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.

Society of St. Andrew - Destin Drop
2026-11-21
The SEPC Cares team is partnering with the Society of St. Andrew to deliver truckloads of assorted produce to this annual Thanksgiving distribution in Destin, FL. Volunteers sort, bag, and pack the produce, which is donated to over 50 agencies, feeding an estimated 6,000 families in need.
Looking for drop-off locations and freight to help get the food there!

Bridge the Gap - Golf Tournament
2026-11-06
3rd annual golf tournament supporting Bridge the Gap ministries. Held at the Sevier Golf Club in Tennessee.

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

Palmer Home for Children - Mississippi State Tailgate for Palmer
2026-10-17
Cheer on the Bulldogs right here in Starkville at the MSU Tailgate for Palmer! Join us this fall for the ultimate watch party experience featuring football, food, libations, and the company of great friends—all in true Bulldog tailgate style. Guests ages 21+ will enjoy the game-day atmosphere while raising vital funds to support Palmer Home’s mission of caring for children and families in crisis.
Ticket and sponsorship opportunities available.

Society of St. Andrew - Potato Palooza
2026-10-01 - 2026-10-03
The Masser Family of Companies is generously providing a field of potatoes for volunteers to glean in Schuylkill County, PA. The warehouse will also have bins of harvested potatoes to bag. SoSA will lead gleaning and ensure that these potatoes go to local feeding agencies to help neighbors in need!
Potato Palooza is a community-wide event where you can glean and share fresh food with your local community. All ages are welcome!

Palmer Home for Children - 11th Annual Ole Miss Tailgate for Palmer
2026-09-26
Get ready for the ultimate Rebel watch party! Join us this fall inside the Archie and Olivia Manning Athletics Performance Center to cheer on the Ole Miss Rebels during an exciting away game. Enjoy classic Ole Miss tailgating—great food, drinks, football, and friends—all while supporting a great cause. Every dollar raised benefits the children and teens served by Palmer Home for Children.
Ticket and sponsorship opportunities available.

Palmer Home for Children - Shotguns & Sunflowers Soiree
2026-09-10
Join Palmer Home for Children this September at the beautiful Memphis Country Club for Shotguns & Sunflowers—the Mid-South’s premier party with a purpose. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of food, cocktails, music, and a high-energy live auction, all benefiting Palmer Home for Children. Your support helps hope grow, providing love, stability, and brighter futures for children in their care.
Sponsorship opportunities and auction donations are also welcome.

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 Summer Board Meeting
2026-08-03 - 2026-08-05

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

Paul Anderson Youth Home - Bike Ride
2026-07-18 - 2026-07-24
As part of the rehabilitation process, Paul Anderson Youth Home offers opportunities for their young men to participate in events such as the Bike Ride. This 500+ mile ride through Georgia creates awareness and is their largest fundraising event that teaches perseverance, discipline, teamwork, and endurance. The bike ride is truly a part of their program that challenges their boys to help build them socially, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. One of the most rewarding parts of the bike ride is seeing their young men accomplish something they never thought possible. No one pedals for them; it is all based on their own effort and willpower.
Please consider sponsoring the Paul Anderson Bike Ride by partnering with us to help shape men of character.
Sponsorship Levels: Champion – $5,000; Advocate – $2,500; Patron – $1,000 or you can sponsor the rider.
To learn more about the bike ride and to meet the riders, visit payh.org/bike-ride

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.

Palmer Home for Children - 14th Annual Radiothon, hosted by SuperTalk Mississippi
2026-07-16
The 14th Annual Palmer Home for Children Radiothon, hosted by SuperTalk Mississippi, will take place July. All four major talk shows—The Gallo Radio Show, Middays with Gerard, Good Things with Rebecca Turner, and SportsTalk Mississippi—will broadcast live from their campus. Listeners from across the state and beyond will tune in to hear powerful, firsthand stories of how lives are being transformed through the mission of Palmer Home. I hope you’ll be able to tune in—it’s always such an inspiring day! Tune into one of its local radio stations or stream the live audio online at supertalk.fm.

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
Virtual half day of presenters from outside the Southeast as well as a keynote speaker.

SEPC Office Closed
2026-07-03
Our office will be closed Friday, July 3rd, 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.

Society of St. Andrew - Macon Drop
2026-06-13
The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC), The Society of St. Andrew GA (SoSA), will hold the Annual Food Distribution Event in Macon, GA. We are joining forces to distribute fresh produce to those in need, and we could use your help!

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.
