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Record Attendance Growth, New Business Connections Headline 2022 Edition of Indoor Ag-Con Las Vegas

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on March 4, 2022. Posted in Press Releases.

82% Increase Over 2021 Representing Attendees From 48 States/Territories, 20+ Countries, Growing Number of C-Suite Execs

(March 4, 2022) – Just four months after its covid-delayed October 2021 edition in Orlando, the Indoor Ag-Con trade show & conference welcomed the indoor|vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry back for its February 28-March 1, 2022 run at Caesar Forum Las Vegas. And what a welcome it was. Marking an 82 percent increase over the Orlando attendance figure, 800 + growers, suppliers, start-ups and other industry members attended from 48 states/territories and more than 20 countries, including a high number of c-suite executives. Bolstering the figure further, nearly 300 attendees from The National Grocers Association (NGA) Show, co-located at Caesars Forum, also visited the show, taking the total attendance figure over 1100.

The Indoor Ag-Con Expo Floor also grew by 60 percent – from 50 booths in 2021 to 80 in 2022 – filled with the latest innovations in irrigation, control systems, lighting, substrates and more. Rounding out the show statistics, the 2022 edition’s educational conference brought together 77 speakers participating in 21 panel discussions and 3 CEO keynote sessions.

“From our sold-out show floor and record-breaking attendance to reports of game-changing connections and new relationships forged, we’ve been humbled by the positive feedback we’re received for our 2022 show from exhibitors and attendees alike,” says Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “Our show theme, ‘growing your business,’ truly came to life here in Las Vegas this week. The CEA industry is growing quickly and we are proud to provide the platform for the education, networking and innovations showplace needed to take it to the next level.”

“We are also excited about the untapped networking potential that exists between Indoor Ag-Con and The NGA Show,” adds Nancy Hallberg, owner | partner, Indoor Ag-Con. “This first co-location was exploratory and gave both show teams the opportunity to start identifying ways we can really bring grocers and growers together. We think the 2 shows offer untapped business growth opportunities for our respective audiences and look forward to delivering on that when we come together again in 2023.”

Among the many highlights of the show included:

Indoor Ag-Con | Signify VIP Welcome Party
Signify teamed up with Indoor Ag-Con to tee-up the 2022 edition with a VIP Welcome Party on Sunday evening, February 27 at Topgolf Las Vegas. Indoor Ag-Con speakers and other industry VIPs came together for an incredible evening of golf, networking, cocktails, food, music and fun with industry friends – compliments of Signify.

CEO Keynote Sessions
Attendees had the chance to hear from executives from the industry’s top operators. Steve Platt, CEO, BrightFarms and Steven Bradley, Vice President of Cox CleanTech, Cox Enterprises, kicked off the conference on Monday morning, February 28. Later that day Jonathan Webb, CEO, AppHarvest took the stage. On day two, Matt Ryan, CEO, Soli Organic (formerly Shenandoah Growers) started the day with the morning keynote address.

Educational Tracks & Expo Floor Theater Panel Discussions
The 2022 edition featured 3 educational tracks – Grower, Business & Technology – that brought industry experts together covering a wide range of topics from lighting specs and substrates to energy optimization, water technology, fertilizer, workforce development, robotics, automation investing/finance and sensor technology. In addition, the Expo Floor Theater offered up additional content with sessions on everything from seeds and produce branding to grocer/grower relationship development, why vertical farms succeed and more.

Sold Out Expo Floor
Expanding to 80 booths, this year’s Expo Floor was home to some of the biggest names in CEA as well as up-and-coming suppliers. From lighting and grow systems to substrates and irrigation, growers were able to see the newest innovations all under one roof.

Networking Opportunities
Daily lunches and an afternoon cocktail reception on the expo floor expanded the show’s networking opportunities.

Looking ahead, Indoor Ag-Con will return to Caesars Forum February 27-28, 2023 and will once again co-locate with The National Grocers Association Show.

About Indoor Ag-Con
Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the premier trade event for indoor | vertical farming | controlled environment agriculture, the practice of growing crops in indoor systems, using hydroponic, aquaponic and aeroponic techniques. 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 is at https://indoor.ag.

Indoor Ag-Con Heads To Orlando In October 2021

Written by Indoor Ag-Con on March 11, 2021. Posted in Blog, Press Releases.

Premier Trade Show & Conference for Indoor |Vertical Farming Industry To Host In-Person Edition October 4-5, 2021 at Hilton Orlando in Florida

(MARCH 11, 2021) — With safety in mind, the Indoor Ag-Con management team has pushed the dates for its previously announced May 2021 agriculture trade show and conference for the indoor and vertical farming industry to October 4-5, 2021. In addition to the date shift, Indoor Ag-Con will also move from its former Las Vegas location to the Hilton Orlando in Florida for 2021, with plans to return to Las Vegas and co-locate with the National Grocers Association | NGA Show in 2022.

Better Alignment With Covid Vaccine Rollout

“By moving our event to October, we feel we’re better aligned with the expanding Covid-19 vaccine rollout. Growing confidence levels in travel and attendance at live events will also be important,” says Brian Sullivan, co-owner, Indoor Ag-Con. “Safety of our audience as priority one. We also wanted to find a new location and venue that offered easy accessibility. Cost-effective accommodations, as well as area activities – both indoor farming as well as entertainment-related – were factors, too. Orlando checked all the boxes.”

“Our 2021 move to the East Coast, coupled with Orlando’s appeal and convenience, also gives us the opportunity to expand our reach. We hope to attract new audiences of growers and start-ups from the region, too,” adds Nancy Hallberg, co-owner, Indoor Ag-Con.

Registration and Event Information

Registration for the 2021 edition will open in May. All attendees will be required to adhere to safety protocols. The Indoor Ag-Con team will be closely following the government guidelines for the 2021 event.

Indoor Ag-Con, launched in 2013, showcases the latest technology and business strategies for growing crops in indoor systems. These include those using hydroponic, aeroponic and aquaponic techniques. The event brings together growers, investors, chefs, produce buyers, academics, policymakers, industry suppliers and advocates.

The 2021 edition will feature an expanded exhibit floor. It will also offer new networking opportunities and some of the industry’s top innovators and business leaders presenting keynote addresses. A range of panel discussions will also be part of the conference.

The Hilton Orlando is centrally located to all major theme-parks and attractions and just minutes from the eclectic dining scene and entertainment of International Drive. The resort resort sits on over 26 acres of lush landscaping and tropical inspirations making it a true destination of its own. Guests are immediately welcomed with an upscale feel enhanced with resort-style accommodations and amenities.

In development now, more information on the 2021 edition’s educational offerings, exhibits and networking events can be found at www.indoor.ag

For 2022, Indoor Ag-Con and The NGA Show will co-locate at Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas , February 27 – March 1, 2022.

About Indoor Ag-Con

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the premier trade event for vertical farming | indoor agriculture. This is the practice of growing crops in indoor systems, using hydroponic, aquaponic and aeroponic techniques. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business. It covers covers produce, legal cannabis |hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. In December 2018, three event industry professionals – Nancy Hallberg, Kris Sieradzki and Brian Sullivan – acquired Indoor Ag-Con LLC, setting the stage for further expansion of the events globally. More information is at https://indoor.ag.

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