Southeast Produce Council

Southern Exposure 2029
2029-03-05 - 2029-03-09 | Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin Street, Tampa, 33602, United States
Monday, March 5, 2029 – Friday, March 9, 2029

Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin Street Tampa, FL 33602

Southern Innovations 2028
2028-09-12 - 2028-09-16 | Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S College St., Charlotte, NC, 28202, United States
Tuesday, September 12, 2028 – Saturday, September 16, 2028

Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S College St. Charlotte, NC 28202

Southern Exposure 2028
2028-03-06 - 2028-03-10 | Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin Street, Tampa, 33602, United States
Monday, March 6, 2028 – Friday, March 10, 2028

Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin Street Tampa, FL 33602

Southern Innovations 2027
2027-09-21 - 2027-09-25 | Orlando World Center Marriott, 8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL, 32821, United States
Tuesday, September 21, 2027 – Saturday, September 25, 2027

Orlando World Center Marriott, 8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 USA

Southern Exposure 2027
2027-03-04 - 2027-03-07 | Orlando World Center Marriott, 8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL, 32821, United States
Thursday, March 4, 2027 – Sunday, March 7, 2027

Orlando World Center Marriott, 8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 USA

SEPC Office Closed
2026-12-24 - 2026-12-25
Our office will be closed December 24th & 25th to celebrate Christmas.

SEPC Office Closed
2026-11-26 - 2026-11-27
Our office will be closed November 26th & 27th in observance of Thanksgiving.

Vorhees Vision Scholarship Opens
2026-11-23
The Vorhees Vision Scholarship was created to reward the achievements of young individuals who demonstrate a true entrepreneurial spirit in their lives as they pursue their educational goals. This scholarship is named in honor of the late Terry L. Vorhees, founder and first Executive Director of the Southeast Produce Council. Because of his vision and efforts, the Southeast Produce Council became and remains one of the best resources in the produce industry today.

Details
One college-aged student (graduating high school senior or current college student) will receive a one-time scholarship of $10,000 to their enrolling college/university. The 2nd place recipient will receive $1,500, and the 3rd place recipient will receive $1,000.
The application can only be submitted online through our link which will be provided beginning November 23, 2026. The application deadline is January 8, 2027 at 5pm EST.

SEPC Sustainability Webinar Series: GHG Emissions
2026-10-28 13:00 - 14:00 UTC
A deeper look at greenhouse gas emissions, with a focus on carbon measurement, reduction strategies, and available tools.
Registration 🔗https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QUH2-vCpToqyvZh_sIItWQ#/registration

Southern Innovations 2026
2026-09-09 - 2026-09-12 | Music City Center, 201 Fifth Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37203-3724, United States
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 – Saturday, September 12, 2026

Music City Center, 201 Fifth Avenue South Nashville, TN 37203-3724

SEPC Office Closed
2026-09-07
Our office will be closed on Monday, September 7th, in observance of Labor Day.

SEPC Sustainability Webinar Series: Regenerative & Climate-Smart Agriculture
2026-07-29 12:00 - 13:00
An overview of regenerative agriculture and climate-smart ag practices, including how these approaches support long-term resilience and environmental stewardship, along with the economic considerations associated with their adoption.
Registration 🔗 https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_46JtiSX-RwiCV5fjlfLk8g#/registration

SEPC Summer Board Meeting
2026-07-20 - 2026-07-22

The Unseen Hero Award Nomination Deadline
2026-07-17
If you know someone whose dedication, hard work, and contributions deserve to be recognized, we encourage you to submit a nomination.
Award Criteria:
Nominees should exemplify:

Dedication & Commitment – A strong work ethic and long-term contributions to their role.
Impact & Influence – Significant contributions that improve their company, team, or the industry.
Leadership & Initiative – Going above and beyond their responsibilities.
Collaboration & Teamwork – Supporting colleagues and fostering a positive work environment.
Integrity & Values – Embodying the core values of SEPC and the produce industry.

