Race to discover “What’s New?” within our industry as we springboard new product items and technologies into the marketplace. Join us for our annual tradeshow and conference focused on highlighting the latest innovations within the fresh produce industry, from organics and new product developments to technology and unique brand approaches.
We’re going green for produce fans by providing educational sessions led by industry leaders to complement our tradeshow, offering an opportunity to hear how to elevate your brand in an increasingly competitive field and receive valuable fact-based data to boost your business to the finish line. And as always, you’ll be able to sample a taste of true Southern hospitality as you fellowship with friends and colleagues.
Boogity, Boogity, Boogity – Let’s Register for Southern Innovations!
When
Thursday, September 14, 2023 – Saturday, September 16, 2023
Where
Charlotte Convention Center
501 South College Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
(Select “Already Registered” below to modify your registration – add booth associates, sessions, guests, etc. – and to view the attendee list)
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
- 12:00pm – 4:00pm: SEPC Board of Directors’ Meeting (SEPC BOD only)
- Location: Charlotte Convention Center E216 A-D
- 6:30pm – 9:30pm: VIP Dinner (Valued in Produce; by invitation only)
- Location: NASCAR Hall of Fame
Thursday, September 14
- 7:30am – 5:00pm: Registration
- Location: Charlotte Convention Center (CCC) Concourse C
- 7:30am – 5:00pm: Exhibitor Booth Setup (exhibitors only)
- Location: CCC Hall C
- 8:00am – 5:00pm: SEPC Committee Meetings (SEPC Committee Members only)
- Location: CCC E221 A&B
- 9:00am – 3:00pm: STEP-UPP Team Building Experience (STEP-UPP only)
- 12:00pm – 4:00pm: SEPC Board of Governors’ Meeting (SEPC BOG only)
- Location: CCC W202
- 11:00am – 5:00pm: SEPC LINKS Meetings (by invitation only from participating Retail/Foodservice members who facilitate the program with invited Growers and Shippers)
- 2:00pm – 4:00pm: Southern Roots Reception (women in produce only)
- Location: JW Marriott Ballroom Salons A+B
- 6:30pm – 9:30pm: Welcome Reception
- Location: CCC Richardson Ballroom & Terrace
Friday, September 15
- 7:30am – 12:00pm: Exhibitor Booth Setup (exhibitors only)
- Location: CCC Hall C
- 7:30am – 5:00pm: Registration
- Location: CCC Concourse C
- 8:00am – 11:00am: SEPC LINKS Meetings (by invitation only from participating Retail/Foodservice members who facilitate the program with invited Growers and Shippers)
- 8:00am – 5:00pm: SEPC Committee Meetings (SEPC Committee Members only)
- Location: CCC E221 A&B
- 8:30am – 9:30am: Educational Session I
- Location: CCC E220 A-F
- 9:45am – 10:45am: Educational Session II
- Location: CCC E220 A-F
- 11:00am – 12:30pm: General Session & Keynote Luncheon
- Location: CCC Crown Ballroom
- 1:00pm – 5:00pm: Exposition
- Location: CCC Hall C
- 5:00pm – 7:00pm: Exhibitor Load-out
- Location: CCC Hall C
- 6:30pm – 10:00pm: Chairman’s Dinner Dance
- Location: CCC Crown Ballroom
Saturday, September 16
- 7:00am – 2:30pm: Founders Memorial Golf Tournament
- Location: Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation
- Schedule:
- 6:45am: Shuttle Departure
- 7:00am – 8:00am: Breakfast
- 8:00am – 1:00pm: Tournament Play
- 1:00pm – 2:30pm: Awards Luncheon
- 8:00am – 2:30pm: Martin Eubanks Sporting Clays Classic
- Location: Hyatt Shooting Complex
- Schedule:
- 8:00am: Shuttle Departure (grab-n-go breakfast provided)
- 9:00am – 1:00pm: Tournament Play
- 1:00pm – 2:30pm: Awards Luncheon
- 8:00am – 3:00pm: Local Tour
- Location: Queen City Tour + Charlotte Motor Speedway "Feel the Thrill" Tour
- Schedule:
- 8:00am: Shuttle Departure
- 8:00am – 9:30pm: Queen City Tour
- 9:30am – 2:30pm: Charlotte Motor Speedway "Feel the Thrill" Tour w/ lunch on location at The Speedway Club
- 3:00pm: Return
- 3:00pm – 10:00pm: Ultimate Tailgate Experience
- Location: CCC Richardson Ballroom & Terrace
Sunday, September 17
- 7:00am – 8:30am: Al Finch Memorial Prayer Breakfast
- Location: CCC E222
Please choose your registration type based on the following criteria:
Exhibitor: $2,995
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.
