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From Field to Future: A Pre-Show Workshop for Traditional Farmers

Location: Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino | Las Vegas, NV
Workshop Fee: $295* 

Unlock the Potential of Indoor Ag

Curious about how greenhouse growing, high tunnels, or container farms might complement your traditional farming operation? Whether you’re looking to extend your season, diversify your income, or explore protected agriculture for the first time, this pre-show workshop is your starting point.

Join other traditional and open-field farmers for a dynamic half-day session led by growers, ag-tech experts, and CEA industry advisors. You’ll walk away with the knowledge, connections, and confidence to explore indoor agriculture as a practical and profitable next step.


*Workshop rate and exhibit hall access reserved for qualified traditional/open-field farmers only.

What You’ll Learn

  • SESSION 1| 1:00 PM – 1:50 PM-  Why CEA? An Overview for Traditional Growers
    Start your journey into controlled environment agriculture (CEA) with this foundational session designed to answer the big question: Why consider CEA in the first place? Hear from an extension specialist/researcher alongside a grower who’s successfully integrated CEA into their operation. Together, they’ll unpack the key drivers — from weather resilience and year-round revenue to shifting consumer demand and sustainability. A moderated Q&A will follow, giving you the chance to dive deeper into the practical benefits and big-picture potential of protected ag.

  • SESSION 2 | 2:00 PM – 2:50 PM –CEA 101 – What Model is Right for You?
    Not all indoor agriculture systems are created equal — and not every model fits every farm. This session breaks down the core CEA options: greenhouses, high tunnels, shipping containers, and hybrid approaches. Hear from a lineup of experts representing each model as they offer short, side-by-side presentations covering costs, complexity, scalability, and suitability. Whether you’re exploring seasonal extension or a year-round system, this session will help you compare paths and identify what makes the most sense for your goals and growing conditions.

  • SESSION 3| 3:00 PM – 3:50 PM – The Business Case – Cost, Labor, and ROI
    What does it really take to pivot into controlled environment agriculture — and is it worth the investment? This panel brings together experts in ag finance, workforce solutions, and transition planning to explore startup and operating costs, funding and grant opportunities, and labor/training considerations. Moderated by a seasoned industry leader, this session delivers honest insights and practical strategies to help you assess the economic case for change.

  • SESSION 4 | 4:00 PM – 4:50 PM-Farmer Success Stories – Lessons from the Transition
    There’s no better way to learn than from fellow farmers who’ve already made the leap. In this inspiring wrap-up session, you’ll hear quick-hit stories from a diverse group of growers who’ve added CEA to their traditional operations — from hoop houses and greenhouses to container systems. What worked? What didn’t? What would they do differently? Their honest reflections and tips will help you navigate your own journey with confidence. A moderated Q&A gives you the chance to ask questions and connect directly with the panel.


Your Registration Includes:

✅ Admission to the From Field to Future workshop
✅ Refreshments during the event
Complimentary access to the Indoor Ag-Con Exhibit Hall on February 11-12, 2026*
✅ Access to exclusive tools, templates, and funding resource guides
✅ Opportunities to connect with industry suppliers, consultants, and fellow farmers


Special Offer: Bundle & Save

Interested in attending the full Indoor Ag-Con conference experience? Combination discounts are available when you bundle this workshop with a Full Conference Pass — giving you access to all educational tracks, networking events, and keynotes February 11-12, 2026, too.


Ready to Take the First Step?

Space is limited. Reserve your seat now and discover how indoor ag can help you grow smarter, diversify your operation, and secure year-round profits.

Justin Bartlett, Co-CEO,Legacy Labor

Glenn Behrman, Founder & President, CEA Advisors

Paul Brentlinger, CEO, CropKing, Inc.

Rhonda Cornett, CEO & CFO, Cornett Farm Fresh | Cornett Enterprises

Brent Cornett, CEO & FARMER, Cornett Enterprises

Tanner Faaborg, Founder, 1100 Farm

Chris Higgins, President, Hort Americas

Katherine Jernigan, Director, The Transfarmation Project

Ryan Kinnison, Milberger Farms

Andrew Montgomery, Founder, Indoor Farm Foundation

Kris Nightengale, President, TTA-ISO Americas

Wliliam Rowohlt

William Rowohlt , Special Projects Manager, Rimol Greenhouse Systems

Kaylee South, Ph.D. Assistant Professor &Extension Specialist for CEA, Virginia Tech

Art van Rijn, Founder & President, Artechno Growsystems

Jennifer Waxman, Founder & CEO, Seed2Source

*Workshop rate and exhibit hall access reserved for qualified traditional/open-field farmers only.

Questions:  Contact Suzanne Pruitt at 404.452.1884 or suzanne@indoor.ag