How to Nominate:

Submit your nomination by July 17, 2026
Nominations must include details on the nominee’s role, impact, and why they deserve to be honored. Supporting documents such as testimonials or letters of recommendation are encouraged but not required.

Help us shine a light on the incredible individuals who make a difference every day. We look forward to celebrating these Unseen Heroes at Southern Innovations 2026.

STEP-UPP Applications Due
2026-07-10
APPLY NOW for one of our 2027 STEP-UPP Classes
Are you, or do you know, a retail or foodservice professional looking to develop a greater understanding of the produce industry through strategic orientation, personal leadership, and hands-on field experience? If so, we invite you to apply for the SEPC’s STEP-UPP (Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals) 2027, available to both Retail and Foodservice members.
This unique program offers exceptional networking opportunities and in-depth insights into the inner workings of the supplier side of the industry. Both classes will begin in January and will offer a combination of classroom learning and field tours throughout the year long program. The year will culminate with graduation at Southern Innovations.
We are now accepting applications for both the 2027 Retail and Foodservice classes through Friday, July 10, 2026, before 5:00 pm EST. Only 10-12 students will be accepted in each class, so be sure to submit your application today!

STEP-UPP Retail Virtual Education Day
2026-07-08 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-07 09:00 - 13:00
Virtual half day of presenters from outside the Southeast as well as a keynote speaker.

SEPC Office Closed
2026-07-04
Our office will be closed Friday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day.

Nolan Family Foundation Scholarship Application Deadline
2026-06-26
One college-aged student (graduating high school senior or current college student) will receive a one-time scholarship of $5,000 to their enrolling college/university. The scholarship will be awarded based on GPA (3.0 or higher), references and quality of essay.
The application can only be submitted online through our link which will be provided beginning May 11, 2026. The application deadline is June 26, 2026 at 5pm EST.

STEP-UPP Retail Summer Tour
2026-06-09 - 2026-06-12
In-person field/facility/farm tour within the Southeast.

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Superhero Sprint
2026-06-06
The SEPC supports the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Strong4Life Superhero Sprint each year in Atlanta through the donation of volunteer hours, products, and fundraising. We are always in need of products for our tent, hands-on help at the event, or participants/fundraisers!

SEPC Office Closed
2026-05-25
Our office will be closed on Monday, May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day.

SEPC Sustainability Webinar Series: Food Waste & Recycling
2026-05-20 13:00 - 14:00
A practical discussion on measuring and diverting food waste, as well as managing non-organic waste and recycling streams. The session will cover best practices and resources specific to the fresh produce supply chain.
Registration 🔗 https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jWRO07DwQka6oYVBVxjyVg#/

STEP-UPP Foodservice Summer Tour
2026-05-11 - 2026-05-14

Nolan Family Foundation Scholarship Opens
2026-05-11

SEPC Member Scholarship Application Deadline
2026-04-24
Recipients of the SEPC Member Scholarship will each receive a scholarship of $1,500 toward their educational goals for the upcoming school year. The SEPC is proud to award 41 scholarships ($61,500) in 2025 thanks to the dedication of our members.
The SEPC scholarship application can only be submitted online through our link which will be provided beginning March 9, 2026. The application deadline is April 24, 2026 at 5pm EST.

STEP-UPP Retail Spring Tour
2026-04-07 - 2026-04-10

SEPC Office Closed
2026-04-03
Our office will be closed on Friday, April 3rd, in observance of Good Friday.

STEP-UPP Foodservice Spring Tour
2026-03-16 - 2026-03-19

SEPC Sustainability Webinar Series: Sustainability 101
2026-03-11 12:00 - 13:00
An introductory session designed for individuals new to sustainability or those looking to build a strong foundational understanding. The webinar covers key topics including packaging, waste, integrated pest management, energy and carbon emissions, social responsibility, logistics and transportation, water stewardship, deforestation, and biodiversity.
Registration 🔗 https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KcZM92zWTA-yJWmZOi_y2A#/registration
