When
September 21 – 25, 2027
Where
Orlando World Center Marriott
8701 World Center Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
Current membership status is required to participate in all SEPC programs and events.
Southern Innovations Agenda
Tuesday, September 21, 2027
- 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 22
- 6:30am – 2:00pm: Founders Memorial Golf Tournament
- 7:00am – 1:30pm: Martin Eubanks Sporting Clays Classic
- 8:00am – 5:00pm: 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
- 9:30am – 2:00pm: STEP-UPP Team Building Experience (STEP-UPP Retail & Foodservice participants only)
- 1:00pm – 7:00pm: Attendee Check-In & Badge Pickup
- Member Services Desk Hours:
- Wednesday, September 22: 1:00 PM - 5:30 PM
- Thursday, September 23: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Friday, September 24: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Member Services Desk Hours:
- 1:00pm – 6:00pm: Exhibitor Booth Setup (exhibitors and showcase participants only)
- 6:00pm – 9:00pm: Welcome Reception
Thursday, September 23
- 7:30am – 7:00pm: Attendee Check-In & Badge Pickup
- Member Services Desk Hours:
- Wednesday, September 22: 1:00 PM - 5:30 PM
- Thursday, September 23: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Friday, September 24: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Member Services Desk Hours:
- 7:30am – 5:00pm: Exhibitor Booth Setup (exhibitors and showcase participants only)
- 8:30am – 10:00am: SEPC University Educational Session - What's New?
- 10:15am – 11:30am: SEPC University Educational Session - The Future of Produce
- 12:00pm – 2:00pm: Southern Roots Luncheon
- 12:00pm – 2:00pm: Good Seeds MENtor Program
- 2:00pm – 4:00pm: SEPC Board of Governors’ Meeting (SEPC Board of Governors only)
- 2:00pm – 5:00pm: SEPC Committee Meetings (SEPC Committee Members only)
- 6:00pm – 9:30pm: Chairman's Dinner Dance
Friday, September 24
- 6:00am – 9:00am: Exhibitor Booth Setup (exhibitors and showcase participants only)
- 8:00am – 4:00pm: Attendee Check-In & Badge Pickup
- Member Services Desk Hours:
- Wednesday, September 22: 1:00 PM - 5:30 PM
- Thursday, September 23: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Friday, September 24: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Member Services Desk Hours:
- 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.
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- 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 25
- 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.
Registration Types for 2026 - Subject to Change for 2027
Please select your registration type based on the following criteria:
Catch our Early Bird Pricing by September 3rd*
Exhibitor Booth: $4,050
- Select this option to reserve your exhibit booth for the event.
- Once your booth reservation is completed, you will receive a confirmation email that includes a unique Exhibitor Access Code. This code is required to register your booth staff (booth associates).
- Please note: This selection is for booth reservation only and does not register individual attendees (booth associates).
- Exhibitors will receive four (4) complimentary booth associate registrations.
- Additional Booth Associates: $1225 each until 9/3 | $1,375 after 9/3
General Attendee Individual (Non-Exhibitor): $1,575 until 9/3 | $1,675 after 9/3
- This registration is for one (1) individual attendee who is NOT exhibiting.
- Intended for growers, shippers, packers, processors, brokers, logistics providers, importers, exporters, and other industry professionals.
- Exhibitors must register through the Exhibitor Booth registration first to receive the access code to booth associate registration.
General Attendee Group 4+ (Non-Exhibitor): $5,375 until 9/3 | $5,900 after 9/3
- This registration is for companies registering 4+ attendees who are NOT exhibiting.
- Intended for growers, shippers, packers, processors, brokers, logistics providers, importers, exporters, and other industry professionals.
- Exhibitors must register through the Exhibitor Booth registration first to receive the access code to booth associate registration.
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*: 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 for 2026 - Subject to Change for 2027
Catch our Early Bird Pricing by September 3rd*
Exhibitor: $4,050
- Exhibitors will receive four (4) complimentary booth associate registrations.
- Additional Booth Associates: $1225 each until 9/3 | $1,375 after 9/3
General Attendee: $1,575 until 9/3 | $1,675 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: $5,375 until 9/3 | $5,900 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
Keynote Luncheon: $150 until 9/3 | $175 after 9/3
Good Seeds & Southern Roots Working Genius Workshop: $50 until 9/3 | $75 after 9/3
Chairman's Dinner Dance: $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.
Hotel & Convention Center Information
Orlando World Center Marriott
8701 World Center Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
Gather together at this stunning 200-acre Orlando resort, where our attendees can connect in over 500,000 square feet of flexible event spaces indoors and out.
