Press Releases Archives

Indoor Ag-Con, Sollum Technologies Launch Scholarship Program For College Students To Attend 2025 Edition

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on November 13, 2024. Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

Two Students to Receive Conference Pass, Travel, Accommodations For March 11-12, 2025 Edition at Westgate Las Vegas

Indoor Ag-Con is partnering with Sollum Technologies, a pioneer in dynamic LED lighting solutions for controlled environment agriculture (CEA), to launch the Sollum Student Scholarship to Indoor Ag-Con. Sponsored by Sollum Technologies, Booth #1125, this scholarship offers a unique opportunity for two college students to attend the March 11-12, 2025, edition of Indoor Ag-Con at the Westgate Las Vegas. As the largest trade show and conference for the CEA, vertical farming, and greenhouse industries, Indoor Ag-Con provides invaluable networking, educational sessions, and exposure to the latest industry innovations.

Each scholarship recipient will receive:

– A full-access conference pass to the March 11-12, 2025 edition
– Round-trip airfare (coach)
– A two-night hotel stay at the Westgate (room and tax included)
– A daily per diem for meals and expenses

“We’re excited to partner with Sollum Lighting on this scholarship program, which reflects our commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders in controlled environment agriculture,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “This scholarship gives students a unique chance to step outside the classroom and gain practical knowledge, inspiration, and connections that will help shape their future careers.”

“Supporting education and innovation in agriculture is core to our mission at Sollum,” adds Jenny Zammit, Vice President of Marketing, Sollum Technologies. “By providing this opportunity to attend Indoor Ag-Con, we hope to inspire and empower students who are passionate about making a difference in sustainable agriculture and technology.”

Applications are now open, with a deadline of December 15, 2024, and available at https://indoor.ag/sollum-student-scholarship/

College students studying agriculture, sustainability, technology, or related fields are encouraged to apply for this scholarship and immerse themselves in the innovation and advancements presented at Indoor Ag-Con. Student scholarship winners will be notified by January 6, 2025.

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 (CEA). 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

ABOUT SOLLUM TECHNOLOGIES
Sollum Technologies designed the only 100% dynamic LED lighting solution that modulates the full spectrum of the Sun’s natural light to illuminate closed environments such as greenhouses, research centers and laboratories. Sollum’s award-winning, turnkey solution consists of internet of things, AI-powered light fixtures that are controlled by Sollum’s proprietary SUN as a Service® cloud platform. For more information, www.sollum.tech

The International Sprout Growers Association to Co-Locate 33rd Annual Convention with Indoor Ag-Con in Las Vegas

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on November 12, 2024. Posted in Press Releases.

Las Vegas, NV (November 13, 2024) — Indoor Ag-Con, the premier trade show and conference for controlled environment agriculture (CEA), is pleased to announce that the International Sprout Growers Association (ISGA) will hold its 33rd Annual Convention alongside Indoor Ag-Con’s upcoming March 11-12, 2025 edition at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. This news follows the recent announcement that the CEA Alliance, the membership trade association representing vertical farms and greenhouse producers, will also be hosting its annual meeting and presenting the opening morning ‘State of the Industry’ keynote address at Indoor Ag-Con. Together, these co-locations will bring a diverse community of CEA professionals to one venue, creating unparalleled opportunities for cross-industry engagement and knowledge sharing.

The addition of ISGA’s educational track will give Indoor Ag-Con attendees access to sessions exploring the latest in sprout production, food safety, and sprout-based nutrition, while ISGA members will benefit from the full scope of Indoor Ag-Con’s expansive expo floor, educational sessions, and networking events.

“Indoor Ag-Con is thrilled to welcome the International Sprout Growers Association to our 2025 event, reinforcing our commitment to being the gathering place for individuals, associations, and organizations in CEA and related industries worldwide,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “With an increasingly global audience, we’re especially excited to welcome ISGA, whose international membership makes them a perfect fit for our event. By bringing together sprout growers, vertical farm operators, greenhouse producers, and the broader CEA community, we’re creating a unique space for sharing ideas, building partnerships, and sparking innovation that will benefit all.”

