Wednesday, March 6, 2024

• 12:00pm – 4:30pm: SEPC Board of Directors' Meeting (SEPC Board Members only; lunch included)
• 6:30pm – 9:30pm: VIP Dinner (by invitation only)

Thursday, March 7

• 8:00am – 5:00pm: LINKS (by invitation only from participating Retail/Foodservice members who facilitate the program with invited Growers and Shippers)
• 8:00am – 2:00pm: Tom Page Golf Classic (session purchase required)
  • Location: Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club
  • Schedule
    • 7:00 am: Shuttle departs to the golf course
    • 7:45 am - 8:45 am: Breakfast
    • 9:00 am - 2:00 pm: Tournament Play
    • 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Awards Luncheon
• 1:00pm – 5:00pm: SEPC Committee Meetings (SEPC Committee Members only)
• 1:00pm – 6:00pm: Registration Check-In
• 1:00pm – 6:00pm: Exhibitor Booth Setup (exhibitors only)
• 6:00pm – 9:30pm: Future Generations Celebration Dinner (by invitation only)

Friday, March 8

• 7:00am – 9:00pm: Registration Check-In
• 7:00am – 5:00pm: Exhibitor Booth Setup (exhibitors only)
  
• 7:00am – 8:00am: STARS Breakfast (by invitation only)
• 8:00am – 5:00pm: SEPC Committee Meetings (SEPC Committee Members only)
• 8:00am – 5:00pm: LINKS (by invitation only from participating Retail/Foodservice members who facilitate the program with invited Growers and Shippers)
• 8:30am – 9:45am: Educational Session I 
• 10:15am – 11:45am: Educational Session II: The Power of Produce 2024 
  • 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 – 2:00pm: SEPC Board of Governors' Meeting (SEPC Board of Governors only; lunch included)
• 12:30pm – 2:30pm: Southern Roots Luncheon (women in produce only, session purchase required)
• 3:00pm – 5:00pm: STARS Cocktails & Careers (reservation required)
• 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)
  • 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)
  • Join the hunt for fun at our Opening Gala! Don your camo gear and get ready to compete in our costume contest for a chance to win some serious cash!

Saturday, March 9

• 6:00am – 11:00am: Exhibitor Booth Setup (exhibitors only)
• 8:00am – 4:00pm: Registration Check-In
• 9:00am – 11:15pm: Keynote Brunch (session purchase required)
  • You don’t want to miss our Keynote Brunch with Celebrity Keynote Speaker Kurt Warner, former NFL quarterback. Stay informed with a State of the Council review while indulging in a delectable brunch.
• 11:30am – 6:00pm: Exposition
  
  • Featuring:
    • Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals showcase
    • Innovation Stations
    • Refreshment & Relaxation Stations
• 6:00pm - 8:00pm: Exhibitor Load-out
• 6:00pm – 10:00pm: Closing Reception (session purchase required)

Sunday, March 10

• 7:00am – 8:30am: Al Finch Memorial Prayer Breakfast
  • 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

Kurt Warner

Former NFL Quarterback

Arizona Cardinals

Kurt Warner's Bio

Southern Roots Speaker

Kristen Hadeed

Founder & CEO

Human Leadership Program

Kristen Hadeed's Bio

SEPC University Educational Session Speakers

To Be Announced Soon!

Please choose your registration type based on the following criteria:

Exhibitor: $2,995 with a minimum of Bronze Level Sponsorship (2024 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 $925 each.

Group: $4,000

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

General Attendee: $1,200

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. Any additional registrations will be charged the general attendee fee.

Press*: Complimentary (trade out agreement required)

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

Charitable Organizations*: Complimentary (trade out agreement required)

Employees from charitable organizations, food banks, etc. will be extended up to two (2) complimentary passes to the expo. Ticketed events do not apply. Attendees must contact David Sherrod (dsherrod@seproducecouncil.com) prior to registering.

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.

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 February 2, 2024. Any hotel room cancellations after this date will result in a charge of one night's stay.

Convention Center Information

Tampa Convention Center
333 South Franklin Street
Tampa, FL 33602

A recipient of the prestigious Meetings & Conventions Hall of Fame Award, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is a nationally respected and recognized leader in the convention resort arena. Ideally located in the heart of Walt Disney World, the resort offers 2,270 redesigned guest rooms and over 333,000 square feet of meeting space. Features consist of 87 meeting rooms, including two executive boardrooms, four ballroom options, 110,500 square feet of contiguous convention/exhibit space, outdoor function areas, two business centers, and the exclusive Disney Difference. Groups also enjoy luxurious guest rooms featuring the Westin Heavenly Bed & Heavenly Bath, 18 award-winning restaurants and lounges including Todd English's bluezoo, the famed Il Mulino New York Trattoria, and Shula's Steak House, the Balinese-inspired Mandara Spa, and lobbies with an urban contemporary feel, five outdoor pools, white sand beach, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf and many special Disney benefits, including complimentary transportation to all Walt Disney World theme parks and attractions, Extra Magic Hours, FASTPASS+ benefit, and more! Planners and receive Marriott Rewarding Event points for each meeting or event hosted at the hotel and guests receive Marriott Bonvoy points redeemable at over 5000 hotels worldwide.

Hotel Information

Locations To Be Announced Soon

Attendee Room Rate - TBA

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 7, 2024 – 1:00pm – 6:00pm
• Friday, March 8, 2024 – 7:00am – 5:00pm
• Saturday, March 9, 2024 – 6:00am – 11:00am

Exhibition Hours:

• Saturday, March 9, 2024 – 11:30am – 6:00pm

Exhibitor Move-Out:

• Saturday, March 9, 2024 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm

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

Sampling Guidelines:

• Samples will be allowed as they have in the past (max 3oz portions) but with the recommended additional safety of prepackaged/covered containers.
• Wearing personal protective equipment during prep and distribution is also highly recommended.

Exhibitor Toolkit

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

Booth Decorating Contest

Booth decorating contest theme to be announced soon! 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

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*

• 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.

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

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!

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 on 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)*

SUBMIT INNOVATION STATION APPLICATION

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!

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

REQUEST LINKS MEETING @ SOUTHERN EXPOSURE 2024

*LINKS Meeting Reservations must be submitted/approved through SEPC. If you would like to request a LINKS meeting within the SEPC Virtual Garden, outside of Southern Exposure or Southern Innovations, contact Anna Burch (anna@seproducecouncil.com).

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 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, 2023: Final date to receive booth refund. 

• General Attendee Deadlines
  • February 2, 2024: 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
  • February 2, 2024: 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 9, 2024: Final date to receive refund for conference and session registration (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 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.