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CEA Summit East Conference Program

CEA Summit East 2026 Unveils Conference Program

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

Four Deep-Dive Tracks, Greenhouse Sessions and More Set for Sept. 15-16, 2026 In Danville, Virginia

Indoor Ag-Con and the CEA Innovation Center announce the full conference program for the Fifth Annual CEA Summit East, taking place Sept. 15–16, 2026 at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research (IALR) in Danville, Virginia. The program features four 90-minute deep-dive breakout tracks, keynote addresses, special panel presentations, and the popular CEA Industry & Research Showcase Sessions — with speakers being added to the roster daily.

In a format unique to the Summit, select breakout sessions will be held directly inside the greenhouse of the CEA Innovation Center — putting attendees face-to-face with working research rather than a slide deck. Guided Innovation Center tours cap off the two-day program and are included with every conference pass.

Four Tracks. Twelve Sessions. Real Depth.

Each of the Summit’s four breakout tracks runs across both days, with three 90-minute sessions per track — giving attendees the opportunity to go deep on the topic most relevant to their work. Tracks and sessions are as follows:

TRACK 1: Launching a CEA Operation

• Session 1: Market Research & Defining My Target Market

• Session 2: Building My High Tunnel or Greenhouse: Regulations, Siting and Funding

• Session 3: Starting an Indoor Vertical Farm: Exploring the Models, the Options and What It Really Takes

TRACK 2: Getting Back to Our Roots – Core Horticultural Skills

Held inside the Greenhouse of the CEA Innovation Center

• Session 1: Matching Substrates to Crop & Production System (Soilless & Hydroponic)

• Session 2: Tools For Fertility Management

• Session 3: Lighting Fundamentals: Measurements, Metrics and DLI

TRACK 3: Technology Selection & Data Management

• Session 1: Data Collection & Environmental Monitoring

• Session 2: Data Management & Cybersecurity in CEA

• Session 3: Practical Examples of AI and Automation Integration in CEA Production

TRACK 4: Food Safety & Pest Management

• Session 1: Cleaning & Sanitization Protocols for Food Safety and Plant Health

• Session 2: Insect & Disease Identification in CEA Systems

• Session 3: Building an IPM Plan: Beneficial Insects & Biocontrol Tools

Keynotes, Panels and Showcase Sessions

Keynote addresses on both mornings will set the stage for each day’s programming. Special panel presentations will round out the general session lineup, including a dedicated session on Strengthening the Workforce Ecosystem on Day 1 and a panel focused on What’s Next in CEA Crops – Breeding and Variety Development on Day 2. Keynote speakers will be announced shortly.

The popular CEA Industry & Research Showcase Sessions return across both days — fast-paced, idea-packed presentations from industry innovators and researchers delivering concentrated insight on everything from grower success stories to the latest findings from the field. These sessions are among the most attended and talked-about at the Summit year after year.

The Tour That Everyone Talks About

The guided CEA Innovation Center tour — included with every conference pass — closes out the Summit on the afternoon of Sept. 16. Attendees will explore the research greenhouse, automation systems, and ongoing trials driving the future of controlled environment agriculture. This is not a marketing showcase: it’s a firsthand look at how science and innovation are shaping real-world CEA solutions, led by the researchers and specialists doing the work. Additional tour stops will be announced in the weeks ahead.

Register and Learn More

The full schedule, speaker roster, tabletop exhibits and registration are available at www.ceasummit.com. Speakers are being added regularly; the complete line-up will be announced in the coming weeks. For exhibitor and sponsorship inquiries, contact Suzanne Pruitt at suzanne@indoor.ag or 404.452.1884.

ABOUT CEA SUMMIT EAST

The CEA Summit East is an annual conference bringing greenhouse growers, vertical farm operators, and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) professionals together with researchers, suppliers, and industry leaders. Produced by Indoor Ag-Con and the CEA Innovation Center — a joint project of IALR and the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences — the summit focuses on the intersection of protected cropping, production science, and emerging technology. Held at the IALR in Danville, Virginia, the event includes keynote presentations, panel discussions, breakout sessions, tabletop exhibits, and guided tours of the CEA Innovation Center’s working research facility. For more information, visit www.ceasummit.com.

