U.S. and international supply chain partners are poised to head to Orlando, Fla., for Potato Expo 2025, set for Jan. 9-10 at the Orlando World Center Marriott.
Growers and allied professionals will come together to connect, learn and lead this industry supporting the most widely grown vegetable in the U.S., according to a news release.
“Since its inception nearly two decades ago, Potato Expo, hosted by the National Potato Council, has earned an international reputation as the premier networking event for this thriving industry,” said NPC President and Colorado potato grower Bob Mattive. “Following the success of the record-breaking Potato Expo 2024 in Austin, Texas, this January’s event promises to once again bring together growers, suppliers, industry experts and value chain partners for over two days of learning, business development and networking opportunities.”
The council said feedback from attendees confirms that networking is the top reason to attend the Potato Expo. According to NPC, this year’s event is an ideal platform to:
- Connect with other professionals in the potato industry, such as growers, suppliers and experts.
- Forge new business partnerships, discover potential clients and collaborators and enjoy the camaraderie with industry peers.
- Share insights and collaborate with fellow professionals to address common challenges and exchange innovative ideas.
- Stay updated on the latest research, regulations and market trends, ensuring business remains cutting-edge.
“Join us to experience the development and community engagement that makes Potato Expo a pivotal event for businesses looking to start their new year on the right foot,” Mattive said.
Potato Expo 2025 marks the 17th meeting in the event’s history and the fifth time the show will be held in Orlando, the release said.
“We’re excited to return to the sunny, family-friendly environment of Orlando,” said Hollee Alexander, vice president of industry relations and events for NPC. “We know it’s a top attendee and exhibitor destination. In fact, expo hall sales continue to track with last year’s event and, with just over two months to go, we’re only 14 [10-by-10 foot] booth space sales away from Austin’s record-breaking trade show footprint.”
Potato Expo features industry experts and addressed issues top-of-mind for industry partners, the release said. Talks and presentations will again be held on three stages: the Expo Stage, the Cultivation Stage and the Pavilion Stage.
Session highlights include:
- Artificial intelligence, biologicals, technology and the future of farming — In this forward-looking and informative keynote presentation, global futurist and best-selling author Jack Uldrich will not only explain how AI is transforming farming and agriculture, he will also explore how related advances in robotics, synthetic biology, nanotechnology and quantum computing are all converging at this unique time in human history.
- Determining the quality of AI in potato sizing and grading — The demand for AI to size and grade potatoes is increasing. As the demand for AI increases, so does the number of AI solutions. However, not all AI solutions are created equal. This session, led by Kirt Lillywhite, vice president of technology for Smart Vision Works, will describe three simple tests that any potato shed can perform to determine the quality of an AI system: the sizing accuracy test the defect accuracy test and the good-in-the-bad and bad-in-the-good test.
- What we learned monitoring over 1 million acres of potato farmland — For the past decade, we have used satellites, drones, agronomy experts and artificial intelligence to measure and predict potato growth. Through rigorous data collection, the use of different emerging technologies, and deep expertise on the potato crop, we have monitored over one million acres and over 60 different potato varieties with the goal of understanding what is happening in real time within and across fields. Session panelists will discuss what has and hasn’t worked, how monitoring informs their decisions on-farm and at scale, and lessons for others that are interested in embarking on a remote sensing journey. With satellite technology and AI modeling continuing to improve, the panel will also discuss what they would like to see from the future of remote sensing.
- Live eye on potatoes podcast — After the election, what can we expect from a new administration and congress? A discussion with NPC CEO Kam Quarles and Randy Russell, president of The Russell Group, will look at the election outcomes and how they will impact growers in 2025.
NPC said the 2025 event includes numerous networking opportunities, such as the kickoff reception with a live auction to benefit the Potato Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation, daily happy hours and a closing party. For the first time, the event will include the Potato LEAF 5K Fun Run at Hawk’s Landing golf course at the Orlando World Center Marriott to support the foundation’s leadership development efforts.
Registration for attendees and exhibitors is open, but fees increase on Dec. 21, the release said. Visit potato-expo.com to register and access other important information about Potato Expo 2025.
