08 Aug Our 2024 SFPA Convention Registration Is Now Open
Top Speakers, Networking Galore Coming Oct. 22–24
Emeline Hotel, Charleston SC
The Emeline is one of Charleston’s most beautiful boutique hotels, including its courtyard.
The historic Emeline Hotel at 181 Church Street in downtown Charleston, SC, has a storied past. Over more than a century, the address has been home to everything from a grocery business, restaurant, and a bank. Inspired by its namesake, a ship captain’s daughter who brought life back to Charleston’s downtown in the pre-WWII era, the Emeline Hotel is home to a new generation of Southern luxury. On October 22–24, the Emeline Hotel will be home to the 2024 Southeastern Food Processors Association’s Convention.
“The hotel is a wonderful example of Southern elegance that our board of directors think will be long remembered as great location for our convention,” says Kay Rentzel, Executive Director of the SFPA.
Last year, we moved the dates of the convention to mid-week, allowing members to attend and free up their weekend to stay a bit longer in beautiful Hilton Head. This year, the Tuesday evening start with a President’s Welcome Reception (6–8 pm) in the courtyard of the hotel will kick off convention activities followed by dinner on your own and Charleston nightlife. The always loved SFPA Hospitality Suite opens each evening at 9 pm at the hotel.
A look at Emeline Hotel’s lobby.
Wednesday’s keynote speaker of the general session will be Chris Kuehl, Managing Director of Armada Corporate Intelligence with an economic outlook for American business. He is a noted economist who provides strategic guidance for a variety of corporate clients and business organizations. John Rost of Crown Holdings will update members on global sustainability and regulatory affairs developments of importance to SFPA members.
This year’s golf tournament is set for Mt. Pleasant’s Rivertowne Country Club, the Charleston area’s only Arnold Palmer signature course.
The Rivertowne Country Club course is situated among scenic marshlands in Mt. Pleasant.
Wednesday evening (6–7:30 pm) a hospitality reception will be held at the hotel then members can dine elsewhere with friends.
Thursday’s general session begins with the announcement of SFPA Scholarship recipients followed by Gene Faller of Food Lion with a look at the retailer’s perspective on today’s shopper and the outlook for 2025. Constitution Partners will take a look at bills affecting the food industry on Capitol Hill.
U.S. Navy Commander (ret.) Porter Halyburton.
The session will close with a presentation by Porter Halyburton, a retired U.S. Navy Commander who was a prisoner of war in North Vietnam from 1965 until 1973. His experience has been chronicled in numerous films and publications. His own book, Reflections on Captivity, was published in 2022, and his book of poetry, Old Pine, was published last year. Members will have the afternoon for lunch and optional tour of Charleston concluding with an open door reception at the home of long-time SFPA member Marion Swink’s residence on the Battery.
The reception, banquet, and scholarship auction begin at 6 pm.
Registration for this year’s convention is $650 for SFPA members. Spouse and guest registration is $350. For non-SFPA members, early bird registration is $1,050, after September 15th, the fee is $1,150. You can register now online at https://members.sfpafood.org/events
At the link, you can also register for the convention golf tournament. You will find a link to the hotel’s website to make your reservation for the event as well.