“The opportunity to co-locate our convention with Indoor Ag-Con offers ISGA members access to an incredibly broad spectrum of knowledge, tools, and networking,” added Carmen Wakeling, ISGA president and Co-Owner | CEO Eatmore Sprouts & Greens Ltd, British Columbia, Canada. “This collaboration strengthens our commitment to advancing the sprout industry while connecting our members with the larger CEA community to share insights and explore new opportunities.”

ISGA’s educational track will feature sessions on topics ranging from the historical importance of sprouts to their potential role as a global superfood, alongside essential insights into food safety and sustainable seed production. Highlights include:

Sprouts Through the Ages — Discover the rich history of sprouts and their evolution into a superfood with vast nutritional benefits.

The Superfood of Tomorrow— Explore how sprouts could revolutionize global nutrition for both humans and animals.

Seeds of Change — Learn about the latest advancements in seed production and their implications for sustainable diets.

Revolutionizing Food Safety— Hear about groundbreaking food safety practices that are setting new industry standards.

The International Sprout Growers Association: Cultivating the Future of Sprouts – A chance to learn more about the ISGA, what it stands for and how it’s shaping the future of the sprout industry.

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON
Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has become the largest trade show and conference for the CEA sector, encompassing vertical farming, greenhouse production, and more. Crop-agnostic in its approach, the event covers everything from produce and cannabis to alternate proteins and non-food crops. Indoor Ag-Con brings together industry professionals from around the world to explore the latest trends, technologies, and innovations shaping the future of agriculture. More information – www.indoor.ag

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL SPROUT GROWERS ASSOCIATION (ISGA)
Since 1989, the ISGA has been the voice of sprout growers and suppliers worldwide, promoting the industry and fostering information exchange across the globe. Representing members in North and South America, Europe, Asia, New Zealand, and Australia, ISGA is dedicated to advancing the sprout industry and supporting members with resources and advocacy for a healthier, more sustainable future. More information –www.isga-sprouts.org

Indoor Ag-Con, Inside Grower Launch The CEAs — Cultivating Excellence Awards

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on November 7, 2024. Posted in Press Releases.

Nominations Now Open; Winners Will Be Announced At Gala Luncheon During Indoor Ag-Con March 11-12, 2025 Edition

Indoor Ag-Con and Inside Grower magazine are proud to announce the inaugural CEAs — Cultivating Excellence Awards. This prestigious new awards program is designed to recognize and celebrate excellence, innovation, and leadership within the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector, spotlighting achievements across three categories: Operational Excellence, Good Stewardship, and Product Innovation.

Presented at a special gala luncheon on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the 12th annual edition of Indoor Ag-Con, held at the Westgate Las Vegas, The CEAs will honor trailblazing businesses and standout products that are shaping the future of CEA. Nomination submissions are now open, and all eligible businesses and products are encouraged to apply via www.indoor.ag/ceas-2025. Nominations are free and the deadline for submissions is December 16, 2024.

“This award program highlights the cutting-edge work our industry leaders and innovators are doing to advance controlled environment agriculture. It is a privilege to offer a platform for recognizing the incredible accomplishments of these businesses and individuals,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “With The CEAs, we aim to drive excitement, inspire further innovation, and reinforce the industry’s commitment to sustainable growth.”

“We are excited to partner with Indoor Ag-Con to present these awards,” adds Paul Black, Publisher, Inside Grower. “By celebrating the CEA sector’s best and brightest, The CEAs help showcase the innovation and responsibility at the core of our industry. We look forward to shining a spotlight on the pioneers and products that are making a meaningful difference.”

Winners in three award categories will be announced at The CEAs gala luncheon:

The CEAs Operational Excellence Award will recognize a single CEA business or one location of a multi-location business that consistently delivers quality products while distinguishing itself through innovation in production, technology, marketing, and overall strategy. Judges will evaluate candidates based on their achievements in growing market share, sustaining product quality, and developing practices that set them apart in a competitive landscape. Three finalists will receive an All-Access Pass to Indoor Ag-Con and be invited to attend the awards luncheon. The winner will be honored with a cover feature in Inside Grower magazine.

