2026 Grower Education Conference & Industry Show

The 2026 Grower Education Conference & Industry Show will take place February 3–5, 2026, at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Hosted by the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) in partnership with the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension, this premier annual event brings together growers, researchers, agribusiness leaders, and industry suppliers for three days of education, innovation, and collaboration focused on potato and vegetable production.

Recognized as one of the most important winter meetings for Wisconsin’s potato and vegetable industry, the conference is designed to prepare growers for the upcoming season through timely, research-based information and practical insights. The educational program features expert speakers covering market outlooks, production challenges, pest and disease management, sustainability, precision agriculture, emerging technologies, and business management strategies. Sessions are tailored to address real-world issues facing modern growers, combining university research with applied, on-farm perspectives.

Running concurrently with the conference is the 76th Annual WPVGA Industry Show, a large-scale trade exposition showcasing nearly 100 exhibitors. The Industry Show provides attendees with direct access to leading suppliers of equipment, seed, crop protection products, irrigation systems, storage solutions, and professional services. Both indoor and outdoor exhibits allow for the display of large equipment and hands-on demonstrations, making the show a key destination for discovering new technologies and building valuable business relationships.

In addition to education and exhibits, the event emphasizes networking and community engagement. The Industry Banquet, held during the conference, is widely regarded as the premier social gathering of Wisconsin’s potato and vegetable industry. The banquet features industry awards, entertainment, and cash prize drawings, offering attendees an opportunity to connect with peers, celebrate achievements, and strengthen professional relationships in a relaxed setting. 

Conveniently hosted at a single venue, the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center allows attendees to participate fully in educational sessions, explore the Industry Show, and engage in social events without the need for travel between locations. The centralized setting enhances networking opportunities and creates a cohesive, productive conference experience. 

The 2026 Grower Education Conference & Industry Show is ideal for commercial potato and vegetable growers, agronomists, researchers, extension educators, agribusiness professionals, equipment manufacturers, and service providers. By combining high-quality education, a robust trade show, and meaningful networking opportunities, the event serves as a cornerstone gathering for advancing innovation, profitability, and sustainability within the potato and vegetable industry.

View the full 2026 conference agenda