General Attendee: $1050
Only registration for one person. This route is for growers, shippers, packers, processors, etc.
Spouse: $250
Only registration for one person. This includes access to the following: Welcome Reception, General Session & Keynote Luncheon, Chairman's Dinner Dance, and Ultimate Tailgate Experience. Also, a choice of one (1) Saturday activity (additional fees apply). To keep traffic to a minimum, spouses are not allowed access to the expo floor until the last hour.
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 August 18, 2023.
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 subscription 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 August 18, 2023.
Wholesale, Jobber, and Receiver*: 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.
Air travel and lodging not included.
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 PMA, OPN, United Fresh, etc.) must contact David Sherrod (dsherrod@seproducecouncil.com) to negotiate trade out agreements.
VIP*: Complimentary
Registration reserved for Lifetime Achievement 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. Please email Molly Edenfield to make a request.
*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!
Charlotte Convention Center
Hotel Information
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 August 18, 2023.
JW Marriott Charlotte
Find the perfect blend of luxury service and prime location at JW Marriott Charlotte. Situated in downtown, across the street from the Charlotte Convention Center, our luxury hotel provides all you need to explore the very best the city has to offer. The hotel sits near favorite local attractions, to include; the Nascar Hall of Fame, Bank of America Stadium, thrilling nightlife and shopping options, and in the heart of Charlotte's financial district. Hotel guests enjoy luxurious well-appointed rooms with upscale amenities, a 24-hour fitness center, rooftop bar & pool, Spa by JW, and authentic restaurant dining reflecting local culinary favorites. Flexible meeting & event space provides an impressive setting for hosting business meetings, private gatherings or weddings. Our urban retreat connects the place, the people, and the community.
The Westin Charlotte
Relax and refresh your mind, body and spirit at the Westin Charlotte. Our hotel benefits from an ideal location in the city's Uptown district, steps from the Charlotte Convention Center and Bank of America Stadium. Whether you're here for business or on vacation, you'll feel at ease in 4-star rooms and suites with wellness-enhancing amenities including our Westin Heavenly® Bed and Heavenly® Bath, as well as high-speed Wi-Fi, desks with ergonomic chairs and 24-hour room service. Maintain your health during your downtown visit at the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, then follow your workout with a delicious meal at JP Charlotte, one of our signature hotel restaurants. Start your morning routine at SoCo Café, serving Starbucks® coffee, or sip a drink at SoCo Bar after the sunsets. Our hotel is a premier destination for meetings and events with modern technology and healthy, delicious catering. For those wishing to explore, our uptown Charlotte, NC, hotel places many popular attractions moments away.
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.
General Session & Keynote Speaker
Darrell Waltrip
Darrell Waltrip is a three-time NASCAR premier series champion. Waltrip won all three alongside legendary driver and owner Junior Johnson. He is tied with Bobby Allison for fourth all-time in series victories with 84.
Waltrip's 59 poles rank fifth all-time in NASCAR premier series history. He competed from 1972-2000, another highlight being his 1989 Daytona 500 victory in a Rick Hendrick-owned Chevrolet.
Waltrip’s first series title came in 1981, when he finished with 12 wins and 21 top fives in 31 races. He won the title by 53 points over Bobby Allison. In his second championship season, 1982, he finished with 12 wins and 20 top 10's in 30 races, sweeping both races at four tracks (Nashville, Bristol, Talladega and North Wilkesboro). In his third championship season, 1985, Waltrip finished with three wins and 21 top 10's in 28 races.
Waltrip and his wife, Stevie, reside in Franklin, TN. He was nicknamed “Jaws” during his career because of an outspoken demeanor. He's served as a long-time commentator on FOX’s NASCAR broadcast until his retirement from the booth in 2019. Waltrip was named one of NASCAR’s “50 Greatest Drivers” in 1998 and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2012.
Southern Roots Reception Speaker & Keynote Moderator
Shannon Spake
Veteran sports broadcaster Shannon Spake joined FOX Sports in July 2016 as a three-sport star, covering NASCAR, college football, college basketball and NFL. In 2019, she was named host of FOX NASCAR’s race coverage, handling all anchor duties for NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series races and prerace shows live from FOX Sports’ state-of-the-art virtual studio set in Charlotte, N.C.
