Skip to main content
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
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

 

2026 Student Scholarship Recipient Karli Barton

Indoor Ag-Con and Sollum Technologies Announce Recipient of 2026 Sollum Student Scholarship

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

Indoor Ag-Con and Sollum Technologies have announced Karli Barton, a Master of Environmental Science student at the University of Guelph, as the recipient of the 2026 Sollum Student Scholarship to Indoor Ag-Con.

The scholarship supports emerging leaders in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) by providing a fully funded opportunity to attend Indoor Ag-Con 2026, taking place February 11–12 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The program is designed to connect academic research with real-world industry application through mentorship, networking, and exposure to the latest technologies shaping indoor farming.

Scholarship benefits include

  • A full-access conference pass to the February 11-12, 2026 event
  • Round-trip airfare (coach)
  • A two-night hotel stay (room and tax)
  • A daily per diem allowance
  • Scheduled one-on-one meeting time with the Sollum Technologies team in their expo booth
  • An opportunity to film a short video interview recapping their experience and learnings from the show — to be featured by both Indoor Ag-Con and Sollum Technologies across digital channels

About the Scholarship Recipient

Karli Barton is a second-year Masters of Environmental Science student at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. Her research focuses on the intersection of advanced LED lighting strategies and sustainable pest management in controlled-environment strawberry production. A key component of her work examines how dynamic lighting regimes—such as blue-light night interruption and continuous lighting—affect the performance of biological control agents used to manage aphid pests.

Before beginning graduate studies, Barton spent nearly a decade working in integrated pest management roles across both field and controlled-environment systems, including six years as a biocontrol consultant supporting commercial greenhouse operations. Her research aims to help growers adopt innovative lighting technologies without compromising the effectiveness of biological pest control, bridging scientific research with practical, on-farm decision-making.

“Supporting emerging researchers like Karli is critical to the future of controlled environment agriculture,” said Jenny Zammit, Vice President of Marketing and Customer Success at Sollum Technologies. “Her work reflects exactly what this scholarship was designed to encourage—rigorous, applied research that helps growers integrate new technologies in a sustainable and practical way.”

“Indoor Ag-Con is proud to partner with Sollum Technologies to provide meaningful opportunities for students who are shaping the future of indoor agriculture,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. “Karli’s background and research exemplify the kind of industry-connected innovation we aim to support through this scholarship.”

About Indoor Ag-Con

Indoor Ag-Con is the premier trade show and conference for the indoor and vertical farming industry. Held annually in Las Vegas, the event attracts CEA growers, suppliers, researchers, and technology providers from across the globe for two days of educational sessions, networking, and innovation showcases. Learn more at www.indoor.ag.

About Sollum Technologies

As the leader in advanced, dynamic LED lighting for commercial greenhouses, Sollum Technologies offers a unique proposition. The comprehensive solution provides the flexibility to adapt lighting in real time to meet crop needs at every stage of growth, supports producers operational and financial goals in a sustainable manner, and offers unmatched technical and agronomic guidance. Designed and manufactured in North America, Sollum’s technology is deployed across major greenhouse operations to support year-round production, consistent quality, and smarter energy use. Founded in 2015, Sollum is headquartered in Montréal with regional offices in Ontario and Georgia. For more information  visit www.sollum.tech 

2026 Keynote

Indoor Ag-Con Announces Opening Day Keynote: CEA Alliance Insights on the State of the Industry

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

Indoor Ag-Con, the premier event for controlled environment agriculture (CEA), has announced the Opening Day keynote for the February 11–12, 2026 edition at the Westgate Las Vegas. Titled CEA Alliance Insights on the State of the Industry, the session will feature a candid, global discussion with leading indoor growers examining the realities, challenges, and opportunities shaping the sector today.

Moderated by Tom Stenzel, Executive Director of the CEA Alliance, the keynote, scheduled for 8:00 AM PST on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, brings together senior executives from major indoor farming operations spanning multiple commodities and regions, including North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Keynote panelists include:

  • Dane Almassy, Chief Commercial Officer, Local Bounti
  • Aaron Fields, Chief Executive Officer, Campo Caribe
  • Jesper Hansen, Chief Commercial Officer, YesHealth Group
  • Josh McClung, Chief Operating Officer, Cox Farms

“Controlled environment agriculture is at an important inflection point,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. “This Opening Day keynote brings together experienced operators who are navigating today’s market conditions in real time. Their perspectives—grounded in global operations and hard-won lessons—will set the tone for two days of practical, forward-looking dialogue at Indoor Ag-Con 2026.”

