Key Takeaways
- The Women in Agribusiness Summit will celebrate its 15th anniversary on September 22–24, 2026.
- The event returns to New Orleans, where the Summit was first held.
- The 2026 edition will align with the UN’s International Year of the Woman Farmer.
- Partnerships with the FAO and expanded recognition programs are planned.
- The Summit is expected to attract more than 800 agribusiness leaders from across the value chain.
Women in Agribusiness Summit Returns to New Orleans for Milestone Event
The Women in Agribusiness (WIA) Summit announced that its 15th anniversary event will take place from September 22–24, 2026, in New Orleans. The city holds historic significance for the organization, having hosted the first Summit focused on advancing women in agrifood systems.
Over the past decade and a half, the Women in Agribusiness Summit has grown into a global platform aimed at empowering, connecting, and elevating women across agriculture and agribusiness. The 2026 event is expected to reflect both the Summit’s origins and its expanded international reach.
Women in Agribusiness Summit Aligns With International Year of the Woman Farmer
The 2026 Summit will coincide with the United Nations’ designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. In recognition of this milestone, the event will feature partnerships with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), along with special profiles highlighting women in farming.
The program will also include expanded recognition for recipients of the WIA Demeter Award of Excellence and student scholarship winners, reinforcing the Summit’s emphasis on leadership, education, and professional advancement within the agrifood sector.
“At Women in Agribusiness, we are business focused, providing content that is carefully curated and crafted to be reflective of industry issues,” said Svitlana Synkovska, Portfolio Director for Women in Agribusiness. “Anchored by that foremost requirement for our Summits, we weave in professional development topics, regional ag showcases and tours, and robust networking opportunities for a comprehensive experience.”
Program Scale and Industry Participation
Attendance and Content Overview
The three-day Women in Agribusiness Summit typically attracts more than 800 attendees from nearly all U.S. states and over a dozen countries. The program regularly features more than 60 speakers, 20 sessions, and multiple breakout discussions, along with more than 25 hours of structured networking.
More than half of attendees hold leadership roles with decision-making authority, and participants represent the full agricultural value chain, from inputs and production to processing, distribution, and finance.
Corporate, Sponsor, and Media Support
More than 250 companies are represented at the Summit each year, supported by nearly 50 sponsors, including organizations such as Syngenta, Cargill, Nationwide, and Wells Fargo. Media and promotional partners, including RFD Network, Successful Farming, Farm Progress, and World Grain, contribute to the event’s visibility across the sector.
Registration and Looking Ahead To Women in Agribusiness
Organizers confirmed that early bird registration for the 15th anniversary Women in Agribusiness Summit is now available for a limited time. Additional details on speakers, sessions, and program highlights are expected to be announced ahead of the 2026 event.
