MILLEN, CA - The Southeast Produce Council’s annual Bright Ideas Platform is now open to applicants, promising a key audience for suppliers to present their latest launches and retailers to peruse the latest in produce.

“Our Bright Ideas Platform provides a hands on approach to introducing new items to the industry,” says SEPC’s Executive Director David Sherrod. “We experienced a tremendous amount of support last year and look forward to seeing even more innovation this year.”

Well-attended by all key aspects of the industry, including retailers, foodservice, suppliers, wholesalers, and manufacturers, SEPC’s Bright Ideas is slated for this fall, September 29 through October 1, at the Southern Innovations Symposium in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Taglined “Innovating the Produce Industry,” the new products’ showcase looks to feature the most innovative products and services in the industry with a twist.

“We like to say it is ‘pane-less,’ because we have removed the showcase or aquarium display, and replaced it with a real consumer experience environment,” David comments on the distinctive setup.

So what is the window for the innovative products and services included in the big event?

Any new launches scheduled to be released to market no earlier than April 5, 2016, and no later than December 2, 2016, are applicable.

All SEPC members are able and invited to apply with no fee required. However, there is a table fee of $495 upon acceptance, the council says, which not only holds your spot in the event, but also includes a hightop table to display your new product or service.

Part of the charm of the Bright Ideas platform is its intimacy, and in order to retain that honor no more than 50 products or services will be accepted. All submissions will be reviewed by SEPC’s Education Committee, making sure that those chosen meet the council’s criteria, before contacting those selected.

Interested? Applications must be sent before June 16, which can be done here.

Exhibitors and attendees alike are required to register for the Southern Innovations Symposium in order to attend the showcase, and though it is a chance you won’t want to miss, Bright Ideas is just one of a full slate of offerings the Symposium will present at the charming Kingsmill Resort.

Whether you are showing off the latest innovation your company has to offer, or looking at the latest launches of the industry, we look forward to seeing you there!

SPEC