Key Takeaways:
- Event Dates and Location: The 3rd Annual CEA Summit East will be held from October 1-2, 2024, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center in Danville, Virginia.
- Hosts and Organizers: Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con and the Virginia Tech-IALR CEA Innovation Center, the summit promotes advances in the vertical farming, greenhouse, and CEA sectors.
- Global Participation: Attracting professionals from across the US and countries like Canada, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the summit facilitates a global dialogue on sustainable agriculture practices.
- Comprehensive Program: Features include keynote speeches, panel discussions, networking sessions, and tours of research facilities, providing insights into the latest CEA technologies and methodologies.
The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East returns to Danville, Virginia, bringing together top professionals from academia, industry, and technology to foster collaboration and innovation in the CEA sector. Scheduled for October 1-2, 2024, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center, this event is set to build on the successes of previous years.
Event Highlights and Features
Networking and Knowledge Exchange
This year’s summit will focus on creating opportunities for meaningful connections and discussions. Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con, emphasizes the importance of this gathering in driving industry growth, stating, “Our partnership with the Virginia Tech-IALR CEA Innovation Center underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where industry leaders and academia come together to drive innovation and explore new opportunities within the CEA sector.”
Educational and Business Opportunities
The summit’s program is rich with educational sessions, including:
- Keynote Presentations: Industry leaders will share insights and forecasts for the future of CEA.
- Panel Discussions: Topics cover a wide range of subjects from technological advances to sustainability practices.
- Networking/Breakout Sessions: These sessions will allow attendees to discuss collaborative projects and learn from each other’s experiences.
- Tabletop Exhibits: Exhibitors will showcase the latest technologies and solutions in the CEA industry.
- Research Facility Tours: Attendees will visit Virginia Tech-IALR’s state-of-the-art facilities to view hands-on applications of current research and development efforts in the field.
Dr. Scott Lowman, Co-Director of the Virginia Tech-IALR CEA Innovation Center and Vice President of Applied Research at IALR, added, “The CEA Summit serves as a platform for showcasing the collaborative efforts between industry and academia in advancing CEA research and education. We are eager to continue driving the momentum of the CEA industry and providing attendees with valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and growth.”
Target Audience
The summit welcomes a diverse group of participants, including:
- Greenhouse Growers and Urban Agriculturists: Professionals engaged in modern farming practices.
- Outdoor Growers: Individuals looking at hybrid growing opportunities that incorporate controlled environment techniques.
- Educators and Scientists: Experts seeking to share and enhance their knowledge of CEA.
- Industry Suppliers and Tech Specialists: Vendors and innovators who support the CEA sector with new solutions.
- Architects and Developers: Planners who design facilities dedicated to optimizing agricultural production.
- Government Officials: Policymakers interested in sustainable agriculture initiatives.