Good stewardship is foundational in today’s CEA industry, and this award recognizes businesses that are exemplary in their commitment to environmental and community responsibility. Three finalists who showcase initiatives in resource conservation, recycling, employee development, and community service will be chosen for The CEAs Good Stewardship Award. Each will receive an All-Access Pass to Indoor Ag-Con and the gala luncheon, and the winner will be recognized in a feature story in a future issue of Inside Grower magazine.

The CEAs Product Innovation Award highlights the newest and most innovative products that solve critical industry challenges and drive customer value. Open to all 2025 Indoor Ag-Con exhibitors, this award will celebrate products that demonstrate the forward-thinking, problem-solving spirit of the CEA industry. Winning products will be highlighted through Indoor Ag-Con promotional channels, and in a special section in an upcoming issue of Inside Grower magazine.

For more information on the award categories, nomination guidelines, and to submit a free application, please visit www.indoor.ag/ceas-2025.

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 (CEA). 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

ABOUT INSIDE GROWER

Part of the Ball Publishing family of media brands, Inside Grower magazine is a leading publication for the controlled environment agriculture industry, providing news, insights, quality crop-specific growing information and timely trend data that can help operations thrive in today’s market. More information, visit www.insidegrower.com

Indoor Ag-Con to Host Pre-Event CEA Food Safety Workshop Series with Ceres University Ahead of March 2025 Conference

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on October 25, 2024. Posted in Press Releases.

LAS VEGAS (October 27, 2025) — Building on the success of the 2024 pre-event workshop, Indoor Ag-Con is excited to announce its continued partnership with Ceres University to host two comprehensive CEA Food Safety Workshops ahead of the 2025 Indoor Ag-Con trade show, scheduled for March 11-12 at the Westgate Las Vegas. This workshop series, tailored for professionals in the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and vertical farming industries, will offer food safety managers, quality assurance personnel, and executives a valuable opportunity to expand their knowledge and revalidate HACCP Certification.

The CEA Food Safety Workshops, scheduled for March 10, 2025, will feature two sessions:

Workshop One: Internal Review Programs for Food Safety Managers & Quality Assurance Personnel
8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Attendees will gain valuable insights into developing and auditing internal food safety programs, a requirement for GFSI-certified organizations. Attendees of this accredited class can earn a total of three Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Workshop Two: Executive Level Food Safety
1:30 PM – 5:30 PM

This workshop offers an executive perspective on managing food safety programs effectively. Attendees will explore the essentials of quality assurance, critical aspects of food safety program management, methods for addressing customer inquiries and more.

Participants attending both workshops can earn a revalidation of their HACCP Certification for an additional four years. Each workshop is priced at $575, with a discounted rate of $995 for both.

“We’re pleased to offer the CEA Food Safety Workshop as part of our expanding educational line-up at Indoor Ag-Con,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. “Food safety is a top priority for the CEA industry, and our partnership with Ceres University helps ensure attendees leave with the tools and knowledge they need to maintain high standards.”

“Partnering with Indoor Ag-Con to bring back the CEA Food Safety Workshop is a valuable opportunity,” said Karl Kolb, Ph.D., President of Ceres University. “Our goal is to help CEA professionals build effective food safety practices. This workshop will provide clear, practical approaches that attendees can apply to improve their food safety programs.”

In addition to workshop attendance, registration includes access to the Indoor Ag-Con Expo Hall on March 11-12, providing participants with entry to the trade show floor, presentations in the Expo Theater, and a Welcome Happy Hour.

For more details and registration for the CEA Food Safety Workshop, visit www.indoor.ag/ceafoodsafety.

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

ABOUT CERES UNIVERSITY

Ceres University is a leading provider of ICET-accredited food safety training and certification. With a mission to enhance food safety and quality through education, Ceres University equips professionals in the food industry with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their careers and ensure the highest standards of safety and quality. More information – www.ceres.university

Indoor Ag-Con Advisory Board Slate Announced for 2025

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on October 14, 2024. Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

Indoor Ag-Con, the largest, longest-running gathering for the greenhouse, vertical farming, controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry, is pleased to announce the slate of members for its 2025 Advisory Board. This distinguished group of industry leaders will provide valuable insights that will guide the continued growth and development of the event’s conference program, special event features, and exhibition throughout the coming year.

