The Southeast Produce Council has announced new measures for its Southern Innovations conference this fall designed to ensure the safety of its attendees. The conference is scheduled to take place Sept. 17-19 in Savannah, GA.
"Your SEPC family extends our thoughts and prayers to those whose health and well-being have been affected by the coronavirus," the council's board of directors wrote in a May 5 letter to its members. "The impact this pandemic has impressed upon our economy and industry has been tremendous. We are only beginning to realize the repercussions, and already our communities and family businesses are facing unprecedented uncertainties. Our members are looking for answers to the path of recovery. Our response is to prepare now for better times ahead."
The letter noted, "We were blessed with a successful Southern Exposure in Tampa just prior to the pandemic. Now we remain focused on reuniting our industry with our Southern Innovations conference." This year's theme, Fresh on My Mind, will center on the importance of eating fresh, which is especially relevant. The council is engineering the event with "new normal" practices and is "working diligently to ensure the safety of our attendees." These safety measures will include:
- Controlled attendance and booth space.
- Added distance between exhibitors.
- Modified attendee traffic flow.
- Increased hand and surface sanitizing stations.
- Provided face masks/shields.
- Collaborative virtual education sessions.
The council will be providing expert panel discussions and sessions on pandemic learnings and best-practice applications of new knowledge. These sessions will be moderated by industry experts from every segment of the supply chain. Exhibitors will be featuring COVID-evolved products and services as well.
"As we continue our preparations, know that your safety will always be at the forefront of our priorities," the board stated. "We are monitoring the recommendations of both health and government officials as we also take into consideration the possibility of rescheduling or cancelling the conference."
The Southeast Produce Council "has built its reputation on faith, family and fellowship. We strongly believe that our industry will be forged through the fire, and we will all be made stronger from this event. As we learn, adapt and collaborate, we will not just recover but thrive in the years ahead.
We look forward to hosting you in Savannah in September!"
