Tag: Awards

Indoor Ag-Con & Inside Grower Announce Finalists for the 2nd Annual CEAs – Cultivating Excellence Awards

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on January 10, 2026. Posted in Uncategorized.

–Indoor Ag-Con and Inside Grower magazine are pleased to announce the finalists for the 2nd annual CEAs – Cultivating Excellence Awards, a program honoring excellence, innovation, and leadership within the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector.

Celebrating outstanding achievement across three categories—Operational Excellence, Product Innovation, and the newly added Trailblazer Award—The CEAs spotlight growers, innovators, and individuals who are shaping the future of indoor agriculture.

The 2026 CEAs will be presented during a special gala luncheon on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the 13th annual edition of Indoor Ag-Con, held at the Westgate Las Vegas. Winners in each category will be announced live during the event.

2026 Finalists:

Operational Excellence Award

Recognizing a commercial CEA grower that consistently delivers quality products while distinguishing itself through innovation in production, technology, marketing, and overall strategy.

BrightFarms
Haven Greens
Planet Farms

Product Innovation Award

Honoring a breakthrough product that addresses critical industry challenges and delivers exceptional value for CEA customers.

Jiffy Group – Jiffy Gel
Voltiris – Energy & Crops, Without Compromise Solar Modules
Zayndu – Activated Air™ On-Site Seed Priming System

Trailblazer Award

Honoring an individual whose vision, leadership, and impact have meaningfully advanced the CEA industry. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony.

“It’s inspiring to see the range of thoughtful innovation reflected in this year’s finalists,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. “The CEAs offer a chance to acknowledge the people and companies making a real impact in CEA, and we’re pleased to team up with Inside Grower magazine to celebrate and recognize their work at the 2026 event.”

“Inside Grower is proud to partner with Indoor Ag-Con to shine a spotlight on the innovators elevating controlled environment agriculture,” said Paul Black, Publisher, Inside Grower. “With the addition of the new Trailblazer Award, we’re excited to honor a true leader whose long-term contributions have helped shape the industry into what it is today.”

All Indoor Ag-Con 2026 Full Access Pass Holders are invited to attend The CEAs Gala Luncheon on Wednesday, February 11, from 12:00–1:00 PM.

For more information on The CEAs and to register for Indoor Ag-Con, 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 INSIDE GROWER

Part of Ball Publishing’s family of media brands, Inside Grower is a leading publication serving the controlled environment agriculture industry. The magazine delivers in-depth production guidance, crop-specific insights, market intelligence, and timely reporting to help CEA operations thrive. More information: www.insidegrower.com

Finalists Named for 2026 CEAs – Cultivating Excellence Awards

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on December 17, 2025. Posted in Blog.

Indoor Ag-Con and Inside Grower Announce 2026 CEA Award Finalists

Indoor Ag-Con and Inside Grower magazine are pleased to announce the finalists for the 2nd annual CEAs – Cultivating Excellence Awards, a program honoring excellence, innovation, and leadership within the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector.

Celebrating outstanding achievement across three categories—Operational Excellence, Product Innovation, and the newly added Trailblazer Award—The CEAs spotlight growers, innovators, and individuals who are shaping the future of indoor agriculture.

The 2026 CEAs will be presented during a special gala luncheon on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the 13th annual edition of Indoor Ag-Con, held at the Westgate Las Vegas. Winners in each category will be announced live during the event.

2026 Finalists

Operational Excellence Award

Recognizing a commercial CEA grower that consistently delivers quality products while distinguishing itself through innovation in production, technology, marketing, and overall strategy.

Product Innovation Award

Honoring a breakthrough product that addresses critical industry challenges and delivers exceptional value for CEA customers.

Jiffy Group – Jiffy Gel
Voltiris – Energy & Crops, Without Compromise Solar Modules
Zayndu – Activated Air™ On-Site Seed Priming System

Trailblazer Award

Honoring an individual whose vision, leadership, and impact have meaningfully advanced the CEA industry.

The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony.

“It’s inspiring to see the range of thoughtful innovation reflected in this year’s finalists,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. “The CEAs offer a chance to acknowledge the people and companies making a real impact in CEA, and we’re pleased to team up with Inside Grower magazine to celebrate and recognize their work at the 2026 event.”

“Inside Grower is proud to partner with Indoor Ag-Con to shine a spotlight on the innovators elevating controlled environment agriculture,” said Paul Black, Publisher, Inside Grower. “With the addition of the new Trailblazer Award, we’re excited to honor a true leader whose long-term contributions have helped shape the industry into what it is today.”

All Indoor Ag-Con 2026 Full Access Pass Holders are invited to attend The CEAs Gala Luncheon on Wednesday, February 11, from 12:00–1:00 PM.

For more information on The CEAs and to register for Indoor Ag-Con, visit www.indoor.ag.

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

ABOUT INSIDE GROWER

Indoor Ag-Con and Inside Grower Magazine Announce 2nd Annual CEAs — Cultivating Excellence Awards

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on August 26, 2025. Posted in Press Releases.

Nominations Now Open; Winners Will Be Announced At Gala Luncheon During Indoor Ag-Con February 11-12, 2026 Edition

LAS VEGAS (August 26, 2025) –Indoor Ag-Con and Inside Grower magazine are proud to announce the return of The CEAs — Cultivating Excellence Awards. Building on the success of the inaugural 2025 competition, the prestigious awards program recognizes and celebrates excellence, innovation, and leadership within the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector across three categories: Operational Excellence, Good Stewardship, and Product Innovation.

Presented at a special gala luncheon on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the 13th 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-2026. Nominations are free and the deadline for submissions is October 1, 2026.

