ALOHA!

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

• 7:00am – 2:00pm: NGLA Session (NGLA program participants only)
  • Location: St. Louis
• 12:00pm – 4:30pm: SEPC Board of Directors' Meeting (SEPC Board Members only; lunch included)
  • Location: New York & New Orleans
• 6:00pm – 10:00pm: VIP Dinner (by invitation only)

Thursday, March 6

• 6:30am – 2:30pm: Tom Page Golf Classic (session purchase required)
  
  • Schedule
    • 6:00 am: Shuttle departure from Convention Center Entrance
    • 6:30 am - 7:15 am: Breakfast
    • 7:30 am - 1:30 pm: Tournament Play at Champions Gate Golf Resort
    • 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm: Awards Luncheon
• 8:00am – 5:00pm: LINKS (by invitation only from participating Retail/Foodservice members who facilitate the program with invited Growers and Shippers)
• 12:00pm – 5:00pm: SEPC Committee Meetings (SEPC Committee Members only)
  • Location: Magnolia 19 & 20
• 1:00pm – 6:00pm: Registration Check-In
• 1:00pm – 6:00pm: Exhibitor Booth Setup (exhibitors and showcase participants only)
  • Location: Cypress, Sabal, & Sago Ballrooms
• 6:00pm – 9:30pm: Future Generations Celebration Dinner (by invitation only)

Friday, March 7

• 7:00am – 9:00pm: Registration Check-In
• 7:00am – 5:00pm: Exhibitor Booth Setup (exhibitors and showcase participants only)
  • Location: Cypress, Sabal, & Sago Ballrooms
• 7:00am – 8:00am: STARS Breakfast (by invitation only)
  • Location: Magnolia 13-14
• 8:00am – 9:30am: Educational Session I
  • Location: Canary & Royal Ballroom
  • Refreshments will be served before/between sessions
• 10:00am – 11:30am: Educational Session II: The Power of Produce 2025
  • Location: Canary & Royal Ballroom 
  • Join us for FMI's Power of Produce report, which is exclusively unveiled at our Southern Exposure conferences and features a panel of renowned retailers.
• 12:00pm – 5:00pm: LINKS (by invitation only from participating Retail/Foodservice members who facilitate the program with invited Growers and Shippers)
• 12:00pm – 5:00pm: SEPC Committee Meetings (SEPC Committee Members only)
  • Location: Magnolia 19 & 20
• 12:00pm – 2:00pm: Southern Roots Women's Luncheon (women in produce only, session purchase required)
  • Location: Grand Ballroom 7B+1-3
• 12:00pm – 2:00pm: Good Seeds MENtor Program (session purchase required)
  • Location: Grand Ballroom 7A
• 2:00pm – 4:00pm: SEPC Board of Governors' Meeting (SEPC Board of Governors only)
  • Location: New Orleans
• 2:30pm – 4:00pm: Continuing Connection Session
• 3:00pm – 5:00pm: STARS Fresh Futures (reservation required)
  • Location: Magnolia 13-14
• 5:00pm – 6:00pm: Healthy Family Project Reception (by invitation only)
• 6:00pm – 7:00pm: Retail & Foodservice Reception (by invitation only; Opening Gala session purchase required)
  
  • Location: Crystal Ballroom
  • Experience early access to our Opening Gala, exclusively available to our valued retail and foodservice attendees, as well as our esteemed gold and silver level sponsors.
• 7:00pm – 11:30pm: Opening Gala (session purchase required)
  • Location: Crystal Ballroom

Saturday, March 8

• 6:00am – 11:00am: Exhibitor Booth Setup (exhibitors and showcase participants only)
  • Location: Cypress, Sabal, & Sago Ballrooms
• 8:00am – 4:00pm: Registration Check-In
• 9:00am – 11:15pm: Keynote Brunch (session purchase required)
  • Location: Crystal Ballroom
• 11:30am – 6:00pm: Exposition
  
