 after 9/3

• Includes up to four (4) registrations. This route is for growers, shippers, packers, brokers, processors, logistics, importer, exporters, and other similar industry professionals. 

Spouse: $100 until 9/3 | $125 after 9/3

• This registration is for one (1) spouse per attendee. To minimize traffic, spouses are not allowed access to the expo floor until 3:00 pm.

Retail*: Complimentary Registration & Travel

• This pass is valid for full-service retail chains that sell food to consumers. The company must have at least 10 stores or more. (Buyers with fewer locations may be included at the discretion of the Council.)
• Air travel (or travel mileage up to $400 reimbursement) and lodging are provided by SEPC upon request. Air and hotel request forms must be submitted through the registration process before August 7, 2026. 

Foodservice*: Complimentary Registration & Travel

• This pass is valid for broadline or chain foodservice industry members.
• Broadline Foodservice: A company that provides food and non-food products to restaurants, cafeterias, industrial caterers, and hotels.
• Chain Foodservice: Includes restaurants, hotels, industrial caterers, cafeterias, and meal box subscription companies.
• Air travel (or travel mileage up to $400 reimbursement) and lodging are provided by SEPC upon request. Air and hotel request forms must be submitted through the registration process before August 7, 2026.  

Wholesale, Jobber, and Receiver*: Complimentary Registration (exclusions apply)

• This pass is valid for full-service distributors that provide comprehensive services to retail and foodservice operators. (Does not include buying offices, terminal markets, commission merchants, buying brokers, etc.).
• Only two (2) members per company will receive complimentary registrations. Any additional registrations will be charged the General Attendee fee. 
• *Registration requires approval at least two weeks prior to each conference. Must meet the corresponding criteria listed above to be approved. We reserve the right to provide acceptance or refusal of applicants within the guidelines of the criteria noted above as well as due to budget restrictions and hotel availability. A questionnaire may be required to be completed if further information about the company is needed.

Press*: Complimentary (trade-out agreement required)

• Press and media attendees must contact Anna Burch (anna@seproducecouncil.com) to negotiate trade-out agreements.

Industry Trade Association*: Complimentary (trade-out agreement required)

• Employees from other industry trade associations (such as IFPA, OPN, etc.) must contact David Sherrod (dsherrod@seproducecouncil.com) to negotiate trade-out agreements.

Charitable Organization*: Complimentary

• This registration is reserved for employees of SEPC Cares charitable partners as well as employees of other pre-approved SEPC member organizations who are recognized as 501(c)(3).
• Only two (2) members per company. Any additional registrations will be charged the General Attendee fee.
• *Registration requires approval at least two weeks prior to each conference. Applicants must meet the corresponding criteria listed above to be approved. We reserve the right to accept or refuse applicants within the guidelines of the criteria noted above as well as due to budget restrictions and hotel availability. A questionnaire is required to be completed to begin the approval process for charitable organization establishment.

VIP*: Complimentary

• This registration is reserved for Lifetime Achievement Award recipients, Lifetime Members, speakers, and other approved attendees.
• Air travel (or travel mileage up to $400 reimbursement) and lodging are provided by SEPC upon request. Air and hotel requests must be submitted to SEPC.
• *Registration requires approval. Must meet the corresponding criteria listed above to be approved. We reserve the right to provide acceptance or refusal of applicants within the guidelines of the criteria noted above as well as due to budget restrictions and hotel availability. A questionnaire may be required to be completed if further information about the company is needed.
  
  

* Note on Early Bird Rates: To qualify for the discounted rate, registration and payment must be completed in full by September 3rd. Unpaid invoices after this date will be adjusted to the standard event price.

* Please note, this is an SEPC members-only event. If you are not currently a member in good standing, please sign up for membership now!

Registration Fees

Catch our Early Bird Pricing by September 3rd*

Exhibitor: $4,050

• Exhibitors will receive four (4) complimentary booth associate registrations.
• Additional Booth Associates: $1225 each until 9/3 | $1,375 after 9/3

General Attendee: $1,575 until 9/3 | $1,675 after 9/3 

• Registration for one (1) person only. This route is for growers, shippers, packers, brokers, processors, logistics, importer, exporters, and other similar industry professionals. 

Group: $5,375 until 9/3 | $5,900 after 9/3

• Includes up to four (4) registrations. This route is for growers, shippers, packers, brokers, processors, logistics, importer, exporters, and other similar industry professionals. 

