The SE Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is January 8-11, 2015 and will be at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center.  The event features three days of educational workshops and seminars, a two-day trade show and many networking opportunities.

Sponsored by the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and the South Carolina Peach Council, the event in 2014 drew more than 3,000 produces and industry members.

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, blueberry, strawberry, blackberry, and raspberry.

New educational features will be offered at the 2015 event including a vegetable grafting seminar and a farm tour.  Beth Oleson, Director of Education for GFVGA, says these new sessions will provide attendees with relevant and valuable information. “The produce industry continues to evolve, and that creates new educational needs for growers and businesses,” she said.  “These two additions to the conference program will address the increasingly trendy roadside market and agri-tourism industry, and provide key information on vegetable production.”

The trade show floor will also expand for the 2015 event. In 2014, trade show coordinators added 50 booths to accommodate growing exhibitor numbers.  This year, the trade show floor is making even more space within its nearly 85,000 square feet of exhibit hall for more exhibitors. “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 2015 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 2015 Program of Work to be adopted by the GFVGA Board of Directors in February 2015.

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 2015 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 12, 2014.