  • Location: Cypress, Sabal, & Sago Ballrooms
  •  Featuring:
    • Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals Showcase
    • Innovation Stations
    • Refreshment & Relaxation Stations
• 6:00pm - 8:00pm: Exhibitor Load-out
  • Location: Cypress, Sabal, & Sago Ballrooms
• 6:30pm – 9:30pm: Closing Reception (session purchase required)
  • Location: Fairway Terrace & Pool Deck

Sunday, March 9

• 7:00am – 8:30am: Al Finch Memorial Prayer Breakfast
  
  • Location: New York & New Orleans
  • We invite SEPC members and family to join us in worship and fellowship on Sunday morning during our SEPC Prayer Breakfast. Coffee and pastries will be served.

Celebrity Keynote Speaker

Bethany Hamilton

Professional Surfer, Motivational Speaker

Bethany Hamilton's Bio

Platform Point Speaker 

David Fikes

Executive Director

FMI Foundation

David Fikes' Bio

Southern Roots Women's Luncheon Speaker

Dominique Dawes

Olympian, Owner

Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies

Dominique Dawes' Bio

SEPC University Educational Session Speakers

Educational Session I

Chef Jeff Henderson

Award-winning Chef, New York Times bestselling Author, Philanthropist, Television Personality

Chef Jeff's Bio

Educational Session II: The Power of Produce 2025

Rick Stein

Vice President of Fresh Foods

FMI

Rick Stein's Bio

Anne-Marie Roerink

President

210 Analytics

Anne Marie Roerink's Bio

2025 Listed Prices Below

Please choose your registration type based on the following criteria:

Exhibitor: $3,395 with a minimum of Bronze Level Sponsorship (2025 Booth Space Sold Out!) 

Exhibitors may have a total of 8 people in the booth. 4 booth associate registrations are included with booth fees; Additional Booth Associate passes may be purchased for $1,050 each. Exhibitors are required to complete their registration via the Exhibitor Portal. Detailed instructions have been sent to the primary contact on file.

Group: $4,600

Includes up to 4 registrations. This route is for growers, shippers, packers, processors, etc.

General Attendee: $1,350

Only registration for one person. This route is for growers, shippers, packers, processors, equipment suppliers, transportation/logistics, etc.

Retail*: Complimentary

This pass is valid for full-service retail chains that sells food to consumers. Must have at least 10 stores or more. (Buyers with less locations are open to inclusion at the discretion of the council.)

Air travel (or travel mileage up to $400 reimbursement) and lodging is provided by SEPC upon request. Air and hotel request forms must be submitted through the registration process. The last day to book a hotel room or make a request is February 2, 2024. Any hotel room cancellations after this date will result in a charge of one night's stay.

Foodservice*: Complimentary

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 subscriptions companies.

Air travel (or travel mileage up to $400 reimbursement) and lodging is provided by SEPC upon request. Air and hotel request forms must be submitted through the registration process. The last day to book a hotel room or make a request is February 2, 2024. Any hotel room cancellations after this date will result in a charge of one night's stay.

Wholesale*: Complimentary (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. This does not include ticketed event fees. Any additional registrations will be charged the general attendee fee as well as any ticketed event fees.

*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 ([email protected]) to negotiate trade out agreements.

Charitable Organizations*: Complimentary (trade out agreement required)

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. This does not include ticketed event fees. Any additional registrations will be charged the general attendee fee as well as any ticketed event fees.

*Registration requires approval at least two weeks prior to the 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.

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

Employees from other industry trade associations (such as IFPA, OPN, etc.) must contact David Sherrod ([email protected]) to negotiate trade out agreements.

VIP*: Complimentary

Registration reserved for Lifetime Achievements Award recipients, Lifetime Members, speakers, and other approved attendees.

Air travel (or travel mileage up to $400 reimbursement) and lodging is provided by SEPC upon request. Air and hotel request forms 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.

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!

