Keynote Highlights: The CEAg World Conference and Expo
September 15, 2025 
The CEAg World Conference and Expo, the leading event for CEA, returns for its second year from Nov. 19–21 in Durham, N.C. Advance registration discounts end Oct. 31, and qualified growers can register and attend for free.
The conference brings together growers, innovators, and industry leaders working in greenhouse systems, vertical farms, aquaponics, and covered solutions such as high tunnels and hoop houses. CEAg World equips produce businesses with the tools, insights, and connections they need to extend crop seasons; boost yields; and build profitable, resilient operations.
Keynote Highlights
Inside the Buyer’s Mind: What Retailers Want and What’s Trending in CEA Produce
Eric Cusimano, global produce principal buyer at Whole Foods, will provide growers with a rare inside look at the decisions and trends driving retail purchasing. Attendees will learn how flavor innovation, sustainability, and packaging are shaping buyer choices—and what it takes to earn and maintain prime shelf space.
“I’m excited to share what buyers are really looking for and the emerging trends shaping the CEA produce market,” Cusimano says. “This session is all about giving growers actionable insights to meet retailer expectations and thrive in an increasingly competitive space.”
Lessons From the Front Lines: What Growers Wish They Knew Sooner
Tom Stenzel, executive director of the CEA Alliance, will moderate a panel of growers from a range of business models—including Molly Montgomery, executive chair and CEO of AeroFarms, and Renato Zardo, director of growing at Great Lakes Growers— to share candid stories and lessons learned.
“Every mistake has a lesson, and every pivot can be an opportunity,” Stenzel says. “We want growers to leave this session equipped to make smarter, faster decisions.”
Defining Success in CEA: Thresholds of Profitability
Moderated by Kristin D. Zeit, content lead at CEAg World, this panel features Aaron Fields, CEO of Campo Caribe; Bob Jones, co-owner and CEO of The Chef’s Garden; and Tisha Livingston, co-founder of 80 Acres Farms and CEO of Infinite Acres. “Our goal is to give attendees an honest, grounded look at how to define success for their own operations and take the right steps to achieve it,” Zeit says.
Panelists will discuss strategies for financing, scaling, and building profitable CEA operations while aligning passion, purpose, and performance.
See the full agenda at CEAgWorld.com/agenda.
Exhibitors and sponsors have a unique opportunity to showcase products and services to an engaged audience of growers and industry decision-makers. From connecting with new customers to gaining exposure to the latest trends in controlled environment agriculture, the event provides a platform to grow business relationships and accelerate market presence.
Learn more about exhibiting or sponsoring at CEAgWorld.com/exhibit.
For more information and registration, visit: CEAgWorld.com.