Spouse: $100 until 9/3 | $125 after 9/3

Activity Fees

Founders Memorial Golf Tournament: $250

Golf Club Rental: $75

Cool Cucumber Classic Pickleball Tournament: $150

Martin Eubanks Sporting Clays Classic: $300

Session Fees

Welcome Reception: $150 until 9/3 | $175 after 9/3

Keynote Luncheon: $150 until 9/3 | $175 after 9/3

Good Seeds & Southern Roots Working Genius Workshop: $50 until 9/3 | $75 after 9/3

Chairman's Dinner Dance: $150 until 9/3 | $175 after 9/3

Wall of Innovations: $500  

* Note on Early Bird Rates: To qualify for the discounted rate, registration and payment must be completed in full by September 3rd. Unpaid invoices after this date will be adjusted to the standard event price.

Music City Center

201 Rp. John Lewis Way South
Nashville, TN 37203

Music City Center is Nashville's convention center located in the heart of downtown. The 2.1 million square foot facility opened in 2013 and was built so that Nashville could host large, city-wide conventions in the downtown area. The mission of Music City Center is to create significant economic benefit for the citizens of the greater Nashville region by attracting local and national events while focusing on community inclusion, sustainability and exceptional customer service delivered by our talented team members.

Reserve Your Hotel Room for Southern Innovations 2026!

We've partnered with local hotels to offer discounted rates for event attendees. Retail and Foodservice attendees must submit hotel and flight requests during the registration process. All other attendees will receive the hotel booking link after completing registration. The last day to book a hotel room or make a request is August 7, 2026.

WARNING: Potential scammers may try to phish for hotel rooms. Hotel rooms should ONLY be reserved and confirmed by either using the links provided via email or by contacting the individual hotel directly.

In the past, SEPC has received reports about brokers contacting members to book hotel reservations. These brokers falsely imply they are affiliated with show management and secure full or partial prepayment for hotel rooms from member companies. Please note, that we have no affiliation with any of these room brokers. Please do not provide them with any details of your reservation and do not give them your credit card or any personal information.

Southern Innovations Attendees

Click Here to Download Our Current Attendee List for Southern Innovations

This attendee list is updated weekly. Note that contact information is not included, in line with our Board’s policy.

Exhibitor Information

Exhibit space is first come, first served. Select "Exhibitor" as your registration type when registering to claim your booth space today!

Exhibitor Fees: $4,050 

• Exhibitors will receive four complimentary booth associate registrations.
• Additional Booth Associates: $1225 each until 9/3 | $1,375 after 9/3

Benefits

• Ideal Environment and Timeframe to Launch New Items into the Marketplace
• Outstanding Exhibitor/Buyer Ratio
• Intimate Atmosphere to Make Quality Connections
• One-day Exposition with Capped Attendance
• Equal Opportunities with 10' x 10' Booths for All Exhibitors
• Multiple Networking Opportunities Throughout Conference

Booth Size: 10' x 10'

Includes:

• 8' Pipe and Drape

• 3' Pipe and Drape

• (1) 6' x 30" Skirted Table

• (2) Plastic Side Chairs

• (1) Wastebasket

• (1) ID Sign

Exhibitor Move-In:

• Wednesday, September 9, 2026 - 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
• Thursday, September 10, 2026 - 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
• Friday, September 11, 2026 - 6:00 am - 9:00 am

Exhibition Hours:

• Friday, September 11, 2026 - 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Exposition Pre-Entry (Retail & Foodservice Attendees early access to Gold & Silver Level Exhibitors)
• Friday, September 11, 2026 - 12:00 pm - 5:30 pm
  •  Exposition

Exhibitor Move-Out:

• Friday, September 11, 2026 - 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

**Exhibitors MUST NOT begin to break down booths until 5:30 pm on Friday!**

Cooking Guidelines:

• Coming Soon

Sampling Guidelines:

• Music City Center Sampling Form

Exhibitor Toolkit

Through our valued partnership with AGS Expo Services, the exhibitor toolkit information will be available soon! Your Welcome to Online Ordering email from eventservices@ags-expo.com will provide access to your online hub and exhibitor kit. It will also be available within our exhibitor portal.

Feature Your Newest Products Along Our Wall of Innovations!

Our premier showcase featuring the latest products, packaging, and tech breakthroughs hitting the market. See firsthand the cutting-edge advancements driving our industry forward.