Experience the magic at Orlando World Center Marriott, the best waterpark hotel in Orlando, near Walt Disney World®. Splash into our Orlando, Florida, hotel's water wonderland, which includes 7 thrilling water slides, a 575-foot lazy river, poolside cabanas and more! Play 18 holes on our championship golf course and rejuvenate in our Orlando resort spa. Treat your palate in the 10 dining outlets of our hotel in Central Florida, including world-class Italian cuisine and Mikado Japanese Steakhouse. Find it all during your stay in our hotel in Orlando, FL, along with shuttle service to nearby Walt Disney World and Disney Springs, included in the resort fee.
Reserve Your Hotel Room for Southern Innovations 2027!
We've partnered with Orlando World Center Marriott 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 via your registration confirmation email. The final date to book a hotel room or make a request is TBA. Any hotel room cancellations after this date will result in a charge of one night's stay from SEPC.
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 for 2026 - Subject to Change for 2027
Exhibit space is first come, first served. Select "Exhibitor" as your registration type when registering to claim your booth space today!
Exhibitor Fees: $4,050
- Exhibitors will receive four complimentary booth associate registrations.
- Additional Booth Associates: $1225 each until 9/3 | $1,375 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 22, 2027 - 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Thursday, September 23, 2027 - 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday, September 24, 2027 - 6:00 am - 9:00 am
- Member Services Desk Hours:
- Wednesday, September 22: 1:00 PM - 5:30 PM
- Thursday, September 23: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Friday, September 24: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Exhibition Hours:
- Friday, September 24, 2027 - 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Exposition Pre-Entry (Retail & Foodservice Attendees early access to Gold & Silver Level Exhibitors)
- Friday, September 24, 2027 - 12:00 pm - 5:30 pm
- Exposition
Exhibitor Move-Out:
- Friday, September 24, 2027 - 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
**Exhibitors MUST NOT begin to break down booths until 5:30 pm on Friday!**
Sampling Guidelines:
- Sampling Requests must be submitted and reviewed by OWCM management
Exhibitor Toolkit
Through our valued partnership with AGS Expo Services, the exhibitor toolkit information will be available soon!
Exhibitor Tasks
Upload Exhibitor Information
- Company Logo & Description:
- A description of your company and your logo will be included in the printed conference directory, conference app, and conference signage.
- Deadline: TBA
- Certificate of Insurance:
- Per our insurance carrier, it is mandatory that all exhibitors provide a Certificate of Insurance, naming us as an additional insured. This is crucial to ensure that you and we are both protected in the event of any incidents during the show. Failure to provide this certificate could result in denied coverage if a loss occurs and you are named in a suit.
- Please ensure that your Certificate of Insurance meets the below requirements.
- Coverage Type: Special Event Liability
- Carrier: U.S. Specialty Insurance Company
- Named Insured: Southeast Produce Council, Inc.
- Mailing Address: 242 N Masonic Street, Millen, GA 30442
- Event Name: Southern Innovation 2026
- Event dates: - 9/21/2027-9/25/2027
- Policy Period: 9/21/2027 at 12:01 AM - 9/25/2027 at 12:01 AM
- Each Occurrence Limit: $1,000,000.00+
- Deadline: TBA
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.
Wall of Innovation with last year's theme
Exclusive Price: TBA
- 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 TBA*. 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: TBA
*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, 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?
- TBA: Submission deadline for the following:
- Exhibitor Company Logo & Description
- Gold & Silver Level Sponsor Directory Ad
- TBA: Final date to receive refund for Exhibitor Booth and Wall of Innovations showcase.
- TBA: Submission deadline for Wall of Innovations Product Information
- TBA: Submission deadline for Exhibitor Certificate of Insurance
- TBA: 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.
- TBA: Final date for retail or foodservice attendees to request complimentary hotel and airfare through SEPC registration.
- TBA: Final date for all attendees to receive refund for conference and session registration (does not include exhibitor booth or Wall of Innovation fees).
- TBA: Final date checks will be processed in the SEPC office. We no longer accept proof of mailed checks as a valid payment method. Additionally, ACH payments must be posted to the SEPC account by TBA. If payment is not received by this date, any outstanding balance must be paid via credit card during registration check-in hours onsite or online through the attendee's registration, before badges will be issued.
- TBA: Final date to receive early bird pricing. Registration and payment must be completed in full by TBA. 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.
2026 RECAP VIDEO
2026 Southern Innovations, Nashville, TN
Chairman's Dinner Dance - An Evening of Stars, Stripes, & Spirit