Stenzel added, “Growers across the world are adapting to tighter capital, evolving markets, and rising expectations around efficiency and sustainability. This keynote is designed to offer an honest assessment of where the industry stands today and what operators are doing to position themselves for long-term success.”

The Opening Day keynote joins Indoor Ag-Con’s Day Two headliner on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 8:00 AM PST, The State of CEA Finance: Capital Flows, Discipline, and Lessons Learned, featuring Dave Chen, CEO of Equilibrium Capital, and David Verbitsky, President and Managing Director of Verbitsky Capital.

Together, the two keynote sessions anchor Indoor Ag-Con 2026’s expanded educational program, which now features 11 crop-and sector-specific tracks covering everything from lettuce and herbs, vine crops, berries, mushrooms, and cannabis to food safety, conventional agriculture, and emerging approaches to CEA. In addition to the conference program, attendees will explore an expo floor filled with innovative technologies and solutions from across the supply chain, along with extensive networking opportunities designed to connect growers, operators, suppliers, investors, and researchers.

The 13th annual Indoor Ag-Con will take place February 11–12, 2026, at the Westgate Las Vegas. For more information or to register, visit www.indoor.ag.

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. 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 CEA ALLIANCE
The CEA 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, visit www.ceaalliance.com

Indoor Ag-Con Announces Day Two 2026 Keynote: ‘The State of CEA Finance: Capital Flows, Discipline, and Lessons Learned’ for 2026 Conference

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

Indoor Ag-Con, the largest trade show and conference for the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector, has announced the Day Two keynote for its February 11-12, 2026 event in Las Vegas. Titled “The State of CEA Finance: Capital Flows, Discipline, and Lessons Learned,” the keynote will take place on Thursday, February 12 from 8:00–8:50 AM PST and will feature a fireside chat with two of the most influential voices shaping CEA and agri-food finance: Dave Chen, Co-Founder & CEO of Equilibrium, and David Verbitsky, President & Managing Director of Verbitsky Capital.

As the industry continues to mature following a decade marked by rapid expansion, shifting capital dynamics, and heightened scrutiny on operational performance, this keynote will offer attendees a candid look at the financial landscape influencing CEA today. The conversation will explore:

  • How and where capital is moving across the CEA value chain
  • How financing discipline has evolved since the sector’s early boom years
  • The risks associated with scaling too quickly
  • The lessons investors, operators, and suppliers must carry forward to build resilient, profitable businesses

“Finance continues to be one of the most important and closely watched aspects of controlled environment agriculture,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “Dave and David bring valuable perspective shaped by years of working across the broader food and agriculture investment landscape. We’re pleased to offer attendees a grounded, practical conversation that will help operators and partners navigate the changing financial environment.”

This keynote is part of Indoor Ag-Con’s most comprehensive educational program yet, featuring 11 specialized educational tracks covering vine crops, mushrooms, berries, lettuce & herbs, conventional agriculture, food safety, cannabis, unique approaches, general applications, and more. Attendees will also experience an expo hall showcasing hundreds of CEA technologies and solutions, along with numerous networking opportunities designed to foster meaningful connections and industry-wide collaboration.

Speaker Profiles

Dave Chen, Co-Founder & CEO, Equilibrium

Dave is co-founder and CEO of Equilibrium Capital Group which was founded nearly 18 years ago with the mission to build an institutional asset manager focused on sustainable infrastructure investment strategies that could make a positive impact on our climate challenges. Equilibrium invests in sustainable food & agriculture and carbon transition infrastructure. With offices in San Francisco, Portland, and London, the firm serves a global group of institutional investors.

Dave started his career at Solectron and at McKinsey. He served as Chairman of the Portland Oregon Branch of the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank 2005-2012. He was a general partner of OVP Venture Partners and a co-founder of GeoTrust (acquired by VeriSign). He was a board member of HNCS (NASDAQ) 1999-2002, the pioneer in applying neural net technology to deliver application software for real time credit card fraud detection for the banking sector and in healthcare insurance fraud detection, later merged with FICO (NASDAQ:HNCS, now NYSE:FIC). For the past 15 years, he has also been an Adjunct Professor of Finance at the Kellogg School Management at Northwestern University and Director of the Kellogg Impact Investing Program.