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con is North America’s largest trade show and conference for greenhouse, controlled environment agriculture and vertical farming. The event covers all crop types and brings together growers, tech providers, researchers, and business leaders to explore trends and innovations shaping the future of food production. For more information, visit www.indoor.ag.

ABOUT THE CEA INNOVATION CENTER

The CEA Innovation Center is primarily housed in Danville, Virginia, on the IALR campus and in Blacksburg, Virginia, on the Virginia Tech main campus. It is a joint project between the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and IALR to serve the growing controlled environment agriculture industry. It addresses the needs of the industry with research, education, and extension programs. For more information, visit www.ceaic.org

CEA Summit East 2026 Banner

CEA Summit East Opens Applications for Cooperative Extension Professional Scholarship

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

Scholarships include a grower pass and discount code for extension professionals to share with producers in their network

 

CEA Summit East is now accepting applications for its 2026 Cooperative Extension Professional Scholarship. Ten scholarships will be awarded to Cooperative Extension professionals for the 5th Annual CEA Summit East, set for Sept. 15–16, 2026, at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research (IALR) in Danville, Virginia — each including a full conference registration, one complimentary pass to share with a grower contact, and a discount code for additional producers in their network. The application deadline is July 8, 2026.

Cooperative Extension professionals are among the most important connectors in the CEA sector — working directly with greenhouse growers, vertical farm operators, and other protected cropping producers to translate research into practice and link growers to the resources they need. The scholarship program is designed to introduce even more of those professionals to CEA Summit East.

“CEA Summit East offers valuable opportunities for extension professionals — from engaging sessions to facility tours and meaningful conversations with growers and researchers. We’re pleased to offer these scholarships to help broaden participation,” says Kaylee South, Ph.D., assistant professor of CEA at Virginia Tech and associate director of research, industry and educational programs at the CEA Innovation Center.

SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS

• Each scholarship includes a full conference registration for the recipient, one complimentary

pass to share with a grower contact, and a discount code for additional producers in their

network.

• Preference is given to first-time attendees

• Travel costs are the recipient’s responsibility

• Application deadline: July 8, 2026.

To apply, visit https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2026/extension/ . For more information or to answer questions, contact Dr. Kaylee South at kasouth@vt.edu or (706) 491-9315.

ABOUT CEA SUMMIT EAST
The CEA Summit East is an annual conference bringing greenhouse growers, vertical farm operators, and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) professionals together with researchers, suppliers, and industry leaders. Produced by Indoor Ag-Con and the CEA Innovation Center — a joint project of IALR and the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences — the summit focuses on the intersection of protected cropping, production science, and emerging technology. Held at the IALR Conference Center in Danville, Virginia, the event includes keynote presentations, panel discussions, breakout sessions, tabletop exhibits, and guided tours of the CEA Innovation Center’s working research facility. For more information, visit www.ceasummit.com.

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON
Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con is North America’s largest trade show and conference for greenhouse, controlled environment agriculture and vertical farming. The event covers all crop types and brings together growers, tech providers, researchers, and business leaders to explore trends and innovations shaping the future of food production. For more information, visit www.indoor.ag.

ABOUT THE CEA INNOVATION CENTER
The CEA Innovation Center is primarily housed in Danville, Virginia, on the IALR campus and in Blacksburg, Virginia, on the Virginia Tech main campus. It is a joint project between the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and IALR to serve the growing controlled environment agriculture industry. It addresses the needs of the industry with research, education, and extension programs. For more information, visit www.ceaic.org

CEA Summit East 2026 Poster Competition

CEA Summit East Graduate Student Poster Competition Now Open for Abstract Submissions

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

CEA Summit East is now accepting abstracts for its Annual Graduate Student Research Poster Competition, to be held as part of the Sept. 15–16, 2026, edition at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center in Danville, Virginia.

