Key Takeaways
- CEA Summit East will be held September 9-10, 2025, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, Virginia.
- The event is co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con and the CEA Innovation Center, a partnership between IALR and Virginia Tech.
- Programming includes technical sessions, business management panels, education tracks, and research showcases.
- Tabletop exhibitors confirmed include Green Food Solutions, Priva, Atlas Greenhouse, and others.
- Registration, speaker proposals, and exhibit bookings are now open at ceasummit.com.
CEA Summit East 2025 to Spotlight Indoor Farming Advancement
CEA Summit East will return for its fourth edition in September 2025, bringing together professionals across the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry. Hosted at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, Virginia, the summit is set for September 9-10 and will once again be co-organized by Indoor Ag-Con and the CEA Innovation Center, a partnership between IALR and Virginia Tech.
The 2024 edition welcomed participants from 35 U.S. states and international attendees from countries such as Canada and the Netherlands. The upcoming summit aims to build on this reach with a full program of educational sessions, exhibits, and networking opportunities.
Educational Tracks and Conference Programming
The 2025 agenda includes a multi-track conference program designed for growers, researchers, educators, and industry stakeholders. Educational tracks will include:
- CEA Skills: Lighting, integrated pest management (IPM), food safety, environmental control systems, and pathogen identification
- Business: Budgeting, operations, and labor management topics for indoor farm operators
- Education, Outreach & Workforce Development: Programming for K-12, college-level CEA degrees, and training initiatives
The CEA Industry & Research Showcase will also return, providing a platform for case studies, academic presentations, and collaborative research highlights.
Technology and Product Exhibits
Attendees will have the opportunity to visit tabletop exhibits featuring new products and services relevant to CEA operations. Confirmed exhibitors include:
- Green Food Solutions
- Priva
- Pace 49
- Atlas Greenhouse
- Rimol Greenhouse Systems
- SGS
These vendors span various sectors within the industry, including environmental control systems, greenhouse structures, crop protection, and testing services.
Voices from Industry and Academia
“CEA Summit East has become a key annual event for connecting the dots between industry and academia,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. “Whether you’re a grower, educator, researcher, supplier, or policymaker, the 2025 summit offers a wonderful opportunity to learn, network, and move the needle forward for controlled environment agriculture.”
Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research at IALR and Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center, echoed that sentiment. “The 2025 Summit will build on the momentum we’ve created over the past three years. We’re excited to welcome new voices, and continue to support the industry’s growth through innovation and shared knowledge.”
How to Participate in CEA Summit East 2025
Registration and Exhibit Details to CEA Summit East
Registration for the event is now open, along with applications for speaking opportunities and tabletop exhibit reservations. Attendees can visit the event website at www.ceasummit.com for the latest information.
