Monday, April 5, 2021

• 1:00pm – 4:00pm: Board of Directors' Meeting (SEPC Board Members only)
  
  • Location: Oceanic 1
• 6:30pm – 9:30pm: VIP Dinner (by invitation only)

Tuesday, April 6

• 8:00am – 5:00pm: Committee Meetings (by invitation from committee chairs only)
  
  • Location: Oceanic 1 & 3
• 8:00am – 8:00pm: LINKS (by invitation only)
• 8:00am – 2:30pm: Tom Page Golf Classic (separate ticket required)
  • Location: Reunion Golf Course
• 1:00pm – 6:00pm: Registration Check In
  
  • Location: Convention Foyers 1-2
• 1:00pm – 6:00pm: Exhibitor Booth Setup
  
  • Location: Atlantic Hall & Pacific Hall
• 6:00pm – 9:00pm: STARS & STEP-UPP Dinner (by invitation only)

Wednesday, April 7

• 6:00am – 5:00pm: Exhibitor Booth Setup
  
  • Location: Atlantic Hall & Pacific Hall
• 6:00am – 9:00pm: Registration Check In
  
  • Location: Convention Foyers 1-2
• 7:00am – 8:00am: STARS Breakfast (by invitation only)
  • Location: Asia 1
• 8:00am – 5:00pm: Committee Meetings (by invitation from committee chairs only)
  
  • Location: Oceanic 1 & 3
• 8:00am – 8:00pm: LINKS (by invitation only)
• 8:30am – 9:45am: Educational Session I
  • Location: Southern Hemisphere
• 10:15am – 11:45am: Educational Session II
  • Location: Southern Hemisphere
• 12:00pm – 2:00pm: Board of Governors' Meeting (SEPC Board of Governors only)
  • Location: Oceanic 2
• 12:30pm – 2:30pm: Southern Roots Luncheon (women in produce only, separate ticket required)
  • Location: Swan 7-10B
• 3:00pm – 5:00pm: STARS Cocktails & Careers (by invitation only)
  
  • Location: Asia 1
• 5:00pm – 6:00pm: Produce for Kids Reception
• 6:00pm – 7:00pm: Retail & Foodservice Reception (by invitation only)
  
  • Location: Northern & Southern Hemisphere
• 7:00pm – 11:30pm: Opening Gala (separate ticket required)
  
  • Location: Northern & Southern Hemisphere

Thursday, April 8

• 6:00am – 11:00am: Exhibitor Booth Setup
  
  • Location: Atlantic Hall & Pacific Hall
• 8:00pm – 5:00pm: Committee Meetings (by invitation from committee chairs only)
  
  • Location: Oceanic 1 & 3
• 8:00am – 8:00pm: LINKS (by invitation only)
• 8:00am – 4:00pm: Registration Check In
  • Location: Convention Foyers 1-2
• 10:00am – 12:15pm: Keynote Luncheon (separate ticket required)
  • Location: Northern & Southern Hemisphere
• 12:30pm – 6:00pm: Exposition
  • Location: Atlantic Hall & Pacific Hall
  • Refreshments: Pacific Terrace 
  • Relaxation Station: Bay Room
• 6:00pm – 10:00pm: Closing Reception (separate ticket required)
  • Location: Dolphin Grotto & Beach Area

Friday, April 9

• 7:00am – 8:30am: SEPC Prayer Breakfast
  • Location: Asia 1
  • We invite SEPC members and family to join us in worship and fellowship prior to your departure. Coffee and pastries will be served.

Keynote Speaker

Duncan Wardle

As Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney, Duncan and his team helped Imagineering, Lucasfilm, Marvel, Pixar and Disney Parks to innovate, creating magical new storylines and experiences for consumers around the globe.

As founder of iD8 & innov8 he now brings his extensive Disney experience to audiences around the world using a very unique approach to Design Thinking, that not only places the end user at the core of the creative thinking process, but also looks in new and usual places to uncover insights for innovation, helping people capture unlikely connections, leading to fresh thinking and disruptive ideas. Delivering a series of keynotes, workshops and ideation forums, his unique Design Thinking process helps companies embed a culture of innovation into everyone’s DNA.

Duncan is a multiple Ted X speaker and contributor to Fast Company Magazine. He teaches Master Classes at Yale, the University of North Carolina, Duke University and the University of Florida. In 2008 he received the American Citizen of Choice Award at the White House. In 2014 he was awarded an Hons. Doctorate from Edinburgh University in Scotland. He also holds the Duke of Edinburgh Award presented by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

Southern Roots Speaker

To Be Announced Soon!

Guest Speakers

Anne-Marie Roerink

Anne-Marie Roerink is a Principal at 210 Analytics, LLC — providing customized research and marketing strategies with a specialty in food retailing for clients such as the Food Marketing Institute, National Grocers Association, National Confectioners Association and many others. Through countless studies and presentations for audiences large and small, Anne-Marie has developed an excellent perspective on the changing nature of the shopper and the food retailing business. Anne-Marie offers a diverse and in-depth view on retailing financials, operations and shopper behavior, and how/why these issues are important to various organizations, today and in the future. Prior to founding 210 Analytics, Anne-Marie was the Head of Research for the Food Marketing Institute.