 Now in its fifth year, CEA Summit East brings greenhouse growers, vertical farm operators, and others working in protected cropping together with academia/researchers, suppliers, technologists, and other industry professionals. The summit is co-produced by Indoor Ag-Con, the leading trade show and conference for the greenhouse, CEA, and vertical farming sector, and the CEA Innovation Center, a joint project between IALR and the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

“Graduate student research has always had a place at CEA Summit East, and the Poster Competition is where that shows most clearly — giving emerging researchers a direct opportunity to connect with growers, suppliers, and industry professionals face to face,” said Kaylee South, PhD, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Controlled Environment Agriculture, Virginia Tech. “We encourage graduate students working across any aspect of controlled environment agriculture to submit their abstracts for consideration.”

Competition Eligibility and Guidelines

•      The competition is open to currently enrolled or recently graduated (Spring 2026 or later) graduate students, including M.S., Ph.D., and professional students.

•      Entrants must present posters on original CEA-related research they have conducted.

•      Abstract submissions must be received by July 22, 2026.

•      Each presenter will receive a full conference scholarship pass, including all sessions, keynotes, networking events, meals, and a tour of the CEA Innovation Center.

•      All posters will be judged and scored at the conference. Winners will be announced during the breakfast and keynote session on Day 2, Sept. 16, 2026.

To apply, visit https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-east-2026/poster/. For more information or to answer questions, contact Dr. Kaylee South at kasouth@vt.edu or (706) 491-9315.

ABOUT CEA SUMMIT EAST
The CEA Summit East is an annual conference bringing greenhouse growers, vertical farm operators, and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) professionals together with researchers, suppliers, and industry leaders. Produced by Indoor Ag-Con and the CEA Innovation Center — a joint project of IALR and the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences — the summit focuses on the intersection of protected cropping, production science, and emerging technology. Held at the IALR Conference Center in Danville, Virginia, the event includes keynote presentations, panel discussions, breakout sessions, tabletop exhibits, and guided tours of the CEA Innovation Center’s working research facility. For more information, visit www.ceasummit.com.

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON
Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con is North America’s largest trade show and conference for greenhouse, controlled environment agriculture and vertical farming. The event covers all crop types and brings together growers, tech providers, researchers, and business leaders to explore trends and innovations shaping the future of food production. For more information, visit www.indoor.ag.

ABOUT THE CEA INNOVATION CENTER
The CEA Innovation Center is primarily housed in Danville, Virginia, on the IALR campus and in Blacksburg, Virginia, on the Virginia Tech main campus. It is a joint project between the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and IALR to serve the growing controlled environment agriculture industry. It addresses the needs of the industry with research, education, and extension programs. For more information, visit www.ceaic.org

CEA Summit Greenhouse

Leave the Conference Room. Enter the Greenhouse.

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

CEA Summit East Takes Hands-On Learning Inside the CEA Innovation Center

Sept. 15–16, 2026 • IALR Conference Center • Danville, Virginia

Some conferences put you in a meeting room. The Fifth Annual CEA Summit East puts you in the greenhouse. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con and the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center — a joint project of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) and Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences — the Summit returns to the IALR Conference Center in Danville, Virginia on September 15–16, 2026, bringing a new dimension to CEA education: conference sessions that move off the stage and directly into an active research facility.

New for 2026, select sessions will be held inside the greenhouse of the CEA Innovation Center, where attendees won’t just hear about the latest advances in CEA — they’ll see them growing. Guided tours of the full Innovation Center complex are included with every conference pass, giving all attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the research, technology and science shaping the future of the industry.

CEA Summit Greenhouse

From the Conference Room to the Grow Room

The CEA Innovation Center’s Danville complex features a working greenhouse, vertical growing systems, indoor growth rooms, growth chambers and hydroponic production systems where scientists and industry partners are actively collaborating on research that is advancing the CEA sector in the U.S. and internationally.