Note: Retail and Foodservice attendees must request hotel and air during the registration process. All other attendees will receive the hotel booking link in a confirmation email after completing registration. The last day to book a hotel room or make a request is January 31, 2025. Any hotel room cancellations after this date will result in a charge of one night's stay.

Hotel & Convention Center Information

Orlando World Center Marriott
8701 World Center Drive
Orlando, FL 32821

Hotel Links are included within conference registration confirmation emails.

Gather together at this stunning 200-acre Orlando resort, where our attendees can connect in over 500,000 square feet of flexible event spaces indoors and out.

Experience the magic at Orlando World Center Marriott, the best waterpark hotel in Orlando, near Walt Disney World®. Splash into our Orlando, Florida, hotel's water wonderland, which includes 7 thrilling water slides, a 575-foot lazy river, poolside cabanas and more! Play 18 holes on our championship golf course and rejuvenate in our Orlando resort spa. Treat your palate in the 10 dining outlets of our hotel in Central Florida, including world-class Italian cuisine and Mikado Japanese Steakhouse. Find it all during your stay in our hotel in Orlando, FL, along with shuttle service to nearby Walt Disney World and Disney Springs, included in the resort fee.

With so much to do, Visit Orlando's team is here to help you plan your extended stay. CLICK HERE to unlock offers from Orlando's theme parks, attractions, shows, tours, and more! Before purchasing any tickets, be sure to check the expiration dates and possible block out dates. Some tickets are only valid for the current year (until December 31, 2024), so it may be necessary to wait until next year to purchase tickets for 2025 dates.

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.

Exhibitor Information

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:

• Thursday, March 6, 2025 – 1:00pm – 6:00pm
• Friday, March 7, 2025 – 7:00am – 5:00pm
• Saturday, March 8, 2025 – 6:00am – 11:00am

Exhibition Hours:

• Saturday, March 8, 2025 – 11:30am – 6:00pm

Exhibitor Move-Out:

• Saturday, March 8, 2025 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm

**Exhibitors MUST NOT begin to break down booths until 6:00 pm on Saturday!**

Sampling Guidelines:

• TBD

Exhibitor Toolkit

Through our valued partnership with AGS Expo Services, the exhibitor toolkit information will be available soon!

Booth Decorating Contest

Information Coming Soon!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW EXHIBITOR FLOORPLAN

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 13, 2024 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).
• Once you register, you will receive an invoice for your showcase.

Showcase Information

Price: $500* 

• 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.
• You will be able to access the case during listed Exhibitor Booth Setup hours.

     *Final date to receive a refund - January 3, 2025

Case Dimensions: 37” W x 13” H x 25.5" D

Here is an example of our Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals showcase with this year’s theme!

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 13, 2024.
  • 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 on Friday, December 13th, regarding your application.
• If approved, you will then receive an invoice for your Innovation Station.

Price: $1,995* 

*Does not include individual/group registration fees; individual registration purchase required; additional associates would need to purchase additional individual registrations; Final date to receive a refund - January 3, 2025

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 2024 or will be launched before July of 2025. (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; you must remain within the space limits of your station!
  • 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. All items/branding must be contained within the confines of the Innovation Station desk.
  • 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 area as pictured below)

SUBMIT INNOVATION STATION APPLICATION

Here is an example of our Innovation Stations with this year’s theme!

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 Exposure 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
    • PA System
  • Food & Beverage Service (at reserving company's expense) 

SUBMIT LINKS APPLICATION

*LINKS Meeting Reservations must be submitted/approved through SEPC.

Southern Exposure Digital Toolkit

Right click on each image to download today!

Conference Logo

Email Signature

Facebook

X (formerly known as Twitter)

LinkedIn

Instagram

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I view the Attendee List?

• You can access the attendee list by logging in to your registration and selecting “Attendees List” within the post registration menu dropdown. It is our Board’s policy that we do not provide contact information with this list.

Is there exhibitor space available at Southern Exposure?

