Key takeaways
- Indoor Ag-Con 2026 brought together representatives from 50 U.S. states and 30 countries.
- Event featured 263 booths showcasing CEA technologies and services.
- Industry discussions focused on operational discipline and long-term profitability.
- 2nd Annual CEA Awards recognized innovation and leadership.
- 2027 event already tracking strong exhibitor commitments.
Indoor Ag-Con 2026 Emphasizes Execution Over Expansion
Indoor Ag-Con 2026 concluded at the Westgate Las Vegas, drawing participants from across the United States and 30 international markets. With 263 booths on the expo floor, the event served as a meeting point for growers, suppliers, investors, and technology providers in the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector.
According to organizers, the discussions reflected a shift in industry focus toward disciplined operations, sustainable growth, and profitability.
“What we saw this year was an industry focused on doing the work,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con. “The conversations were practical and honest, and there’s a real commitment to building strong businesses.”
Organizers reported strong early momentum for the March 24–25, 2027 edition, with the expo floor projected to be approximately 70% sold by the end of the month following onsite renewals.
CEA Awards Recognize Industry Contributions During Indoor Ag-Con 2026
A featured moment of the event was the 2nd Annual CEA Awards, co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con and Inside Grower magazine, and sponsored by PremierTech. Award recipients included:
- Product Innovation Award: Jiffy Gel by Jiffy Products
- Operational Excellence Award: BrightFarms
- Trailblazer Award: Dr. Gene Giacomelli
The awards highlighted product development, operational performance, and long-term contributions to the sector.
Industry Leaders Discuss Market Conditions and Investment
The conference opened with a panel moderated by Tom Stenzel, Executive Director of the CEA Alliance, featuring executives from Campo Caribe, Local Bounti, YesHealth Group, and Cox Farms. Speakers addressed capital management, retail consistency, and the role of technology in operational efficiency.
Day Two included a keynote conversation with Dave Chen of Equilibrium and David Verbitsky of Verbitsky Capital. The discussion focused on the current investment climate, with speakers noting that while funding has become more selective, companies demonstrating strong fundamentals continue to attract interest.
Education and Networking Drive Engagement
The conference program included dedicated tracks covering leafy greens, vine crops, berries, mushrooms, cannabis, food safety, and conventional agriculture. New Table Talk Sessions encouraged peer-to-peer exchange, while pre-show workshops addressed aquaponics and indoor farming opportunities for traditional growers.
Additional networking events included the CEA Alliance Annual Meeting, the International Sprout Growers Association Annual Convention, and the Women in CEA Luncheon. The event also featured the Sollum Student Scholarship program, supporting academic engagement in indoor agriculture.
Indoor Ag-Con will return to Las Vegas on March 24–25, 2027.