In 2026, that facility becomes part of the conference itself. Hands-on greenhouse sessions will give growers, educators, technology providers, and business leaders a rare opportunity to engage directly with working research — not just the summary slide. It is an experience that simply cannot be replicated at a conventional venue.

“From the deep-dive sessions to the tabletop exhibits to the greenhouse itself, every element of CEA Summit East comes together to create an experience that stands apart in our industry — an event where hands-on learning, leading suppliers and working science all share the same roof. Or in this case, the same research facility.”

“Opening our greenhouse and research facilities as active learning spaces for Summit attendees is a natural extension of what the CEA Innovation Center is all about — connecting industry and academia in ways that create real impact,” added Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research at IALR and Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center. “When a grower can stand inside a working research greenhouse and have a direct conversation with the scientist conducting that research, the value of that exchange is immeasurable. We’re proud to offer that experience and look forward to welcoming the industry back to Danville. ”

A Conference Program Built for Depth

The 2026 program is currently in development and will feature headliner keynotes, special panel presentations, and four breakout tracks with 90-minute deep-dive sessions.

Breakout tracks will include:

• Back to Our Roots: Core Horticultural Skills — Hands-on sessions held directly inside the greenhouse of the CEA Innovation Center

• Launching a CEA Operation — Practical guidance for those starting or scaling a controlled environment agriculture business ranging from high tunnel to greenhouse to vertical farm.

• Technology Evolution & Data Management — Exploring the tools, systems and data strategies reshaping modern CEA operations

• Food Safety & Pest Management — Critical compliance, best practices and integrated pest management strategies for CEA producers

Rounding out the program are the popular CEA Industry & Research Showcase Sessions — fast-paced, idea-packed presentations that put industry innovators and researchers in front of a highly engaged CEA audience. From grower success stories to the latest research findings, these sessions deliver concentrated insight from the people doing some of the most important work in the industry today, making them an ideal platform for sharing results, discoveries and innovations.

 

See the Solutions. Meet the Suppliers.

From environmental controls and automation systems to greenhouse structures, packaging solutions and nutrients, the Summit’s tabletop exhibits puts attendees face-to-face with the companies driving CEA forward.

Already confirmed for 2026: JASA Packaging Solutions, Dalsem Complete Greenhouse Projects, Priva, Jack’s Nutrients, Rimol Greenhouse Systems, Moleaer, Pace 49, and Berger — with additional exhibitors joining the list.

The Summit’s focused, close-knit format sets the stage for quality conversations and networking. Morning coffee breaks, seated lunch, and a happy hour reception among the tabletop exhibits on September 15th create plentiful opportunities to connect with growers, researchers, government representatives, suppliers, educators and industry leaders.

 

Included with Every Pass: A Tour Unlike Any Other

Cap off your CEA Summit experience with a guided tour of the cutting-edge CEA Innovation Center — included with every conference registration. Explore the research greenhouse, automation systems, and ongoing trials. This is not a marketing showcase: it’s a firsthand look at how science and innovation are shaping real-world CEA solutions, led by the researchers and specialists doing the work.

Additional tour details and stops will be announced soon. Year after year, the Innovation Center tour ranks among the most talked-about elements of the Summit — a fitting close to two days of deep learning, meaningful connections, and hands-on discovery.
For more information on the CEA Summit East and to register for the event, please visit www.ceasummit.com

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con is North America’s largest trade show and conference for greenhouse, controlled environment agriculture and vertical farming. The event covers all crop types and brings together growers, tech providers, researchers, and business leaders to explore trends and innovations shaping the future of food production For more information, visit www.indoor.ag.

ABOUT THE CEA INNOVATION CENTER

The CEA Innovation Center is primarily housed in Danville, Virginia, on the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) campus and in Blacksburg, Virginia, on the Virginia Tech main campus. It is a joint project between the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and IALR to serve the growing controlled environment agriculture industry. It addresses the needs of the industry with research, education, and extension programs. For more information, visit www.ceaic.org
Table Talk 2

Packed Tables. Practical Solutions. Real Grower Conversations.