• Southern Exposure is our most popular show held in late-Feb, early-March each year in Florida and because of this we have an extensive waitlist to exhibit. Booth spaces are first right of refusal, so previous years exhibitors have a choice on whether they want to return the next year. We do have about 80 companies on the waitlist to exhibit at this show. The waitlist is based on a lottery. If booth space becomes available, we’ll hold a “lottery drawing” in September to fill the space. You can increase your chances in the lottery by participating. We give extra chances to those who attend our shows, participate on committees, and even more for sponsoring. You must first sign up for a corporate membership before being placed on the waitlist. You can view all membership options and benefits here, including an informative digital membership packet that has lots of info about SEPC and what we have to offer.

Is there exhibitor space available at Southern Innovations?

• Southern Innovations is our fall show that has an innovations focus. This show will possibly be opening up more exhibit space as the attraction grows. With exhibitor and attendee numbers growing over the years, this show would be a good foot in the door to SEPC (and could help with your chances at getting a booth at Southern Exposure). Again, you must be a corporate member to exhibit. Registration will open in March.

What are the deadlines for this conference?

• Exhibitor Deadlines
  • September 15, 2024: Final date to receive booth refund. In the event of an exhibitor cancellation after September 15, 2024, only the booth fee will be refunded less a 10% cancellation fee up until December 31, 2024. After December 31, no refund or credit will be offered.

• Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals Showcase & Innovation Station Deadlines
  • January 3, 2025: Final date to receive a refund.

• General Attendee Deadlines
  • January 31, 2025: Final date to reserve hotel within SEPC room block. Any hotel room cancellations after this date will result in a charge of one night's stay.

• Retail/Foodservice Attendee Deadlines
  • January 31, 2025: Final date to request complimentary hotel and airfare through SEPC. Any hotel room cancellations after this date will result in a charge of one night's stay.

• Registration Deadlines
  • February 7, 2025: Final date to receive refund for conference and session registration (booth associates, tickets, etc.; does not include booth registration fees).

How do I modify my registration to add/edit sessions, substitute attendees with another registrant, add/edit group members, or add guests?

      How to modify registration to add/edit sessions on agenda:

1. From the registration website, select "Already Registered?"
2. Enter the email address and confirmation number of the person who needs modifications.
3. Select the "Modify Registration" button at the bottom of the page.
4. Click "Next" until on the "Sessions" page.
5. Make appropriate modifications.
6. Be sure to select "Next" and "Finish" at the end to ensure changes are saved.

      How to substitute attendees with another registrant:

1. From the registration website, select "Already Registered?"
2. Enter the email address and confirmation number of the person who needs modifications.
3. Select the "Transfer Registration" button at the bottom of the page.
4. Follow the prompts to input the new registrant's information.

      How to add/edit group members:

1. From the registration website, select "Already Registered?".
2. Enter the email address and confirmation number of the primary registrant.
3. Select the "Add Group Member" button at the bottom of the page.
4. Follow the prompts until the end to finish adding the group member and ensure their registration is saved.

      How to add guests:

1. From the registration website, select "Already Registered?"
2. Enter the email address and confirmation number of the person who needs modifications.
3. Select the "Modify Registration" button at the bottom of the page.
4. Click "Next" until on the "Add Spouse" page.
5. Follow the prompts to input the spouse's information.
6. Be sure to select "Next" and "Finish" at the end to ensure changes are saved.

What are sponsor credits and how do I use them?

• As a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Level Sponsor, your company receives a certain amount of credit that can be used towards golf, ticketed events, and booth associate fees at Southern Exposure. This is provided as part of our sponsorship benefits. Sponsor Credits will expire if not applied by the end of each corresponding membership period. Our annual membership period runs June through May of the following year.

1. You must still register for those agenda items during the registration process.
2. Email accounting@seproducecouncil.com to request sponsor credits to be applied at Southern Exposure.
3. We’ll manually deduct your credits and send an invoice if a balance is due.