The Advisory Board plays a crucial role in ensuring that Indoor Ag-Con remains at the forefront of the indoor agriculture industry. With expertise spanning the diverse sectors of CEA, including greenhouse and vertical farming, the board’s contributions will help drive the ongoing growth and success of the event.

2025 Indoor Ag-Con Advisory Board Members

Glenn Behrman, Founder & President, CEA Advisors

Michelle Keller, Chief Horticulture Officer, Living Greens Farm

Scott Lowman, Ph.D., VP Applied Research, IALR & Co-Director, Virginia Tech – IALR CEA Innovation Center

Joe Swartz, Senior Vice President, AmHydro

Nona Yehia, Co-Founder & CEO, Vertical Harvest

Jennifer Waxman, Founder/Managing Partner, Seed2Source

Tracy Lee Zogby, CEA Lead | Product Development, Sakata Seed America, Inc

“We are honored to have these CEA industry leaders on our 2025 Advisory Board,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “Their ongoing contributions are essential in ensuring that our event continues to deliver cutting-edge content, showcase the latest innovations, and provide unmatched networking opportunities for all participants. With their guidance, we look forward to creating an even more impactful event in 2025.”

Indoor Ag-Con heads to its new Las Vegas venue, the Westgate, for its 12^th annual edition, on March 11-12, 2025. Attendees can expect a comprehensive conference program designed to inform, educate, and train; an expanded expo floor featuring the latest products, technologies, services, and solutions; and quality networking functions.

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

Third Annual CEA Summit East Sparks Innovation and Collaboration In Virginia

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on October 4, 2024. Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

DANVILLE, VA (OCTOBER 4, 2024) — Building on the success of previous years, the third annual Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East returned to the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, VA from October 1-2, 2024. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con and the CEA Innovation Center—a joint project with Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, IALR and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center —the event attracted almost 250 attendees from 35 US states, Canada, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong. The diverse audience of growers, educators, scientists, Extension personnel, suppliers, tech specialists, and government leaders gathered to explore the latest advancements in CEA technology and build valuable partnerships.

The two-day event featured a packed agenda of keynote presentations, panels, breakout sessions, and tours of the CEA Innovation Center facilities. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with 21 tabletop exhibits showcasing cutting-edge innovations and services shaping the future of CEA. Alongside these sessions, a range of networking opportunities fostered new connections and strengthened existing partnerships.

“We’re proud to see the CEA Summit East improve year after year,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. “The diversity of expertise represented here is impressive, and it’s a testament to the collaborative nature of this growing sector. “

“It’s inspiring to see leaders across the CEA spectrum come together to exchange ideas and strategies that drive our industry forward,” adds Dr. Scott Lowman, Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center and Vice President of Applied Research at IALR. “This event underscores the importance of partnerships and shared knowledge in achieving the growth and success we envision for CEA.”

Standing-Room Only Keynote With Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin Kicks Off Event

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, a steadfast supporter of the indoor agriculture sector, kicked off the event with a keynote address to a standing-room only audience. His session was immediately followed by the session, “What Is CEA: It’s Mission, Definition and Purpose,” with Paul Brentlinger, CEO, CropKing, Inc; Jessica Soare, Senior Director of Marketing, BrightFarms; Mike Ross, Co-Founder & CEO, Beanstalk; and Dr. Michael Evans, Virginia Tech and Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center. On the second day, the Leadership Insights Panel welcomed John McMahon, Co-Founder & COO, Better Future Farms; Molly Montgomery, Acting CEO Executive Chair, AeroFarms ; Carl Gupton, CEO, Greenswell Growers; and moderator Emily Gee, CEA Alliance Board Member and Marketing Director, AeroFarms, to the stage. In addition, the panel “Horizon Ahead” moderated by Kelli Rodda, Editorial Director, GIE Media, brought together Andrew Brooks, Business Development Manager, Priva; Cody Journell, Founder | CEO, Vegg, Inc; and Maximilian Knight, CEO, Rooted Robotics, to discuss emerging trends, technological advancements and innovations shaping CEA today.

