Hear Ye, Hear Ye!
Prepare to embark upon a grand exploration of the freshest innovations within our industry, as we unveil a regal array of new products and cutting-edge technologies to elevate the marketplace. Join us at our esteemed annual tradeshow and conference, where we shall showcase the latest breakthroughs in the realm of fresh produce—spanning organics, groundbreaking product developments, forward-thinking technologies, and pioneering brand strategies.
Be enlightened by distinguished industry leaders during our educational sessions, tailored to help you ascend within an ever-competitive landscape. Gain invaluable, data-driven insights that will empower you to strengthen your brand and elevate your business to new heights. And, as is our tradition, indulge in the warm embrace of Southern hospitality as you mingle with peers and colleagues, fostering connections in an atmosphere of camaraderie and innovation.
When
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 – Saturday, September 13, 2025
Where
Charlotte Convention Center
501 S College St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
(Current membership status is required to participate in all SEPC programs and events.
Select “Already Registered” within the registration site to modify your registration – add booth associates, sessions, guests, etc. – and to view the attendee list)
*Our detailed agenda can be viewed within the registration site
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
- 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 10
- 7:30am – 3:00pm: Founders Memorial Golf Tournament
- 7:00am – 2:30pm: Martin Eubanks Sporting Clays Classic
- 8:00am – 1:00pm: Pickleball Tournament
- 8:00am – 3:00pm: Local Tour
- 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)
- 9:30am – 3:30pm: STEP-UPP Team Building Experience (STEP-UPP participants only)
- 3:00pm – 8:00pm: Attendee Check-In & Badge Pickup
- 3:00pm – 6:00pm: Exhibitor Booth Setup (exhibitors and showcase participants only)
- 6:30pm – 9:30pm: Welcome Reception
Thursday, September 11
- 7:30am – 8:00pm: Attendee Check-In & Badge Pickup
- 7:30am – 5:00pm: Exhibitor Booth Setup (exhibitors and showcase participants only)
- 8:00am – 9:15am: SEPC University Educational Session - Sustainability
- 9:45am – 11:00am: SEPC University Educational Session - What's New?
- 11:30am – 1:30pm: Southern Roots Women's Luncheon (women in produce only)
- 11:30am – 1:30pm: Good Seeds MENtor Program
- 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 12
- 6:00am – 11:00am: Exhibitor Booth Setup (exhibitors and showcase participants only)
- 8:00am – 4:00pm: Attendee Check-In & Badge Pickup
- 9:00am – 10:30am: Keynote Brunch
- 11:00am – 12:00pm: Exposition Pre-Entry (Retail & Foodservice Attendees early access to Gold & Silver Level Exhibitors)
- 12:00pm – 6:30pm: Exposition
- Featuring: Wall of Innovations Showcase
- 6:30pm – 8:30pm: Exhibitor Load-out
Saturday, September 13
- 7:30am – 9:00am: Al Finch Memorial Prayer Breakfast
Charlotte Convention Center
501 South College Street
Charlotte, NC 28202 USA
Conveniently located in Uptown Charlotte just 7 miles from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the Charlotte Convention Center is the city’s premier meeting and convention space. The 600,000-square-foot Charlotte Convention Center is located across the street from the 700-room Westin Hotel and is also connected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame via an overstreet walkway. The facility offers a full-service, in-house food and beverage department, visitor info services, a UPS Store, a preferred in-house A/V provider with complete inventory of equipment and professional technicians, and more.
Reserve Your Hotel Room for Southern Innovations 2025!
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 8, 2025.
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!
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 10, 2025 - 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday, September 12, 2025 - 6:00 am - 11:00 am
Exhibition Hours:
- Friday, September 12, 2025 - 11:30 am - 6:00 pm
Exhibitor Move-Out:
- Friday, September 12, 2025 - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
**Exhibitors MUST NOT begin to break down booths until 6:00 pm on Friday!**
Sampling Guidelines:
- Please submit the Sample Distribution Request Form to the Charlotte Convention Center Director of Food and Beverage no later than two weeks prior to the event for approval.
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 [email protected] will provide access to your online hub and exhibitor kit.
Feature Your Newest Products Along Our Wall of Innovations!
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 11th*. 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 11th
- 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.
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 "Post Registration" dropdown menu. 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 11, 2025: Final date to receive refund for exhibitor booth and Wall of Innovations showcase.
- August 1, 2025: 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 8, 2025: Final date for retail or foodservice attendees to request complimentary hotel and airfare through SEPC registration.
- August 15, 2025: Final date for all attendees to receive refund for conference and session registration (does not include exhibitor booth or Wall of Innovation fees).
- August 29, 2025: Final date to receive checks in the SEPC office
- September 5, 2025: Final date for ACH payments to be posted to the SEPC account. Only payments via credit card will be accepted after this date.
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:
- From the registration website, select "Already Registered?"
- Enter your email address and confirmation number.
- Select "Modify Registration" at the bottom of the confirmation page.
- Navigate to the "Sessions" page and make changes.
- Click "Next" and "Submit" to save your updates.
How to transfer my registration:
- From the registration website, select "Already Registered?"
- Enter your email address and confirmation number.
- Select "Transfer Registration" at the bottom of the confirmation page.
- Follow the prompts to input the new registrant's information.
- Click "Next" and "Submit" to save your updates.
How to register booth associates:
- From the registration website, select "Already Registered?" to log in to the group leader's registration using their email address and confirmation number.
- Select "Add Booth Associate" near the bottom of the confirmation page.
- Follow the prompts to add and save the new registrant(s).
How to register your spouse:
- From the registration website, select "Already Registered?"
- Enter your email address and confirmation number.
- Select "Modify Registration" at the bottom of the confirmation page.
- At the bottom of the "Personal Information" page, select "Register a Spouse".
- Follow the prompts to input your spouse's information, making sure to select "Sessions" for them as well.
- Click "Next" and "Submit" to save your updates.
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 [email protected] to have your credits applied. If any balance remains, you’ll receive an invoice.
2024 RECAP VIDEO
2024 Southern Innovations, Nashville, TN
Recap Video