David Verbitsky, President & Managing Director, Verbitsky Capital

With more than 15 years of investment banking and entrepreneurial experience, David Verbitsky has advised on over $200B in M&A and financing transactions across the Agriculture & Food industry. His background includes serving as Global Head of Agriculture & Nutrition Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs; Global Head of AgTech & Sustainable Food Investment Banking at Nomura Greentech; and prior roles within Barclays’ Chemicals & Agriculture investment banking team.

David Verbitsky’s experience spans early-stage innovators, family-owned operators, private equity, and large multinationals across the entire Agri-Food value chain. His career also includes venture capital roles, strategic advisory work in agri-food innovation, and operational leadership as CFO of Invaio, an AgTech start-up. He holds an MBA from Rice University and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University.

Indoor Ag-Con will announce details of its Opening Morning Keynote—The State of the CEA Industry from the CEA Alliance—in the coming weeks.

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

Indoor Ag-Con and Sollum Technologies Announce 2026 Scholarship for Doctoral Students in Controlled Environment Agriculture

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

Graduate Student Will Receive Full Conference Experience, Travel, Lodging – Plus Exclusive Mentorship and Media Opportunities

Indoor Ag-Con is once again teaming up with Sollum Technologies, a pioneer in advanced dynamic LED lighting solution for controlled environment agriculture (CEA), to launch the 2026 edition of the Sollum Student Scholarship to Indoor Ag-Con. Designed to support the next generation of CEA researchers and innovators, this scholarship will provide a graduate-level student pursuing doctoral work in a CEA-related field with an all-expenses-paid trip to attend Indoor Ag-Con, February 11-12, 2026, in Las Vegas, NV.

Scholarship recipient will receive:

  • A full-access conference pass to the February 11-12, 2026 event
  • Round-trip airfare (coach)
  • A two-night hotel stay (room and tax)
  • A daily per diem allowance
  • Scheduled one-on-one meeting time with the Sollum Technologies team in their expo booth
  • An opportunity to film a short video interview recapping their experience and learnings from the show — to be featured by both Indoor Ag-Con and Sollum Technologies across digital channels

“We’re proud to once again partner with Sollum Technologies on this exciting initiative,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “Through this scholarship, we’re helping the next generation of agriculture professionals get a front-row seat to the technologies and conversations that are shaping the future of farming.”

Jenny Zammit, Vice President of Marketing and Customer Success, Sollum Technologies added, “The Sollum team is passionate about supporting young professionals who are motivated to make a meaningful impact in agriculture. By sponsoring this scholarship, we’re building relationships and sharing insights that can help launch a student’s career.”

Applications Now Open

Applications are now open with a deadline of December 19, 2025. Graduate students based in the United States or Canada and currently enrolled in a doctoral program with a research focus related to controlled environment agriculture—including plant science, lighting, environmental controls, or other relevant disciplines—are encouraged to apply.

For full eligibility requirements and to access the application, visit  https://indoor.ag/sollum-student-scholarship/

About Indoor Ag-Con
Indoor Ag-Con is the premier trade show and conference for the indoor and vertical farming industry. Held annually in Las Vegas, the event attracts CEA growers, suppliers, researchers, and technology providers from across the globe for two days of educational sessions, networking, and innovation showcases. Learn more at www.indoor.ag.

About Sollum Technologies
Sollum Technologies designed the only advanced  100% dynamic LED lighting solution that modulates the full spectrum of the Sun’s natural light to illuminate greenhouses and indoor farms. 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 

 

Indoor Ag-Con Expands 2026 Conference Line-Up With New Food Safety Track Hosted by Ceres University

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

 Indoor Ag-Con, the largest trade show and conference for the greenhouse, controlled environment agriculture and vertical farming industry, has announced the addition of a brand-new Food Safety Track to its February 11-12, 2026 Conference Program at the Westgate Las Vegas. Hosted by Ceres University, an IACET-accredited leader in food safety training and consulting, the new track brings the event’s total to 11 crop and sector tracks—Indoor Ag-Con’s most comprehensive educational offering to date.

Joining tracks including Lettuce & Herbs, Vine Crops, the International Sprout Growers Association (ISGA) Annual Conference Programming, Mushrooms, Berries, Cannabis, Conventional Agriculture, Unique Approaches to CEA, General Applications, and the Expo Theater Sessions, the Food Safety Track reinforces Indoor Ag-Con’s commitment to delivering practical, high-value education for growers and operators.