Educational Tracks

The CEA Summit featured three educational tracks – Production, Business and Education, Workforce and Training– that brought academics, growers and business experts together covering a wide range of topics ranging from food safety, economics of CEA, crop selection and aquaponics to strategies for energy management, onboarding training programs for new employees, building international partnerships. Other panel discussions and 15-minute CEA Industry & Research Showcase sessions gave attendees the chance to hear about some of the latest research findings and other industry success stories.

Tabletop Exhibits & Networking

In addition to conference sessions, attendees had ample opportunities to visit with the Summit’s 21 tabletop exhibitors during coffee breaks, luncheon roundtables and an afternoon cocktail reception.

Graduate Student Poster Competition

This year’s summit hosted the 2^nd CEA Graduate Student Poster Competition to provide an opportunity for graduate students to share high quality CEA-related research; to expose commercial companies to qualified candidates; to foster collaboration between individuals in academia and in private industry. Eight finalists competed and Liam Reynolds, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign took first prize for his poster, “Evaluation of Radish, Broccoli, and Lettuce Microgreens Irrigated with Hydrothermal Liquefaction Aqueous Phase.”Nathaniel King-Smith, The Ohio State University, was awarded second place for his poster, “Exploring Sustainable Alternatives for Critical Materials: Hydroponic Cultivation of Rubber Dandelion ( T.kok-saghyz) for Rubber Production.”

CEA Innovation Center Tour

The event wrapped up with group tours of the CEA Innovation Center. Conference attendees took advantage of the unique opportunity to get an inside look at the CEA Innovation Center’s hydroponic systems and facilities, including the greenhouse and vertical growing racks. They also got to hear more about some of the Center’s exciting research projects.

The next edition of CEA Summit East will be held September 9-10, 2025. Look for more information coming soon to the event website – www.ceasummit.com. In addition, save the dates for the next edition of Indoor Ag-Con, March 11-12, 2025 at the Westgate Las Vegas.

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. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. For more information, visit www.indoor.ag.

ABOUT THE CEA INNOVATION CENTER

The Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center is a joint project with Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, IALR and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center. By developing strategic partnerships with both industry and academia, the goal of the Innovation Center is to conduct research and educational programming to develop, promote and advance the CEA sector in the U.S. and internationally. For more information, visit https://ceaic.org/

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin to Deliver Opening Keynote Address At Controlled Environment Agriculture Summit East in Danville, Virginia

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on September 5, 2024. Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

Indoor Ag-Con and the Virginia Tech-Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center are pleased to announce that Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin will deliver the opening keynote address at the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East, taking place in Danville, Virginia, on October 1-2, 2024. Governor Youngkin’s keynote will kick off the summit on the morning of October 1^st, setting the stage for two days of dynamic discussions, research showcases, tabletop exhibits and collaboration within the indoor agriculture industry.

Governor Youngkin has been a steadfast supporter of the indoor agriculture industry, advocating for the combination of state investment, new technology, and company development to create a thriving ecosystem in Virginia. His commitment to fostering an environment that supports safe, sustainable, and locally grown food makes him an ideal keynote speaker for this year’s summit.

“We are thrilled to have Governor Glenn Youngkin open our conference with his keynote address,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “Governor Youngkin’s leadership has positioned Virginia as a premier hub for controlled environment agriculture. His efforts to drive economic growth through strategic investments and partnerships have made the Commonwealth a model for the future of indoor farming.”

Under Governor Youngkin’s administration, Virginia has seen significant economic development in the CEA sector, bolstered by its strategic access to domestic markets, plentiful resources, skilled workforce, and a network of robust public and private partnerships. These achievements have not only reinforced Virginia’s role as a leader in next-generation agriculture but have also paved the way for continued innovation and expansion within the industry.

“Governor Youngkin’s vision for a sustainable and prosperous agricultural future aligns perfectly with the goals of the CEA Summit East,” said Dr. Scott Lowman, VP of Applied Research, IALR and Co-Director, Virginia Tech-IALR CEA Innovation Center. “His support for the indoor agriculture industry and his dedication to creating opportunities for growth and development make him an inspiring figure for all of us working in this space.”

