Southern Exposure - Retail & Foodservice Conference & Expo 2027
Event Date
March 4–7, 2027
Location
Orlando, FL
About This Show
AI-drafted summarySouthern Exposure is the flagship trade show and conference of the Southeast Produce Council (SEPC), a nonprofit organization serving the fresh produce industry across the Southeastern United States. Held annually in Florida in late February or early March, the event brings together growers, shippers, importers, wholesalers, retailers, foodservice operators, and service providers for four days of networking, education, and business development.
The show is built around a large exhibit floor where hundreds of exhibitors showcase fresh fruits and vegetables, packaging, technology, and services to retail and foodservice buyers. Attendees include foodservice and retail buyers, agricultural leaders, product innovators, and industry peers. Signature programming spans educational sessions, keynote speakers, a golf classic, an opening gala, and leadership programs, all designed to build authentic relationships and drive fresh produce consumption in the Southeast.
With a strong buyer-to-seller ratio and an intimate, resort-based setting, Southern Exposure is widely regarded as a premier regional produce event. It is especially valuable for produce sellers seeking direct access to Southeastern retail chains, foodservice operators, and wholesale buyers in one concentrated, relationship-driven environment.
Show Highlights
Southern Exposure combines a full expo floor with education, networking, and community programming. Notable features include:
- Educational sessions, including SEPC University sessions such as "The Power of Produce"
- Keynote speakers and national thought leaders
- Innovation Stations on the expo floor, highlighting new products, product lines, or services
- Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals showcase for member companies to feature new products
- Exposition Pre-Entry, giving retail and foodservice attendees early access to Gold and Silver Level exhibitors
- LINKS (Learning, Interacting and Networking with Key players in the Supply chain), a leadership program connecting Southeastern growers and shippers with retail/foodservice providers
- Southern Roots, the SEPC's leadership program for women in produce
- Good Seeds, the SEPC's faith-based mentor program
- The Tom Page Golf Classic, a traditional networking event named for a council founder
- An opening gala, keynote brunch, entertainment, scholarship presentations, and the Terry Voorhees Lifetime Achievement Award
Attendance
At the 2026 edition, more than 3,300 members of the produce industry gathered in Orlando, with roughly 3,500 professionals expected. Attendance historically includes nearly 700 buyers from more than 150 retail chains, foodservice operators, and wholesale facilities. Exhibitors and attendees come from across North America as well as Central and South America, providing fresh produce or services to retail and foodservice companies within the Southeastern marketing area.
Registration
Registration for Southern Exposure 2027 is scheduled to open in September (2026), per the SEPC events calendar. Attendees register through the Southeast Produce Council website. During registration, attendees can select sessions and showcases (for example, choosing the Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals showcase and receiving a submission link by email). Retail and foodservice buyer passes are available to qualifying companies, and SEPC offers travel and lodging assistance for eligible retail and foodservice buyers upon request through the registration process. Exhibitor toolkit information is provided through SEPC's partnership with AGS Expo Services.
History
Southern Exposure is produced by the Southeast Produce Council, which was established in 1999. The event has grown into the council's flagship annual tradeshow and conference and the premier produce industry gathering of the Southeast region. The 2026 event marked the 23rd edition, making the 2027 show the 24th edition. In recent years the show has been hosted at the Orlando World Center Marriott, having previously been held at venues such as the Tampa Convention Center, and it continues to rotate among Southeastern host cities in future years.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Southern Exposure 2027 taking place?
Southern Exposure 2027 runs Thursday, March 4 through Sunday, March 7, 2027, at the Orlando World Center Marriott, 8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32821.
Who should attend Southern Exposure?
The show is designed for the fresh produce industry, including growers, shippers, importers, wholesalers, retail and foodservice buyers, agricultural leaders, product innovators, and service providers. It is especially valuable for produce sellers seeking access to Southeastern retail chains and foodservice operators.
How do I register for Southern Exposure 2027?
Registration is scheduled to open in September 2026 through the Southeast Produce Council website. During registration you can select sessions and showcases, and qualifying retail and foodservice buyers may request travel and lodging assistance from SEPC.
What makes Southern Exposure worth attending?
Southern Exposure offers a full expo floor with hundreds of exhibitors, educational sessions, keynote speakers, and strong networking in an intimate, resort-based setting. It features a favorable buyer-to-seller ratio, historically drawing nearly 700 buyers from more than 150 retail chains, foodservice operators, and wholesale facilities.
How many people attend Southern Exposure?
The 2026 edition drew more than 3,300 produce industry professionals, with roughly 3,500 attendees expected. Attendees come from across North America as well as Central and South America.
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