The SE Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference returns to Savannah, Ga. this January 7?10, 2016. In 2015, the event hosted more than 3100 produce industry members, marking more than ten years of continued attendance growth. This year, new conference features for 2016 include added booth space to the trade show floor and added educational hours.
Sponsored by the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) and the Georgia Peach Council (GPC) the conference will be held at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center. The event features three days of educational workshops and seminars, a two day trade show and several other evening networking opportunities.
During the three?day educational program, more than 85 hours of commodity specific production training, pest management information and marketing updates are offered to attendees. Commodities include peach, vegetable, Vidalia onion, watermelon, muscadine, wine, blueberry, strawberry, blackberry, and raspberry. There are also session on business operations, food safety, roadside markets and organic production.
New educational features will be offered at the 2016 conference including a joint event with the Georgia Wine Producers, a Walk Georgia event with the University of Georgia Extension Service, and added educational sessions on Saturday morning.
Beth Oleson, Director of Education and Food Safety for GFVGA, says these new sessions are a direct result of attendee feedback. “Attendee feedback is crucial to our staff and the success of this conference,” she said. “Recently, our attendees have asked for more educational programming on Saturday, and this year we are finding a way to make that happen.”
The trade show floor will also expand for the 2016 event. In 2015, trade show coordinators added 50 booths to accommodate growing exhibitor numbers, while still keeping some space on the floor for dining space during lunch. In 2016, dining space for lunch will completely move off of the floor and up into a banquet hall to allow for more exhibiting companies. “Expanding the trade show floor is an exciting process,” said Charles Hall, GFVGA Executive Director, “It means our exhibitors are finding it worth their time, and our attendees are enjoying their networking experience on the floor.”
The 2016 Trade Show will offer a varied assembly of produce industry vendors and suppliers. Marked as one of the most valuable networking events in the year, the SE Regional trade show will provide attendees with the opportunity to compare products, talk with industry representatives, observe demonstrations, network with other growers and learn about the latest in fresh produce technology.
Other special events during the conference include an awards program on Saturday morning and an Industry Roundtable on Sunday to close the conference. The roundtable is an opportunity for growers and suppliers to discuss issues of mutual concern. This forum provides input for the 2016 Program of Work to be adopted by the GFVGA Board of Directors in February 2016.
There will also be a Friday night reception and live auction on the trade show floor, a Saturday night reception at the Westin Savannah Harbor and a silent auction held during the trade show.
For more information on hotels, educational sessions or to register for the 2016 SE Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, visit www.seregionalconference.com or call 877?994?3842.
Take advantage of early bird discounts by registering before December 11, 2015.
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About GFVGA
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association is a trade association representing farmers producing fruits and vegetables in the southeastern United States. The organization provides a viable and united voice to represent the industry. Through support for educational programs, agricultural research, member services and marketing activities GFVGA encourages efficient, cost effective production for growers and increased consumption by consumers.
GFVGA is managed by Association Services Group, a professional management firm with offices in Atlanta and LaGrange, GA, and is accredited by the Association Management Company Institute.
The Georgia Peach Council is an association of growers, packers, researchers, allied industry, and produce buyers who seek to protect and advance the production and marketing of peaches in Georgia.
Source: Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association / Georgia Peach Council