In a galaxy not far, far away, SEPC reschedules Southern Exposure 2021

(Courtesy SEPC)

The Southeast Produce Council, Millen, Ga., has new dates for its annual show in 2021, with a Star Wars theme — Southern Exposure: The Rise of Produce.

The event is scheduled for April 6-8, at Walt Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resort. The original dates were Feb. 25-27. The SEPC’s executive committee delayed the event to 2021’s second quarter to ensure more retail and foodservice participation.

“We have already been encouraged by the strong attendance numbers we were seeing for February despite Covid-19, including sold-out exhibit space,” David Sherrod, SEPC president and CEO, said in a news release. “Rescheduling is the right decision to better serve our retailers and foodservice members who are currently under travel bans.”

Red Sun Farm’s Harold Paivarinta, SEPC chairman, said the group’s membership overwhelmingly support an in-person event.
“It’s a face-to-face industry built on traditional connections,” Paivarinta said in the release. “Screen time is working fine in our daily duties but cannot deliver on the connections the SEPC is renowned for.”

For buyers still unable to attend, the SEPC will have an online platform that allows them to connect in real-time with on-site exhibitors. 

Disney has proven it can host events with established health and safety guidelines to guard against COVID-19, Sherrod said.

“These Disney hotels, where Southern Exposure will take place in April, were host to the NBA teams and their families during the reimagined 2020 season,” he said in the release. “Disney has proven to be effective in operating safely, and we have been working closely with their teams to ensure a safe and successful Southern Exposure 2021.”

Registration for Southern Exposure: The Rise of Produce, is available at https://seproducecouncil.com/.

Related stories:

Kristin Yerecic honored by SEPC with Next Generation Award

SEPC: No 2020 Southern Innovations

Moxxy Marketing wins design award for SEPC website

 

Latest News

World Variety highlights combo pack of dragon fruit at AWG showcase
World Variety highlights combo pack of dragon fruit at AWG showcase

With more than 1,500 options among its offerings, World Variety Produce had plenty of options to highlight at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

AgroFresh bolsters postharvest solutions with Pace International purchase
AgroFresh bolsters postharvest solutions with Pace International purchase

The company says the acquisition will expand its postharvest portfolio and that it plans to collaborate with Valent BioSciences to develop future products to boost produce freshness.

Wonderful Citrus highlights Organic Halos, Seedless Lemons
Wonderful Citrus highlights Organic Halos, Seedless Lemons

Wonderful also promoted its No Shells pistachios, including its new Jalapeño Lime flavor, at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase.

NGA makes marketing hire, promotes government relations staffer
NGA makes marketing hire, promotes government relations staffer

The National Grocers Association has welcomed Caroline Sar as its manager of marketing and member engagement and promoted Max Wengroff to senior manager of government relations.

Vidalia onion promotions ready to roll
Vidalia onion promotions ready to roll

With Vidalia onions soon heading to supermarket shelves, retailers have options to enhance their marketing, and the Vidalia Onion Committee and Certified Angus Beef will feature a summer grilling series on social media.

NatureSweet swings big for Little League programs
NatureSweet swings big for Little League programs

The company plans to incorporate the league’s logo into packaging and provide local leagues with snacking suggestions after being named the official snacking vegetable of Little League Baseball and Softball.