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog.

Packed Tables. Practical Solutions. Real Grower Conversations.

Hosted in partnership with Doctor Greenhouse,  Table Talk featured facilitated discussions led by industry operators, including Michelle Keller (Living Greens), Rodrigo Pereyra (GoodLeaf Farms), Dominick DiMucci (Haven Greens), Nick Denney (Holistic Industries), and Aaron Fields (Campo Caribe). Each session focused on practical problem-solving — not theory — reinforcing the industry’s broader shift toward disciplined execution and operational excellence.

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Women in CEA Luncheon: A Gathering of Inspiration

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog.

More than 50 women gathered during the 2nd annual Women in CEA Luncheon at Indoor Ag-Con 2026 — and the energy in the room was unmistakable.

As Women in CEA Founder Thea Otto shared in her post-event reflection, the gathering felt “aligned, connected, real.” It was a space defined not by formality, but by openness. Conversations flowed naturally.  New relationships formed alongside long-standing ones.

In an industry driven by innovation, technology, and rapid change, it’s easy to focus solely on systems, yields, and capital. But progress is powered by people. Events like the Women in CEA Luncheon remind us that leadership development, mentorship, and authentic connection are just as critical to the long-term success of controlled environment agriculture as any technical breakthrough.

A Community That Moves the Industry Forward

The CEA sector is maturing. As conversations at Indoor Ag-Con 2026 made clear — from retail reliability to financial discipline — sustainable growth requires thoughtful leadership at every level. The Women in CEA Luncheon provides a forum for exactly that: a place where emerging professionals and seasoned executives alike can exchange ideas, share challenges, and support one another in shaping the future of indoor agriculture.

When more voices are at the table, the industry grows stronger.

Women in CEAThank You to Luncheon Sponsors

This gathering would not be possible without the generous support of Women in CEA luncheon sponsors:

  • Jack’s Nutrients

  • Priva

  • Sollum Technologies

  • Dramm

  • Green Automation

  • Biome Delta

  • Quantified Sensor Technologies

Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to fostering leadership, strengthening networks, and supporting the next generation of CEA professionals.

Indoor Ag-Con 2026 CEAs

Indoor Ag-Con 2026 Marks a New Chapter for CEA

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

Indoor Ag-Con 2026 concluded at the Westgate Las Vegas last week with a clear takeaway from industry leaders: controlled environment agriculture is entering a new phase — one focused on building strong, sustainable businesses. The conversations throughout the two-day event centered on practical growth, disciplined operations, and long-term success — not on hype, but on execution.

With representation from all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., U.S. territories, 30 countries — and 263 booths on the trade show floor — Indoor Ag-Con served as a central meeting point for the global CEA community, reinforcing its position as the industry’s annual gathering place.

“What we saw this year was an industry focused on doing the work,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. “The conversations were practical and honest, and there’s a real commitment to building strong businesses. We’re proud that Indoor Ag-Con continues to be the place where the industry comes together to move things forward.”

Early momentum for 2027 reflects that confidence. Following strong onsite renewals and ongoing exhibitor discussions, the March 24–25, 2027 edition is on track to be about 70% sold by month’s end.

Celebrating Excellence: The 2nd Annual CEA Awards

A highlight of this year’s event was the 2nd Annual CEAs – Cultivating Excellence Awards, which recognized organizations and individuals making meaningful contributions to the industry. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con and Inside Grower magazine, and sponsored by PremierTech, the winners were:

• Product Innovation Award: Jiffy Gel by Jiffy Products

• Operational Excellence Award: BrightFarms

• Trailblazer Award: Dr. Gene Giacomelli

The awards highlighted innovation, operational leadership, and long-standing contributions that continue to shape the future of CEA.

