GreenTech North America conference taking shape with leading CEA voices

GreenTech North America is in full preparation mode, with the first conference program topics and speakers now being confirmed, bringing leading CEA voices to Philadelphia this September. The exhibition hall is sold out with 90 exhibitors, with only a few spots remaining. This first edition will take place on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September 2026 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. The premier trade show will focus on sustainable and high-tech horticulture solutions, bringing together major suppliers and growers.

Conference program

The first conference topics for GreenTech North America are taking shape, addressing key challenges and developments within controlled environment agriculture (CEA). The program will kick off on Wednesday 23 September with an Official Opening Ceremony featuring a representative from the Governor’s Office (Commonwealth). Confirmed speakers include leading industry and research voices such as Sonny Moerenhout (Cultivators), John McMahon (Equinox / Taylor Farms), Jenn Frymark (Gotham Greens), Jonathan Grode (Green & Spiegel) and Tom Stenzel (CEA Alliance).

Further expertise will be provided by Peter Ravensbergen (Wageningen University & Research), Qingwu Meng, Ph.D. (University of Delaware), and Qinglu Ying (University of Kentucky), sharing insights in a cross-university discussion on the shift from family farms to high-tech CEA, linking scale, policy, and the skills to run advanced greenhouses.
Derek Smith (Resource Innovation Institute) will contribute to discussions on data centers, while Laura Bautista (Wageningen University & Research) will join the session on the business side of leafy greens production.

Throughout the program, speakers will explore key themes including hydroponic leafy greens production, efficiency and profitability in greenhouse operations, AI and data-driven growing, rising input and energy costs, lighting strategies, robotics and automation, water and root zone management, and aligning production with market demand. The program will also address the broader regulatory and business landscape shaping the industry.

Industry engagement

Reflecting the strong industry engagement and international connections surrounding the event, Tom Stenzel, Executive Director of the Controlled Environment Agriculture Alliance, says: “The CEA Alliance is looking forward to holding our Board meeting at the GreenTech North America show in Philadelphia this September. Many of us will also be at GreenTech in Amsterdam next month, where we’re holding our annual reception.”

Exhibition sold out

With strong interest from across the industry, the exhibition hall is already sold out, with only a limited number of entrance spots still available. GreenTech North America is well on track to welcome around 90 exhibitors and 1,000 visitors. Companies looking to showcase their solutions and connect with leading growers, experts and decision-makers are encouraged to secure one of the final opportunities to participate.

Registration

Visitor registration is open and offers the option to attend both the Conference and the Expo, or the Expo only. More information is available via www.greentech.nl/north-america/registration.

About GreenTech North America

GreenTech North America is part of the GreenTech portfolio with the focus on the region of the USA and Canada. The goal is to meet the specific needs of growers, breeders and suppliers. GreenTech North America enables a greater exchange of knowledge, experiences, and success stories of the horticultural industry in this region. The show is organized by RAI Amsterdam and will take place Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September 2026 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Please find more information at https://www.greentech.nl/north-america.