Spake also co-hosts NASCAR RACE HUB, FS1’s daily NASCAR news and highlights program, alongside Adam Alexander, in a role she has held since February 2017. For the 2022 NFL season, she serves as a FOX NFL reporter for her sixth season, teaming with play-by-play announcer Kenny Albert and analyst Jonathan Vilma after working with Adam Amin and Mark Schlereth in 2021. She has been a fulltime NFL reporter since the 2018 season.
Spake’s move to FOX after several years with ESPN represented a “homecoming” for the reporter, who worked for FOX Sports’ SPEED early in her TV career. Beginning in 2005, she reported for SPEED’s “NASCAR Nation,” co-hosted “Backseat Drivers” and reported from the NASCAR garage during the network’s coverage of the 2006 Daytona SpeedWeeks.
In 2017, she had a cameo role in Disney Pixar’s hit movie, “Cars 3,” starring as Shannon Spokes.
Spake was raised in South Florida and graduated from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) with a bachelor’s degree in communications. Despite being diagnosed with scoliosis as a child and undergoing back surgery at 13 that involved the insertion of rods, Spake swam competitively through high school and college. She earned a swimming scholarship to Broward College before transferring to FAU to complete her degree.
She currently resides in Charlotte and is the mother to identical twin boys. Spake is active in the endurance racing community. In addition to being a four-time marathon finisher, she has competed in seven 70.3 Ironman events and, in 2018, became part of the IRONMAN Foundation Ambassador program and has raised close to $60,000 for the Foundation.
Exhibitor Information
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:
- Thursday, September 14, 2023 – 7:30am – 5:00pm
- Friday, September 15, 2023 – 7:30am – 12:00pm
Exhibition Hours:
- Friday, September 15, 2023 – 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Exhibitor Load-out:
- Friday, September 15, 2023 – 5:00pm – 7:00pm
**Exhibitors MUST NOT begin to break down booths until 5:00 pm on Friday!**
Food and Beverage Sample Distribution Requests
- The following constitutes a sample distribution request used for the sole purpose of distributing sample food and/or beverage to exhibit attendees.
- The following information must be completed and submitted no later than two weeks prior to the event for approval.
- Please submit the Food and Beverage Sample Distribution Request Form to:
- Director of Food and Beverage, Charlotte Convention Center, 501 South College Street, Charlotte, NC 28202; (704)339-6051 - fax
- Please submit the Food and Beverage Sample Distribution Request Form to:
- The following information must be completed and submitted 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 after booth locations are announced!
Highlight your newest products along our What's New? Wall of Innovation!
(display to be updated w/ this year's theme)
Exclusive Price: $250
- Case Dimensions: 19" wide x 25" deep x 14" high
- All shelves include lighting and cases will be locked
- Space is limited to one (1) case per company
- Purchase your showcase by July 14, 2023. Cases are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited.
- How to purchase: As you register for Southern Innovations, select What's New? Wall of Innovation 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.
- 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.
- Already registered?
Southern Innovations Digital Toolkit
Right click on the image you wish to save
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)
- A/V options
REQUEST LINKS MEETING @ SOUTHERN INNOVATIONS 2023
*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 Innovations?
- Southern Innovations is our fall show that has an innovations focus. Held in September, 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.
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.
What are the deadlines for this conference?
- Exhibitor Deadlines
- July 15, 2023: Final date to receive booth refund
- General Attendee Deadlines
- August 18, 2023: Final date to reserve hotel within SEPC room block
- Retail/Foodservice Attendee Deadlines
- August 18, 2023: Final date to request complimentary hotel and airfare through SEPC
- Registration Deadlines
- August 18, 2023: 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:
- 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 substitute attendees with another registrant:
- From the registration website, select "Already Registered?"
- Enter the email address and confirmation number of the person who needs modifications.
- Select the "Transfer Registration" button at the bottom of the page.
- Follow the prompts to input the new registrant's information.
How to add/edit group members:
- From the registration website, select "Already Registered?".
- Enter the email address and confirmation number of the primary registrant.
- Select the "Add Group Member" button at the bottom of the page.
- Follow the prompts until the end to finish adding the group member and ensure their registration is saved.
How to add guests:
- 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 "Add Spouse" page.
- Follow the prompts to input the spouse's information.
- 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.
- You must still register for those agenda items during the registration process.
- Select “Use Sponsor Credit” on the payment page.
- We’ll manually deduct your credits and send an invoice if a balance is due.
2022 RECAP VIDEO