CEA Summit East 2025 returns to Virginia this September

The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East will return to the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, Virginia, on Sept. 9-10, 2025 for its fourth edition.

Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con and the CEA Innovation Center, a partnership between IALR and Virginia Tech, the 2025 event will once again bring together professionals from across the CEA spectrum — growers, researchers, academia and industry pros — for two days of education, networking and exploration of the future of indoor farming.

Building on the success of the 2024 summit, which welcomed attendees from 35 U.S. states and international markets including Canada and the Netherlands, the 2025 event will feature a comprehensive conference program with key educational tracks:

• CEA Skills: Topics like lighting, IPM, food safety, environmental controls, pathogen ID
• Business: Budgeting, operations, labor management
• Education, Outreach & Workforce Development: K-12 programs, CEA degree paths, training initiatives

The popular CEA Industry & Research Showcase sessions also return to the agenda, spotlighting case studies and research from leading growers and academic teams. Attendees can also look forward to inspiring keynotes (to be announced soon), networking opportunities and tours of the CEA Innovation Center.

In addition to educational sessions and networking, attendees will have the opportunity to explore tabletop exhibits featuring the latest innovations, products and services. Industry leaders who have already booked tabletop space include Green Food Solutions, Priva, Pace 49, Atlas Greenhouse, Rimol Greenhouse Systems and SGS. These suppliers, and more, offer solutions spanning environmental controls, crop protection, structures, testing and more — giving attendees a hands-on look at the tools shaping the future of indoor growing.

“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.”

Scott Lowman, vice president of applied research at IALR and co-director of the CEA Innovation Center, added, “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.”

Registration, speaking opportunities and tabletop exhibit space are now open. For more details and updates, visit ceasummit.com.