“Last year’s CEAs brought well-deserved recognition to industry pioneers and rising stars,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. “We’re proud to continue this tradition and invite the community to help us shine a light on the people, products, and practices that are pushing our industry forward.”

“The CEAs offer an exciting platform for sharing stories of excellence in action,” added Paul Black, Publisher of Inside Grower. “We’re thrilled to once again partner with Indoor Ag-Con to help elevate these stories even further in 2026.”

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

The CEAs Operational Excellence Award will recognize a commercial CEA Grower 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 commercial indoor growing operations 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 industry manufacturers and suppliers, 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-2026

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 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 2025 Unites Global CEA Leaders for Collaboration and Innovation

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on March 16, 2025. Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

Las Vegas, NV – (March 14, 2025)— Indoor Ag-Con 2025, the premier event for the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry, concluded its 12th annual two-day conference and expo on March 11–12 at the Westgate Las Vegas. This year’s event welcomed 1,657 attendees from around the globe—including representatives from the U.S., Canada, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, Africa, Tribal Nations, and more—reinforcing its status as the key meeting place for the indoor and vertical farming industry.

The 2025 edition featured the largest Indoor Ag-Con expo floor to date, with more than 300 booths showcasing cutting-edge products, technologies, and solutions designed to help grower/operators improve their businesses, increase profitability, and scale their operations effectively.

“At its core, Indoor Ag-Con is about fostering collaboration, idea-sharing, and networking—and this year’s event truly delivered,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. “Bringing together C-level executives, growers, investors, tech providers, government members, academia, and key stakeholders from every facet of the CEA ecosystem, the conversations and connections made here will shape the industry’s future for years to come.”

12th Annual Edition Highlights

Growing Industry Association Events & Participation

Expanded Venue Benefits: Indoor Ag-Con’s new Westgate Las Vegas location provided increased meeting space and additional networking opportunities for industry associations.
CEA Alliance: Hosted its annual meeting in conjunction with Indoor Ag-Con.
International Sprout Growers Association (ISGA): Held its 33rd Annual Convention alongside the event.
GLASE (Greenhouse Lighting and Systems Engineering Consortium): Returned with its Vivid Canopy Panel & Networking Event.
Women in CEA Luncheon Networking: A new initiative that fostered a collaborative environment through networking, information sharing, and resource exchange.
Aquaponics Association: Hosted an Expo Theater session with accompanying networking opportunities.
The FarmTech Society: Welcomed both current and new members to the event.

New Cultivating Excellence Awards – The CEAs
Indoor Ag-Con and Inside Grower magazine launched the inaugural Cultivating Excellence Awards (CEAs) in 2025. Sponsored by bpgrower.com, the new awards recognized excellence, innovation, and leadership within the controlled environment agriculture sector. Announced at a gala awards luncheon, the winners included:

Operational Excellence: Little Leaf Farms (Devens, Massachusetts & McAdoo, Pennsylvania)
Good Stewardship: 80 Acres Farms (Hamilton, Ohio)
Product Innovation: Dramm – CE-Line

Keynote Sessions
Morning Keynote – “CEA State of the Industry”:
The CEA Alliance, the membership trade association representing vertical farms and greenhouse producers, presented the opening keynote. Moderated by CEA Alliance Executive Director Tom Stenzel, the session featured industry leaders including:

- Tisha Livingston, President, 80 Acres and CEO, Infinite Acres
- Skip Hulett, Vice President and General Counsel, NatureSweet
- Abby Prior, Chief Commercial Officer, BrightFarms

Day 2 Keynote – “Trends in Canada: Insights from Leading CEA Growers Across the Nation”:
This session featured a dynamic panel of Canadian CEA leaders who discussed the latest industry innovations, sustainability strategies, and business growth opportunities. Moderated by Trina Semenchuk, Founder of Little Greenhouse That Could, the panel included:

- Bahram Rashti, CEO & Co-Founder, UP Vertical Farms
- Gabriel Forero, Head Grower, Sunterra Greenhouse
- Valérie Terrault, Sales & Marketing Director, Gen V

Workshops, Educational Tracks & Expo Theater Panel Discussions

Pre-Event Workshops:
Ceres University hosted two pre-event Food Safety Workshops designed to help industry members meet GFSI scheme requirements.
Conference Sessions:
The conference featured two action-packed days of educational sessions with over 90 speakers across five tracks – Technical Grower, Trends, Planning & Operations, Cannabis and the International Sprout Growers Association 33rd Annual Convention track.
Expo Theater Sessions:
Held on the expo floor, sessions ranging from “Growing Minds: Integrating Controlled Environment Agriculture in K–12 Education for a Healthier Future” to “Not All Hope Is Lost: Vertical Farming’s Future and Lessons from the Past,” drew packed crowds.

Networking Opportunities
Attendees connected with new and old friends at daily networking events, including a conference lunch on the show floor, Expo Hall Happy Hour and the new “That’s A Wrap” closing session and celebration.

Indoor Ag-Con | Philips VIP Welcome Party
Back by popular demand, Philips Horticulture LED Solutions once again teamed up with Indoor Ag-Con to kick off the 2025 edition with a VIP Welcome Party on Monday evening, March 10, at Atomic Golf. Conference speakers and industry VIPs gathered for an evening of golf, networking, cocktails, food, music, and fun—courtesy of Philips LED Horticultural Lighting.

Indoor Ag-Con 2026 is scheduled for February 11–12, 2026 at the Westgate Las Vegas. For more information, please 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, and controlled environment agriculture. Its events are crop-agnostic and cover all sectors of the business—from produce and legal cannabis/hemp to alternate protein and non-food crops. For more details, visit www.indoor.ag.