Industry Leaders Take Center Stage

Indoor Ag-Con opened with “CEA Alliance Insights on the State of the Industry,” moderated by Tom Stenzel, Executive Director of the CEA Alliance, and featuring Aaron Fields, CEO, Campo Caribe; Dane Almassy, Chief Commercial Officer, Local Bounti; Jesper Hansen, Chief Commercial Officer, YesHealth Group; and Josh McClung, Chief Operating Officer, Cox Farms.

The panel shared an honest assessment of where the market stands today. Speakers talked about the need to manage capital carefully, deliver consistent quality to retail partners, and use technology in ways that make business sense. They also pointed to opportunities in regional production, hybrid growing models, and the importance of doing a better job explaining CEA’s value to consumers.

Day Two continued the conversation with a keynote discussion featuring Dave Chen, Co-Founder & CEO of Equilibrium, and David Verbitsky, President & Managing Director of Verbitsky Capital. They addressed the current investment climate and the growing emphasis on strong fundamentals. While funding is more selective than in previous years, both noted that well-run operations with clear paths to profitability continue to attract interest.

Together, the sessions reinforced a consistent message: disciplined growth and sound business practices are shaping the next phase of CEA.

 

A Busy and Engaged Expo Floor

Across the two days, the expo floor stayed busy with growers, suppliers, investors, and tech providers engaged in meaningful conversations. With 263 booths, the show floor showcased solutions spanning lighting, automation, climate control, irrigation, genetics, substrates, data systems, and more.

Exhibitors reported productive meetings, new partnerships, and serious discussions focused on improving efficiency, new projects, and strengthening operations. Attendees arrived with specific questions and clear objectives, reinforcing the event’s emphasis on practical solutions and real-world results.

The energy on the floor reflected an industry ready to collaborate, refine, and move forward.

Education Designed for Execution

Indoor Ag-Con’s conference program delivered practical insights across multiple crop categories and operational focus areas. Dedicated tracks covered leafy greens, vine crops, berries, sprouts, mushrooms, cannabis, food safety, conventional agriculture, and more.

A new feature this year was the debut of Table Talk Sessions, hosted by Doctor Greenhouse — grower-focused networking discussion tables designed to encourage peer-to-peer exchange and real-world problem solving. Expanded pre-show workshops — including a full-day program hosted by the Aquaponics Association and a half-day program designed to showcase indoor agriculture opportunities for traditional open-field growers — further reinforced the event’s emphasis on applied knowledge and operational improvement.

Across sessions, the focus remained clear: building stronger businesses through better execution.

Community & Collaboration

Indoor Ag-Con also continued its commitment to bringing the industry together beyond the classroom and trade show floor.

The event officially kicked off with a VIP Welcome Party hosted by Signify and Svensson at Atomic Golf, creating an opportunity for growers, partners, and industry leaders to connect in an informal setting ahead of the conference.

The show also recognized the importance of developing the next generation of CEA professionals through the Sollum Student Scholarship program. This year’s recipient, Karli Barton, a Master of Environmental Science student at the University of Guelph, attended Indoor Ag-Con as part of a fully funded scholarship designed to bridge academic research with real-world industry application. The program, sponsored by Sollum, supports emerging leaders through mentorship, networking, and exposure to the latest technologies shaping indoor agriculture.

Signature events such as the CEA Alliance Annual Meeting, the co-located International Sprout Growers Association Annual Convention, and the Women in CEA Luncheon created additional opportunities for networking, mentorship, and collaboration across the industry.

The event also balanced business with a bit of fun. A DJ and 360 Spin Booth energized the expo floor happy hour, and the show wrap party saw notably stronger attendance than last year. Attendees who participated in a special pre-registration promotion also enjoyed a group outing to The Wizard of Oz at the Las Vegas Sphere.

Looking Ahead

Indoor Ag-Con will return to the Westgate Las Vegas on March 24–25, 2027, continuing its role as the industry’s annual gathering place.

