Women in CEA Luncheon: A Gathering of Inspiration
More than 50 women gathered during the 2nd annual Women in CEA Luncheon at Indoor Ag-Con 2026 — and the energy in the room was unmistakable.
As Women in CEA Founder Thea Otto shared in her post-event reflection, the gathering felt “aligned, connected, real.” It was a space defined not by formality, but by openness. Conversations flowed naturally. New relationships formed alongside long-standing ones.
In an industry driven by innovation, technology, and rapid change, it’s easy to focus solely on systems, yields, and capital. But progress is powered by people. Events like the Women in CEA Luncheon remind us that leadership development, mentorship, and authentic connection are just as critical to the long-term success of controlled environment agriculture as any technical breakthrough.
A Community That Moves the Industry Forward
The CEA sector is maturing. As conversations at Indoor Ag-Con 2026 made clear — from retail reliability to financial discipline — sustainable growth requires thoughtful leadership at every level. The Women in CEA Luncheon provides a forum for exactly that: a place where emerging professionals and seasoned executives alike can exchange ideas, share challenges, and support one another in shaping the future of indoor agriculture.
When more voices are at the table, the industry grows stronger.
Thank You to Luncheon Sponsors
This gathering would not be possible without the generous support of Women in CEA luncheon sponsors:
-
Jack’s Nutrients
-
Priva
-
Sollum Technologies
-
Dramm
-
Green Automation
-
Biome Delta
-
Quantified Sensor Technologies
Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to fostering leadership, strengthening networks, and supporting the next generation of CEA professionals.