Get Ready to Discover What’s Next in Fresh Produce!
Join us for our annual tradeshow and conference, where the future of fresh produce comes to life. From organic innovations and game-changing product launches to cutting-edge technologies and bold brand strategies, this is your front-row seat to the freshest ideas shaping our industry.
Hear from influential industry leaders in curated educational sessions designed to give you the insights, tools, and strategies you need to stay ahead in a fast-moving marketplace. Whether you’re looking to boost your brand, sharpen your competitive edge, or explore the trends transforming fresh produce, you’ll find the inspiration—and information—you need right here.
And of course, experience the genuine Southern hospitality we’re known for. Reconnect with peers, make new connections, and celebrate the spirit of innovation in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow, connect, and lead the future of fresh.
When
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 – Saturday, September 12, 2026
Where
Music City Center
201 Rp. John Lewis Way South
Nashville, TN 37203
Current membership status is required to participate in all SEPC programs and events.
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.
- Tournament Schedule:
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.
- Tournament Schedule:
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
- Tournament Schedule:
- 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
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
- 10:15am – 11:15am: SEPC University Educational Session - The Future of Produce
- Guest Speaker: Mike Lee
- 12:00pm – 2:00pm: Good Seeds & Southern Roots Keynote Luncheon
- 2:30pm – 3:30pm: Good Seeds & Southern Roots Working Genius Workshop
- 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
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.
- As you navigate the floor and connect with industry-leading exhibitors, be sure to experience our curated show floor features:
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.
Please select your registration type based on the following criteria:
Catch our Early Bird Pricing by September 3rd*
Exhibitor: $3,995
- Exhibitors will receive four (4) complimentary booth associate registrations.
- Additional Booth Associates: $1200 each until 9/3 | $1,350 after 9/3
General Attendee: $1,550 until 9/3 | $1,650 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: $5,275 until 9/3 | $5,800 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: $3,995
- Exhibitors will receive four (4) complimentary booth associate registrations.
- Additional Booth Associates: $1200 each until 9/3 | $1,350 after 9/3
General Attendee: $1,550 until 9/3 | $1,650 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: $5,275 until 9/3 | $5,800 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
Southern Roots Women's Luncheon: $150 until 9/3 | $175 after 9/3
Good Seeds MENtor Program: $150 until 9/3 | $175 after 9/3
Chairman's Dinner Dance: $150 until 9/3 | $175 after 9/3
Keynote Brunch: $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.
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: $3,995
- Exhibitors will receive four complimentary booth associate registrations.
- Additional Booth Associates: $1200 each until 9/3 | $1,350 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 6:00 pm on Friday!**
Cooking Guidelines:
- Coming Soon
Sampling Guidelines:
- Coming Soon
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
- Already registered?
- How to modify registration to add/edit sessions on agenda:
- From the registration website, select "Already Registered?"
- Enter the email address and confirmation number of the person who needs modifications.
- Select the "Modify Registration" button at the bottom of the page.
- Click "Next" until on the "Sessions" page.
- Make appropriate modifications.
- Be sure to select "Next" and "Finish" at the end to ensure changes are saved.
- How to modify registration to add/edit sessions on agenda:
*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
Right click on the image you wish to save
Conference Logo
Stay tuned for more!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I view the Attendee List?
- To access the attendee list, log in to your registration account and 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 10, 2026: Final date to receive refund for Exhibitor Booth and Wall of Innovations showcase.
- 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 for ACH payments to be posted to the SEPC account. Only payments via credit card will be accepted after this date.
- 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 RECAP VIDEO