“Food safety is foundational to every successful CEA operation,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. “By partnering with Ceres University to deliver this dedicated track we’re giving attendees the practical, compliance-ready tools they need to strengthen their operations and reduce risk.”

2026 FOOD SAFETY TRACK HIGHLIGHTS:

From Compliance to Competitive Advantage: Designing a Strong Food Safety Framework – Executive Deep Dive
February 12, 2026 | 9:00 AM – Noon PST
Speaker: Karl Kolb, Ph.D., President, Ceres University

This intensive seminar goes beyond regulatory checkboxes to show how food safety can become a strategic differentiator. Led by a GFSI-certified auditor, the session explores program architecture, risk mitigation, internal auditing, certification prep (SQF, BRC, PrimusGFS), and more. Attendees receive practical templates, case studies, a certificate of completion, and three Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Safeguarding Your Grow: Developing an Indoor Environmental Safety Program
February 12, 2026 | 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM
Speakers:
Andy Moreno, PhD, Bacterial Surveillance Systems Engineer, HSG/AME Certified Laboratories
Bryson Green, Ph.D., Scientist, AME Certified PCR Laboratories

A grower’s first line of defense is its environment. This session equips attendees with tools to detect plant and human pathogens before symptoms appear, prevent cross-contamination, implement in-house testing, and build proactive remediation plans. Certificate & CEU credits awarded.

Root Cause, Corrective & Preventive Actions Made Easy
February 12, 2026 | 3:30 PM – 4:20 PM
Speaker: Karl Kolb, Ph.D., President, Ceres University

Learn how to turn a food safety event into a roadmap for improvement. This hands-on class demystifies RCCAPA processes used in PCQI and GFSI programs, providing models, frameworks, and guided exercises to strengthen audit readiness. Certificate & CE credits awarded.

Comprehensive Education Across 11 Tracks
Across two days, Indoor Ag-Con 2026 will offer presentations, panels, and fireside chats designed to help growers, investors, and innovators succeed in today’s rapidly evolving CEA landscape. Expo Theater sessions on the show floor will feature timely discussions on cybersecurity in CEA, AI-driven automation, smart system integration, crop diversification, and real-world grower case studies. The 2026 program will also present headline keynote sessions — to be announced soon — featuring influential leaders shaping the future of food, farming, and technology.

Innovation, Networking & Industry Connections
Complementing the robust education program, the Indoor Ag-Con expo floor showcases hundreds of CEA suppliers under one roof — spanning lighting, climate control, substrates, automation, irrigation, facility design, and more. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of networking touchpoints, including breakout discussions, daily lunches, the show floor happy hour, and the Indoor Ag-Con Wrap Party celebration.

Early Bird Registration Now Open
Early Bird registration is officially open. To register and learn more about the 2026 conference program, exhibitor opportunities, and networking events, visit www.indoor.ag.

About Indoor Ag-Con
Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con is the 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 CEA. For more information, visit www.indoor.ag

About Ceres University
Ceres University is a premiere, IACET (International Association for Continuing Education and Training) Accredited, onsite and online resource that specializes in food safety training and consulting. Its mission is to provide food safety training with integrity while highlighting the value and importance of standards and compliance programs in the U.S. and around the globe. Ceres University utilizes the principles of industry best practices, total quality management, and continuous improvement to exceed our clients’ expectations. More information – www.ceresuniversity.com

Indoor Ag-Con Unveils 2026 Conference Program Featuring 9 Crop and Sector Tracks

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

Indoor Ag-Con, the largest trade show and conference for the greenhouse, controlled environment agriculture and vertical farming industry, has unveiled its 2026 Conference Program featuring an all-new lineup of nine crop and sector tracks along with a speaker roster that is growing daily.

Returning to the Westgate Las Vegas, February 11-12, 2026, the 13th annual edition of Indoor Ag-Con will once again unite growers, business leaders, suppliers, policymakers, academics/researchers and other industry members from around the globe to explore the latest trends, technologies, and opportunities shaping the future of controlled environment agriculture (CEA).

The expanded 2026 conference program introduces dedicated tracks for:

  • Lettuce/Herbs
  • Vine Crops
  • Mushrooms
  • Berries
  • Cannabis
  • Conventional Agriculture
  • Unique Approaches to CEA
  • General Applications
  • Expo Theater Sessions (on the show floor)

The tracks will feature presentations, panels, and fireside chats offering practical, actionable takeaways for operators, investors, and innovators. The Expo Theater sessions, located on the show floor, will spotlight timely discussions on cybersecurity threats in CEA, AI-driven automation, smart system integration, crop diversification strategies, and real-world production insights from leading growers.