About Indoor Ag-Con

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming | greenhouse | controlled environment agriculture in North America. The event brings together industry professionals from across the globe to explore the latest trends, technologies, and innovations in the CEA sector. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. More information, visit www.indoor.ag

 

Center of Excellence for Indoor Agriculture Nearing Completion of Innovative Vertical Farm Facility Design

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog, Exhibitor News.

The Center of Excellence for Indoor Agriculture,, a U.S. based company that supports the growth of the vertical farming and greenhouse industry, is nearing completion of the design of an energy efficient, scalable, sustainable, and workflow optimized vertical farm. This project was funded in part by a Pennsylvania Agricultural Innovation Grant. This initiative supports the development of cutting-edge strategies to reduce energy consumption while enhancing productivity in controlled environment agriculture (CEA).

“We are excited to be nearing completion of this project and really appreciate our inclusion in the grant program by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Michael Roth, Director of Innovation, has been great to work with,” noted Dr. Eric W. Stein, Executive Director, Center of Excellence for Indoor Agriculture. “We have developed an innovative architectural design to help farmers maximize efficiency, lower costs, and reduce their carbon footprint while ensuring consistent food production year-round. Our next step is to identify the best site for our pilot, find clients and partners, and raise the necessary capital for construction.”

The Center’s architectural planning and design partner, Re:Vision Architecture (Philadelphia, PA) has played a pivotal role according to Stein and has been a great fit. “When Dr. Stein asked us if we were interested in working with him to develop the design for a building system that would make it easier for farmers to build sustainable businesses using indoor agriculture it was an immediate yes,” according to Drew Lavine, Partner and Director of Design at Re:Vision. The latter’s mission is to infuse sustainability in the built environment and to remove barriers to others achieving sustainable solutions.

Lead project architect, Sarah Reynolds, noted, “As an architect interested in sustainable and resilient solutions, it’s so rewarding to be a collaborator on this project. Our concept design prioritized building function, plant processing, farmer workflow, and module layout to optimize floor plans. Each draft was validated by feedback from industry professionals. I am excited to have been a part of this project and fully expect future installations to exceed their promise.”

The grant that underwrote part of the project was provided for by Governor Shapiro’s 2024-2025 budget and was administered by the PA Department of Agriculture. The initiative is part of the state’s commitment to fostering agricultural innovation and sustainability. With indoor farming on the rise, optimizing labor and energy use is a critical step toward making these operations more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

The Center of Excellence for Indoor Agriculture is actively looking for partners to realize its vision for the vertical farm of the future and make it available to prospective clients, landowners and investors.  For more information about the Center of Excellence for Indoor Agriculture and its ongoing initiatives, visit indoorgacenter.org.

About the Center of Excellence for Indoor Agriculture

The Center of Excellence for Indoor Agriculture is dedicated to advancing sustainable, technology-appropriate solutions for indoor farming through research, education, and industry collaboration. For investors, entrepreneurs, industry partners, and community organizers, the Center helps to de-risk the process of building sustainable and profitable indoor vertical farms and greenhouses. For communities, the Center supports the growth of innovative agricultural systems that ensure food security and environmental stewardship. The Center is located in the Philadelphia metro region.

About Re:Vision

Re:Vision, founded in 20022, is an architecture and sustainability consulting practice composed of purpose-driven people committed to re-visioning and restoring the balance between natural, built, and social environments. Re:Vision is comprised of two studios in one LEED-certified building that supports clients, other architects, contractors, and organizations to make their work and their companies more sustainable.  Re:Vision has been a certified B Corporation since 2007 and is located in Philadelphia.

 

 

Key Solutions Group to Introduce Breakthrough Control Technology for CEA at Indoor Ag-Con 2026

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog, Exhibitor News.

After more than a decade of development and extensive live trials, Key Solutions Group (Altoona, IA) will introduce a breakthrough control technology to the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry at Indoor Ag-Con 2026.

