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 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. And as always, you’ll be able to sample a taste of true Southern hospitality as you fellowship with friends and colleagues.
When
Thursday, September 12, 2024 – Saturday, September 14, 2024
Where
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
2800 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
(Select “Already Registered” below to modify your registration – add booth associates, sessions, guests, etc. – and to view the attendee list)
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
- 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)
Thursday, September 12
- 7:30am – 5:00pm: Registration
- Location: Tennessee Registration Desk
- 7:30am – 5:00pm: Exhibitor Booth Setup (exhibitors and showcase participants only)
- Location: Ryman Hall B1-4
- 8:00am – 5:00pm: SEPC Committee Meetings (SEPC Committee Members only)
- 9:30am – 3:00pm: STEP-UPP Team Building Experience (STEP-UPP participants only)
- 12:00pm – 3:00pm: SEPC Board of Governors’ Meeting (SEPC Board of Governors only)
- 6:30pm – 9:30pm: Welcome Reception
- Location: Delta Garden
Friday, September 13
- 7:30am – 12:00pm: Exhibitor Booth Setup (exhibitors and showcase participants only)
- Location: Ryman Hall B1-4
- 7:30am – 5:00pm: Registration
- Location: Tennessee Registration Desk
- 8:00am – 10:00am: SEPC University Educational Session
- Location: Governors ABE
- 10:30am – 12:30pm: Southern Roots Women's Luncheon (women in produce only)
- Location: Magnolia Ballroom
- 10:30am – 12:30pm: Good Seeds MENtor Program
- 1:00pm – 6:00pm: Exposition
- Location: Ryman Hall B1-4
- 6:00pm – 8:00pm: Exhibitor Load-out
- Location: Ryman Hall B1-4
Saturday, September 14
- 7:00am – 2:30pm: Founders Memorial Golf Tournament
- Location: Gaylord Springs Golf Links
- Schedule:
- 6:30am: Departure
- 7:00am – 8:00am: Breakfast
- 8:00am – 1:30pm: Tournament Play
- 1:30pm – 3:30pm: Awards Luncheon
- 7:30am – 2:30pm: Martin Eubanks Sporting Clays Classic
- Location: Nashville Gun Club
- Schedule:
- 7:30am: Departure (grab-n-go breakfast provided)
- 9:00am – 1:00pm: Sporting Clays Tournament
- 1:00pm – 2:30pm: Awards Luncheon
- 9:00am – 2:00pm: Local Tour
- Schedule:
- 9:00am: Departure
- 9:00am – 1:30pm: Tour w/ lunch
- 2:00pm: Return
- Schedule:
- 6:00pm – 10:00pm: Chairman's Dinner Dance
- Location: Tennessee Ballroom
Sunday, September 15
- 7:00am – 8:30am: Al Finch Memorial Prayer Breakfast
- Location: Cheekwood GH
Speakers To Be Announced Soon!
Please choose your registration type based on the following criteria:
Exhibitor: $3,395
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: $1,350
Only registration for one person. This route is for growers, shippers, packers, brokers, processors, equipment suppliers, transportation/logistics, etc.
Spouse: $300
Only one spouse per attendee. 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 9, 2024.
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 9, 2024.
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 IFPA, OPN, 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 (molly@seproducecouncil.com) 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!
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
2800 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214 USA
Situated in the heart of Nashville, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center welcomes guests to a stunning, one-of-a-kind resort experience. From SoundWaves, the city’s premier aquatic attraction, to an exciting lineup of family-friendly activities and entertainment, there’s something for the entire family to enjoy. Guests can explore 9 acres of airy, indoor garden atriums, a wide selection of award-winning restaurants & bars, the world-class Relâche Spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. For those planning or attending their next meeting or event, the resort features over 750,000 sq ft of flexible meeting space, 2,712 beautiful guest rooms, and 176 spectacular suites. The resort is located near Nashville Intl Airport, downtown, and attractions like the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium for guests wishing to explore Music City. From seasonal events and entertainment to high-end amenities and stunning spaces, Gaylord Opryland welcomes you to enjoy more of everything you love.
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
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 12, 2024 - 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday, September 13, 2023 - 7:30 am - 12:00 pm
Exhibition Hours:
- Friday, September 13, 2024 - 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Exhibitor Move-Out:
- Friday, September 13, 2024 - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
**Exhibitors MUST NOT begin to break down booths until 6:00 pm on Friday!**
Sampling Guidelines:
- Samples are limited to a maximum of 2 ounces.
- View complete Vendor Food Sampling Guidelines.
- The Food Preparation Waiver Indemnification Agreement form within the Exhibitor Toolkit must be completed and submitted to the hotel in advance of any food or beverage samples being served.
Exhibitor Toolkit
Through our valued partnership with AGS Expo Services, the exhibitor toolkit information will be available soon!
Feature Your Newest Products Along Our Wall of Innovations!
(display to be updated w/ this year's theme)
Exclusive Price: $500
- NEW 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 12, 2024*. 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 - one (1) high-resolution image of your product as well as a detailed description (50 words or less); Submission Deadline: July 12, 2024
- 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 July 12, 2024. 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?
- You can access the attendee list by logging in to your registration and selecting “Attendees List” within the post registration 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 has available exhibit space based on a first-come, first-served policy. 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.
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 3000 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 have about 100 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 12, 2024: Final date to receive refund for exhibitor booth and Wall of Innovations showcase.
- General Attendee Deadlines
- August 9, 2024: Final date to reserve hotel rooms within the SEPC room block.
- August 9, 2024: Final date to cancel hotel rooms within the SEPC room block without penalty. Any rooms cancelled after this date will result in a one night's room charge.
- Retail/Foodservice Attendee Deadlines
- August 9, 2024: Final date to request complimentary hotel and airfare through SEPC registration.
- Registration Deadlines
- August 16, 2024: Final date for all attendees 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. 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.
2023 RECAP VIDEO