Rick Stein

Rick Stein joined FMI in 2014 and is responsible for developing a portfolio of services and activities to assist members in formulating and executing their fresh food strategies.  These categories include everything from – dairy, frozen, meat, poultry, seafood, and produce to service departments – deli, bakery and fresh prepared meals and related solutions for take-out or in-store dining.

Prior to joining FMI, Rick spent 30 + years in a wide range of retail grocery merchandising and marketing responsibilities.   Most recently Stein was the Vice President of retail Merchandising/Marketing execution for Safeway Stores, Inc.  Previously he held both divisional and corporate responsibilities in his tenure at Safeway in retail/store operations, category management, sales, sourcing, strategy, and marketing/merchandising. He has experience in virtually every facet of the retail food business and helped lead Safeway to achieve operational excellence and increased market share and revenues.

Stein graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral and Social Sciences.  He has earned continuing educations credits in marketing, merchandising and management, most recently with the Disney Leadership Institute. Rick serves on numerous nonprofit boards such as the Children’s Cancer Foundation and Easter Seals of DC/VA/MD.

More To Be Announced Soon!

Prices will increase after April 4, 2021.

Please choose your registration type based on the following criteria:

Exhibitor: $2,995 (2021 Booth Space Sold Out!) 
Exhibitors may have a total of 8 people in the booth. 4 booth associate registrations are included with booth fees; the 4 additional Booth Associate passes may be purchased for $850 each.

Group: $3,795

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

Individual/General Attendee: $1,125

Only registration for one person. This route is for growers, shippers, packers, processors, etc.

Virtual General Attendee: $125

Only registration for one person. This route is for growers, shippers, packers, processors, etc. Only includes admission into the SEPC University Educational Sessions, Opening Gala, and Keynote Luncheon. Does not include admission into the virtual exhibition.  

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 before February 8, 2021.

Virtual 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.)

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 before February 8, 2021.

Virtual 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.

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. Any additional registrations must register as Individual or Group.

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 OPN, PMA, United Fresh, etc.) must contact David Sherrod (dsherrod@seproducecouncil.com) to negotiate trade out agreements.

VIP*: Complimentary

Registration reserved for Lifetime Achievements Award winners, 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 through the registration process.

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

Note: Links to the hotel will be provided via email after registration is completed. Retail and Foodservice attendees must request hotel & air during the registration process.

Hotel Information

Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort
1500 Epcot Resorts Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 USA

IDEALLY SITUATED BETWEEN WONDER AND WONDERFUL

Leave the every day behind and enter a world of wonder and enchantment at the Walt Disney World® Resort.  Located in the heart of the most magical place on earth, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort provides a truly extraordinary backdrop for your Orlando vacation or meeting.  Beautiful tropical landscaping, tranquil waterways and classic art and architecture work together to create a stunning landmark in the midst of one of the most spectacular places on earth.

Inside this magnificent Disney Resort, an environment of elegance and sophistication awaits. From their spectacular lobbies and their unique restaurants to the exotic Mandara Spa and their incredibly comfortable guest rooms, they offer the ultimate escape just moments away from the thrill and excitement of the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Their stylish lobbies provide guests with a warm and inviting welcome and a distinct sense of arrival. Swan and Dolphin guest rooms include custom draperies, upgraded technology and, of course, all rooms feature the incredibly comfortable Heavenly Bed®.

IDEAL DISNEY LOCATION

Situated on 87 acres of beautiful lake front property, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is the ideal Disney location for your Orlando vacation or meeting headquarters, centrally located in the Walt Disney World® Resort.

SPECIAL DISNEY BENEFITS

As their guest, you’re entitled to many special Disney benefits to help you make the most of your time, such as complimentary scheduled transportation to the Disney theme parks and attractions, on-site Disney ticket and information desks, the Extra Magic Hours benefit in the theme parks, on-site character dining, and advance tee times on championship Disney golf courses.  Spend fun-filled, action-packed days in the theme parks or water parks neighboring their Disney resort.  Enjoy award-winning dining experiences, abundant shopping, amazing entertainment and invigorating recreational activities at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

To purchase specially priced Disney Meeting/Convention Theme Park tickets, please call 407-566-5600 or CLICK HERE.  Tickets are valid 7 days pre, during, and 7 days post meeting dates.  Please note the cut-off date for advance purchase savings is April 4, 2021.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ATLANTIC HALL EXHIBITOR FLOORPLAN (BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORS)

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PACIFIC HALL EXHIBITOR FLOORPLAN (GOLD & SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS)

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:

• Tuesday, April 6, 2020 – 1:00pm – 6:00pm
• Wednesday, April 7, 2020 – 6:00am – 5:00pm
• Thursday, April 8, 2020 – 6:00am – 11:00am

Exhibition Hours:

• Thursday, April 8, 2020 – 12:30pm – 6:00pm

Exhibitor Move-Out:

• Thursday, April 8, 2020 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm

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

Exhibitor Kits

• Launching soon!