Example shown of last year's themed showcase design

Exclusive Price: $500

• Case Dimensions: 37” W x 13” H x 25.5" D
• All shelves include lighting and cases will be locked
• Space is limited to one (1) case per company
• Purchase your showcase by July 10th*. Cases are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited.
• How to purchase:
  • As you register for Southern Innovations, select Wall of Innovations as one of your sessions.
  • Once you register, you'll receive a submission link via email for your showcase information to be featured within our conference directory and app - one (1) high-resolution image of your product as well as a detailed description (50 words or less); Submission Deadline: July 10th

*Refunds will not be issued after submission deadline. If showcase is purchased after that date, information will not be included in conference directory and app.

Southern Innovations Digital Toolkit

Conference Logo

Email Signature

Facebook

X (formerly Twitter)

LinkedIn

Instagram

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I view the Attendee List?

• To access the attendee list, select "Attendee List" from the dropdown menu above. Note that contact information is not included, in line with our Board’s policy.

Is there exhibitor space available at Southern Innovations?

• Southern Innovations, our fall show focused on innovations, offers exhibit space on a first-come, first-served basis. This event typically sees growing exhibitor and attendee numbers, making it a great way to get involved with SEPC. Exhibiting at this show can also improve your chances of securing a booth at Southern Exposure if you're on the waitlist. Please remember, you must be a corporate member to exhibit.

Is there exhibitor space available at Southern Exposure?

• Southern Exposure, our flagship event held in late February/early March in Florida, has a significant waitlist due to high demand. Exhibitor booths are first offered to previous participants, and any remaining space is filled through a lottery. Your chances of securing a spot can increase by attending our shows, joining committees, or  sponsoring. Corporate membership is required to be placed on the waitlist. You can view all membership options and benefits here.

What are the deadlines for this conference?

• July 1, 2026: Submission deadline for the following:
  • Exhibitor Company Logo & Description
  • Exhibitor Certificate of Insurance
  • Gold & Silver Level Sponsor Directory Ad
• July 10, 2026: Final date to receive refund for Exhibitor Booth and Wall of Innovations showcase.
• July 10, 2026: Submission deadline for Wall of Innovations Product Information
• August 7, 2026: Final date to reserve hotel rooms within the SEPC room blocks. Any rooms cancelled after this date will result in a one night's room charge.
• August 7, 2026: Final date for retail or foodservice attendees to request complimentary hotel and airfare through SEPC registration.
• August 14, 2026: Final date for all attendees to receive refund for conference and session registration (does not include exhibitor booth or Wall of Innovation fees).
• August 24, 2026: Final date checks will be processed in the SEPC office. We no longer accept proof of mailed checks as a valid payment method. Additionally, ACH payments must be posted to the SEPC account by August 24th. If payment is not received by this date, any outstanding balance must be paid via credit card during registration check-in hours onsite or online through the attendee's registration, before badges will be issued.
• September 3, 2026: Final date to receive early bird pricing. Registration and payment must be completed in full by September 3rd. Unpaid invoices after this date will be adjusted to the standard event price.

What are sponsor credits and how do I use them?

• Gold, Silver, and Bronze Level Sponsors receive credits to apply toward golf, ticketed events, and booth associate fees at Southern Exposure. Credits must be used within the membership period (June-May). To apply credits, register for events and email accounting@seproducecouncil.com to have your credits applied. If any balance remains, you’ll receive an invoice.

2025 Southern Innovations, Charlotte, NC

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2024 Southern Innovations, Nashville, TN

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2023 Southern Innovations, Charlotte, NC

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2022 Southern Innovations, Nashville, TN

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2021 Southern Innovations, Savannah, GA

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2019 Southern Innovations Organics & Foodservice Expo, Nashville, TN

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2018 Southern Innovations Organics & Foodservice Expo, Nashville, TN

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2017 Southern Innovations Organics & Foodservice Expo, HHI, SC

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Retail Organic Tour

2016 Southern Innovations Symposium, Williamsburg, VA

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2015 Southern Innovations Symposium, Wild Dunes, SC

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2014 Southern Innovations Symposium, Young Harris, GA

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2013 Fall Conference, Myrtle Beach, SC

2012 Fall Conference, Asheville, NC

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2011 Fall Conference

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2010 Fall Conference, Savannah, GA

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2009 Fall Conference, Braselton, GA

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2008 Fall Conference, Young Harris, GA

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2007 Fall Conference, Greensboro, NC

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2006 Fall Conference, Young Harris, GA

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2005 Fall Conference, Lake Lanier Islands, GA

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2004 Fall Conference, Lake Lanier Islands, GA

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