The Southeast Produce Council has announced that legendary football star Archie Manning will be the keynote speaker at the council's 2015 conference and trade show, known as Southern Exposure.

Southern Exposure will take place Feb. 26-28, 2015, at the Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel & Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Manning will deliver the keynote address Saturday, Feb. 28, during the luncheon and general session.

"We are very happy to have someone with his legacy," SEPC Executive Director David Sherrod told The Produce News Nov. 10. "The family he comes from is so well known to people in the South and around the country. He will be a very inspiring speaker, and we are really looking forward to listening to him."

Archie ManningWhen people think of Archie Manning, they think football, but his appeal transcends his athletic achievements. He was selected Father of the Year by the National Father's Day Council, and he currently serves in public relations and consulting capacities for several local, regional and national companies.

His community activities include the Louisiana Special Olympics, the New Orleans Area Boy Scout Council, the Salvation Army, United Way Speakers Bureau, Allstate Sugar Bowl Committee and the New Orleans Sports Foundation.

Elisha Archibald Manning III was born May 19, 1949, in Drew, MS. He attended the University of Mississippi, where he was named an All-American quarterback and had his number retired. He was voted Mississippi's Greatest All-Time Athlete in 1992, and was named the state's Most Popular Athlete of the Century.

Manning was drafted four times by Major League Baseball, but he chose football for his professional livelihood.

In 1971 he was the second player chosen in the National Football League draft and was the No. 1 draft choice of the New Orleans Saints. He set Saints passing records, played in two Pro Bowls and was named the NFC Most Valuable Player in 1978. He played for the Saints from 1971 to 1982, then for the Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings.

Manning and his wife, Olivia, reside in New Orleans and have three sons. Cooper, the oldest, is a partner with Howard Weil, an energy investment banking firm in New Orleans. Their two other sons are perhaps just as well known to many football fans as Archie is. Peyton is currently the starting quarterback with the Denver Broncos, and Eli is currently the starting quarterback with the New York Giants. Archie and Olivia also have seven grandchildren.

For additional information about Southern Exposure or to register for the event, visit www.sepcsouthernexposure.com.