Booth Decorating Contest

Have a booth idea that's out of this world? Decorate your booth with space-age flair on Saturday at the expo for our booth decorating contest! Three of the best decorated booths will receive a prize of one of the following AMEX gift cards:

• 1st place: $1,000
• 2nd place: $500
• 3rd place: $250

  
  

Please submit an application if you plan to participate to ensure your booth is reviewed by our SEPC judges.

Lead Retrieval

LeadCapture for Southern Exposure 2021

To enhance your exhibitor experience at this year's conference, we have partnered with Cvent to provide lead retrieval services through their LeadCapture product. This easy-to-use tool will allow your team to quickly capture standard contact and custom qualifying information from all attendees at the event. You will be able to download the LeadCapture Order Form soon!

Right click on the image you wish to save.

Conference Logo

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Email Signature

Directory Ad Information

The SEPC is excited to feature your new products within our Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals showcase!

How to Submit Your Showcase Application

• As you register for Southern Exposure, select Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals as one of your sessions.
• Once you register, you’ll receive an application link via email for your showcase.
• Review the options below and submit your application by Monday, February 1, 2021. 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).

Showcase Information

Price: $400*

• Please note: All shelves include lighting and cases will be locked.

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).

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 2020 or will be launched before July 2021.

*An invoice will be sent upon registering as well as an application link. However, if your showcase is not approved, we will issue a refund.

Here is our Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals showcase updated 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

• As you register for Southern Exposure, select Innovation Station as one of your sessions.
• Once you register, you’ll be sent an application link via email for your Innovation Station.
• Review the information below and submit your application by Monday, February 1, 2021. 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).
• Companies will be notified Friday, February 5, if the submission has been approved.

Price: $1499 (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 2020 or will be launched before July of 2021. (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. (Additional associates would 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.

*An invoice will be sent via email upon registering as well as an application link. However, if your Innovation Station is not approved, we will issue a refund.

Here is our Innovation Station updated with this year’s theme. Your company logo will appear within the face area of the desk as shown in the example below.  

Health & Safety Update

The past several months have been challenging for all of us.  We are all trying to navigate through these unparalleled circumstances and adapt to doing business during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. One thing is for certain: this world-health crisis has reconfirmed how important personal connections and exchanging ideas are for propelling this industry forward. We believe in the power of gathering together to share, inspire, and invigorate our community, and we are committed to being that resource in 2020 and beyond.

The SEPC's top priority is the health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors, and staff. As we continue to prepare for Southern Exposure, taking place at the Swan & Dolphin Resort in Orlando, FL, we want to assure you that we are following all guidelines set forth by the CDC, WHO, as well as state and local officials.

The SEPC is actively working to address the venue’s health and safety guidelines and develop an onsite preparedness plan. Here are some of those safety guidelines which will be implemented in April:

• Enhanced cleaning protocol: which include reinforced cleaning systems and the increased frequency of cleaning and sanitizing in all public areas.

• Social distancing protocol: installed health and hygiene reminders throughout the property, in addition to other protocols, to aid in reducing crowding.

• Provided PPE: the SEPC will be providing personal protective equipment onsite (Masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, exhibitor sanitization supplies). Everyone should wear a cloth face cover in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

• Sanitization stations: will be placed at key guest and employee entrances and contact areas such as reception areas, entrances, stairs, elevator, and escalator landings in public spaces.

We encourage you to review the Swan & Dolphin Commitment to Clean Policy as well as their Social Distancing Policy.

We are also proud of our partnership with AGS Expo Services as they are actively preparing for the return of their show management, exhibitor, and attendee partners with a new detailed plan around clean and safe event spaces.

To review the AGS Expo Services' Getting Back to Events Plan, please visit https://ags-expo.com/back2events/.

As with most factors during this crisis, this is a fluid situation, and we will provide further updates as they become available from the CDC, WHO, state and local officials. The SEPC would like to thank all those working diligently to help us relaunch the exhibitions business and making our world safe again overall.

As the premier resource for the produce industry, we look forward to bringing together our community and commerce.

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” within the "Post Registration" 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. We have about 2500 attendees and growing. 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. To be held at Savannah Convention Center in September 2021, 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 25, 2020: Final date to receive booth and sponsorship refund (this was extended through December 31, 2020)
  • December 4, 2020: Final date to submit exhibitor listing for conference directory and app
  • January 8, 2021: Final date to submit level sponsor ad for conference directory and app

• General Attendee Deadlines
  • February 8, 2021: Final date to reserve hotel within SEPC room block

• Retail/Foodservice Attendee Deadlines
  • February 8, 2021: Final date to request complimentary hotel and airfare through SEPC

• Registration Deadlines
  • February 8, 2021: Final date to receive refund for session registration

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 and additional associate fees and Saturday activities at Southern Innovations. This is provided as part of our sponsorship benefits.

1. You must still register for those agenda items during the registration process.
2. Select “Use Sponsor Credit” on the payment page.
3. We’ll manually deduct your credits and send an invoice if a balance is due.