Governor Youngkin’s journey from humble beginnings to co-CEO of a leading global investment firm, and now as a transformative political leader, exemplifies his dedication to hard work and common-sense solutions. His tenure as Governor has been marked by substantial achievements, including the largest education budget in Virginia’s history and numerous economic investments that have spurred job growth and opportunity across the state.

ABOUT CEA SUMMIT EAST

Returning for its third year, the CEA Summit East will be held from October 1-2, 2024, at the IALR Conference Center in Danville, Virginia. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, the premier trade show and conference for the vertical farming, greenhouse, and CEA sector, and the Virginia Tech (VT) – IALR CEA Innovation Center, this summit continues to be a key event for industry collaboration and innovation, featuring two days of tabletop exhibits, networking and conference programming.

Building on the success of its 2023 edition, which drew participants from 33 U.S. states, Canada, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the CEA Summit East 2024 is expected to once again unite professionals from academia, business, and technology within the CEA industry. Attendees will include greenhouse growers, urban agriculture operations, vertical farms, outdoor growers exploring hybrid opportunities, educators, scientists, extension personnel and agents, suppliers, engineers, tech specialists, architects/developers, government officials, and other industry members.

For more information on the CEA Summit East and to register for the event, please visit www.ceasummit.com

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA TECH – IALR CEA INNOVATION CENTER

The Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center is a joint project between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center. By developing strategic partnerships with both industry and academia, the goal of the Innovation Center is to conduct research and educational programming to develop, promote and advance the CEA sector in the U.S. and internationally. For more information, visit www.ialr.org/cea

CEA Industry Leaders to Outline Future Trends at CEA Summit East Keynote

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on August 19, 2024. Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

Virginia October 1-2, 2024 Edition Brings Academia and Industry Together For Collaboration, Innovation

The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East is excited to announce that the keynote address, “Leadership Insights: Charting the Future Landscape of Controlled Environment Agriculture,” will take place on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 9 AM at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center in Danville, Virginia.

This session is one of two featured keynote addresses joining the full conference line-up for the October 1-2, 2024 edition, providing attendees with a double dose of expert insights and forward-thinking discussions. This keynote will bring together leading executives in the CEA industry to explore predictions, strategies, and perspectives on the emerging trends that will shape the future of controlled environment agriculture.

The panel will feature Carl Gupton, CEO, Greenswell Growers; John McMahon, Co-Founder & COO, Better Future Farms; and Molly Montgomery, Acting CEO & Executive Chair, AeroFarms. The keynote will be moderated by Emily Gee, a member of the Board of Directors for the CEA Alliance and Director of Marketing, AeroFarms.

This engaging session will give attendees the chance to participate in the ongoing conversation shaping the course of sustainable and innovative food production. Whether you are a greenhouse grower, urban agriculture operator, vertical farmer, supplier in the CEA sector, this keynote promises critical takeaways that can help you navigate the evolving landscape of controlled environment agriculture. Look for more information coming soon on another keynote session.

ABOUT CEA SUMMIT EAST

Returning for its third year, the CEA Summit East will be held from October 1-2, 2024, at the IALR Conference Center in Danville, Virginia. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, the premier trade show and conference for the vertical farming, greenhouse, and CEA sector, and the Virginia Tech (VT)- IALR CEA Innovation Center, this summit continues to be a key event for industry collaboration and innovation, featuring two days of tabletop exhibits, networking and conference programming.

For more information on the CEA Summit East and to register for the event, please visit www.ceasummit.east.

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA TECH – IALR CEA INNOVATION CENTER

CEA Alliance and Indoor Ag-Con Announce 2025 Partnership

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on August 13, 2024. Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

LAS VEGAS (August 13, 2024) — The Controlled Environment Agriculture Alliance (CEA Alliance) and the Indoor Ag-Con LLC management group announced today that the Alliance will hold its 2025 annual meeting in conjunction with Indoor Ag-Con and contribute to the educational program at the event in Las Vegas, March 11-12, 2025.

“Indoor Ag-Con has become one of the most important events of the year for CEA growers,” said CEA Alliance Executive Director Tom Stenzel. “We’re excited to hold our annual business meeting at the show, facilitating the participation of our member growers and their business partners in this event.”