In addition to the track sessions, the 2026 program will showcase headliner keynote presentations — to be announced soon — spotlighting influential leaders who are shaping the future of food, farming, and technology.

“The conference program is truly the heartbeat of Indoor Ag-Con,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “Each year, we build our educational content around what growers and operators tell us they need most — real-world solutions and practical insights they can take back to their businesses. With our 2026 program, we’re expanding that mission by adding more depth across crop types, introducing new technology discussions, and bringing in fresh voices that reflect where the industry is heading next.”

Complementing the robust education program, the Indoor Ag-Con Expo Floor continues to deliver one of the industry’s most comprehensive marketplaces — featuring top brands and innovative newcomers showcasing cutting-edge products, technologies, and services across lighting, climate control, automation, substrates, irrigation, facility design, and more.

Attendees can also look forward to exceptional networking opportunities — from breakout sessions and daily lunches to the show floor happy hour and Wrap Party celebration — designed to foster meaningful connections and industry collaboration.

Early Bird registration is now open. To register and learn more about conference sessions, exhibiting suppliers and networking opportunities, visit www.indoor.ag

About Indoor Ag-Con

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con is the 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

Indoor Ag-Con & Aquaponics Association Announce 2026 Pre-Conference Workshop

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

‘Rooted in Water, Fueled by Fish: Advancing Hydroponics Through Aquaponics’

As part of its mission to bring the entire controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry together, Indoor Ag-Con is partnering with the Aquaponics Association to present a full-day pre-conference workshop, “Rooted in Water, Fueled by Fish: Advancing Hydroponics Through Aquaponics,” on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

Held just ahead of the 13th Annual Indoor Ag-Con, February 11–12, 2026, this immersive workshop will explore how aquaponics—integrating fish and plants into a closed-loop ecosystem—builds upon hydroponic production to enhance yield, resource efficiency, and profitability.

Registration is $445 per person and includes lunch and an Indoor Ag-Con Expo Only pass. Combo discounts are available when bundling with a Full Conference Pass.

In an industry driven by innovation and sustainability, aquaponics is rapidly emerging as a natural evolution of traditional hydroponic systems. This hands-on program will dive into practical strategies, research insights, and scalable case studies that demonstrate aquaponics’ biological, economic, and environmental advantages.

Key workshop takeaways include:
• Understanding the core mechanics of aquaponic systems and how they complement hydroponics
• Discovering cutting-edge research advancing aquaponic production
• Learning strategies for integrating aquaponics into hydroponic and aquaculture operations
• Exploring case studies that demonstrate ROI and scalability

The expert speaker lineup includes Josh Dusci, Indoor Agriculture Associate, Virginia State University and Coordinator, The Aquaponics Association; Janelle Hager, Aquaponic State Specialist, Kentucky State University; Molly Stanek, Executive Director, The Aquaponics Association and CEO, EcoAgTech, and additional presenters to be announced.

“The Aquaponics Association does incredible work promoting aquaponics and supporting growers. We’re thrilled to have them lead this workshop and share their expertise with our audience,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “This partnership is exactly what Indoor Ag-Con is about — bringing together the organizations and people driving real innovation in controlled environment agriculture.”

“We’re excited to partner with Indoor Ag-Con to spotlight aquaponics as a vital next step in sustainable agriculture,” says Molly Stanek Director, The Aquaponics Association.”This workshop will give participants the knowledge and tools to integrate aquaponics into their operations — improving efficiency, reducing costs, and creating more resilient systems for the future.”

The workshop leads into Indoor Ag-Con 2026, which will feature an expo floor filled with product innovations and introductions, nine crop- and sector-specific conference tracks, headliner keynotes, networking events, the CEAs Awards program celebrating excellence in controlled environment agriculture and much more.

To register and learn more about the Indoor Ag-Con | Aquaponics Association Pre-Conference Workshop visit: To register or learn more about the workshop, visit: https://indoor.ag/aquaponics-association-pre-event-workshop-2026/

About Indoor Ag-Con
Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con is the 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 Aquaponics Association
The Aquaponics Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing aquaponics through education, advocacy, and community connection. Through conferences, resources, and outreach, the Association brings together growers, educators, researchers, and innovators to promote sustainable and resilient food systems. For more information, visit . www.aquaponicsassociation.org

Privacy Policy.