Developed by Kemin Bio Solutions (Norman, OK, and Des Moines, IA) and engineered specifically for PRO-OXINE® Horticulture (EPA Reg. for CEA as a disinfectant, sanitizer, fungicide, algaecide), this advanced platform is designed to enhance pathogen control through irrigation, supporting Integrated Disease Management (IDM) and IPM strategies across produce, cannabis, and flowering plant operations.

“Don Lund, Vice President, and I are honored to introduce a breakthrough control technology for the CEA industry, engineered specifically for PRO-OXINE® Horticulture,” said Tom Johnston, President of Key Solutions Group. “This technology represents a significant step forward in how growers can actively manage irrigation-based pathogen control with greater precision and confidence.”
The technology will be unveiled at Indoor Ag-Con, where attendees can learn more by visiting Key Solutions Group at Booth #628.

DM Tom Johnston and Don Lund to arrange a meeting at Indoor Ag-Con 2026 to learn more. Pressure-free inquiries or seeking a reseller in your region for PRO-OXINE® Horticulture, equipment, and supplies, contact Key Solutions Group today at 515.802.2761 or info@ksg-corp.com.

Visit Key Solutions Group at https://www.ksg-corp.com/

Introducing Table Talk: Technical Grower Roundtables & Networking at Indoor Ag-Con

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on . Posted in Blog, Exhibitor News.

Introducing Table Talk: Technical Grower Roundtables & Networking — Created & Hosted by Dr. Greenhouse

At Indoor Ag-Con, we know that some of the most valuable insights don’t always come from a stage—they come from conversations with peers who are facing the same technical decisions and operational challenges you are every day.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce Table Talk: Grower Technical Roundtables & Networking, a new interactive session created and hosted by Dr. Greenhouse and debuting at Indoor Ag-Con 2026. Designed specifically for growers and production-focused professionals, Table Talk creates space for honest, practical, peer-to-peer dialogue around the real-world issues shaping controlled environment agriculture today.

📅 Event Details

Thursday, February 12, 2026
1:00 – 2:15 PM (PST)
📍 Indoor Ag-Con | Westgate Las Vegas

What Is Table Talk?

Table Talk is a grower-focused networking session built around facilitated technical roundtables. Rather than traditional presentations, this format encourages participants to sit down with fellow growers and industry experts to dig into specific challenges, compare approaches, and share what’s working—and what isn’t.

By bringing together growers across different crop types, scales, and production models, Table Talk fosters meaningful cross-pollination of ideas. Attendees will walk away with actionable insights, proven strategies, and fresh perspectives they can apply immediately in their own operations.

Roundtable Topics & Facilitators

Each table will focus on a critical area of CEA production, guided by an experienced facilitator to keep the conversation focused, productive, and practical:

🌱 Rooted in Strength

Topic: Irrigation & Nutrients
Facilitator: Michelle Keller, Chief Horticulture Officer, Living Greens Farm

💡 Illuminated Growth

Topic: Lighting
Facilitator: Rodrigo Pereyra, Good Leaf

🌡️ Controlling the Weather

Topic: Climate
Facilitator: Dominick DiMucci, Haven Greens

🎯 Guiding the Process

Topic: Crop Steering
Facilitator: Nick Denney, Holistic Industries

🏗️ Shoo Fl

Topic: PIPM
Facilitator: Aaron Fields, Campo Caribe

Why Attend?

Table Talk is ideal for growers who want:

  • Real-world, technical conversations—not sales pitches
  • Peer-driven learning from operators facing similar challenges
  • Focused discussions on irrigation, lighting, climate, crop steering, and facility design
  • Meaningful networking with fellow growers and trusted experts

Whether you’re optimizing an existing facility or planning what’s next, Table Talk offers a rare opportunity to slow down, compare notes, and learn directly from others in the field.

Table Talk: Grower Technical Roundtables & Networking is included with your Indoor Ag-Con pass and takes place on Thursday, February 12, from 1:00–2:15 PM. Space at each table is limited—so come ready to engage, share, and learn.

We’ll see you at the table. 🌱

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