The partnership underscores the commitment of both organizations to advancing the field of controlled environment agriculture.

“We are honored to partner with the CEA Alliance,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. “The Alliance’s grower and business service members represent leading innovators and voices in the CEA industry, amplifying the value and impact of our audience. Hosting their annual meeting in conjunction with our event creates a unique opportunity for our exhibitors and attendees to engage directly with even more top-tier growers and industry leaders. The Alliance’s contributions to our educational lineup will be invaluable, bringing critical insights and expertise on the key issues and trends shaping the future of controlled environment agriculture.”

As part of the 2025 Indoor Ag-Con conference program, the CEA Alliance will present a “State of the Industry” report, outlining the growth, challenges, and opportunities for the CEA sector.

“We’re excited to bring our members’ experience and expertise to this presentation at the 2025 conference,” said Alliance Chairman Dan Malech, Senior Vice President, Strategy and General Counsel, Plenty. “Our friends at Indoor Ag-Con have created an essential educational and business destination for our members, and we look forward to continuing to build momentum for the growth of the indoor produce sector.”

Entering its 12th year, Indoor Ag-Con has consistently been a pivotal event for professionals in the CEA sector, experiencing year-on-year growth and providing a comprehensive platform for networking, business development, and education. For the March 11-12, 2025 edition, Indoor Ag-Con moves to its new venue, Westgate Las Vegas, providing space for the event’s expanding exhibit hall, educational offerings, and networking events.

ABOUT THE CEA ALLIANCE
The Controlled Environment Agriculture Alliance is a membership trade association representing and serving vertical farms and greenhouse producers growing fruits and vegetables in a highly controlled indoor production environment. More information is available at www.ceaalliance.com

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON
Indoor Ag-Con is the premier trade show and conference for the indoor and vertical farming industry, bringing together growers, suppliers, and industry leaders to share knowledge, network, and explore the latest innovations in controlled environment agriculture. More information is available at www.indoor.ag

CEA Summit East 2024 Poster Competition Call For Entries

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on May 16, 2024. Posted in Press Releases.

CEA Summit East 2024 is now accepting abstracts for the Graduate Student Research Poster Competition to be held as part of the October 1-2, 2024, edition at the Institute For Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center in Danville, Virginia.

CEA Summit East is focused on bringing together the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry and academia. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, the leading global gathering of the vertical farming | CEA sector, and the Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center, a joint project between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center, the summit aims to foster collaboration and innovation in the field of CEA.

“Returning for its second year as part of the CEA Summit East, the poster competition is designed to provide graduate students with an opportunity to showcase their high-quality CEA-related research. It also aims to facilitate networking between students and industry professionals,” says Kaylee South, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of CEA at Virginia Tech. “The CEA Summit East Partners are excited to invite graduate students to submit their abstracts for consideration.”

Competition Eligibility and Guidelines:

The competition is open to currently enrolled or recently graduated (Spring 2024 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 August 16, 2024, for consideration.
All posters will be judged and scored at the conference, with winners announced during the breakfast gathering/keynote session on day 2, October 2, 2024.

For more information on abstract submission and competition guidelines, please visit https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-poster/ or contact Dr. Kaylee South at kasouth@vt.edu or +1.434.766.6628

ABOUT CEA SUMMIT EAST

Building on the success of its 2023 edition, which attracted attendees from 33 US states, Canada, the Netherlands and Sweden, the 3rd Annual CEA Summit East is set to unite professionals once again from academia, business, and technology within the CEA industry. Attendees include greenhouse growers, urban agriculture operations, vertical farms, outdoor growers seeking hybrid growing opportunities, educators, scientists, extension personnel and agents, suppliers, engineers, tech specialists, architects/developers, government officials, and other industry members. With a focus on facilitating meaningful connections and knowledge exchange, the summit will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking/ breakout sessions, and tabletop exhibits highlighting the latest advancements in CEA technology and practices. Attendees can also look forward to research facility tours, providing firsthand insights into cutting-edge research and development initiatives. For more information, visit www.ceasummit.com

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. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. For more information, visit www.indoor.ag.