Indoor Ag-Con partners with Aquaponics Association to explore sustainable hydroponic integration in 2026 workshop
Indoor Ag-Con has announced a strategic partnership with the Aquaponics Association to deliver a full-day pre-conference workshop titled "Rooted in Water, Fueled by Fish: Advancing Hydroponics Through Aquaponics" on February 10, 2026. Set to take place at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, the workshop precedes the 13th Annual Indoor Ag-Con, scheduled for February 11–12, 2026, and aims to bridge innovation in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) by exploring the integration of aquaponics with hydroponic systems.
Aquaponics, which combines fish and plant cultivation in a closed-loop ecosystem, is being positioned as a natural evolution of hydroponic farming methods, offering enhanced yield, improved resource efficiency, and increased profitability. The workshop promises an immersive experience focused on practical strategies, cutting-edge research, and scalable case studies demonstrating biological, economic, and environmental advantages. Attendees will gain insight into the core mechanics of aquaponic systems, new research developments, and effective integration techniques for aquaponics within existing hydroponic and aquaculture operations.
Notably, the expert speaker panel includes recognized figures such as Josh Dusci, Indoor Agriculture Associate at Virginia State University and Coordinator of The Aquaponics Association; Janelle Hager, Aquaponic State Specialist at Kentucky State University; and Molly Stanek, Executive Director of The Aquaponics Association and CEO of EcoAgTech. Additional speakers are expected to be announced, reflecting a commitment to bringing authoritative voices and expertise to the conversation.
Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con, highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating, “The Aquaponics Association does incredible work promoting aquaponics and supporting growers. We’re thrilled to have them lead this workshop and share their expertise with our audience. This partnership is exactly what Indoor Ag-Con is about — bringing together the organizations and people driving real innovation in controlled environment agriculture.” Similarly, Molly Stanek expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasising the workshop’s role in advancing sustainable agriculture by equipping participants with essential knowledge to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and build resilient food production systems.
Registration is priced at $445 per person, which includes lunch and an Indoor Ag-Con Expo Only pass. Discounts are available for those opting to bundle the workshop with a full conference pass, making it an appealing offer for industry professionals seeking comprehensive engagement with the sector's innovations.
The workshop serves as a gateway to the broader Indoor Ag-Con 2026 event, which promises an extensive agenda featuring nine crop- and sector-specific tracks, over 25 sessions, more than 100 speakers, headliner keynotes, networking opportunities, and the CEAs Awards programme celebrating excellence in controlled environment agriculture. The inclusion of this pre-conference workshop underscores a growing recognition of aquaponics as a key component of advancing controlled environment farming towards more sustainable, efficient, and profitable models.
Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has established itself as the premier trade show and conference for greenhouse, vertical farming, and broader controlled environment agriculture sectors. Alongside this, The Aquaponics Association continues to play a crucial role as a nonprofit dedicated to fostering education, advocacy, and community connection around aquaponics, helping to shape resilient and sustainable food systems globally.
For organisations and professionals within the CEA sector, this joint initiative represents a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of how aquaponics can complement and enhance hydroponic systems, positioning them at the forefront of innovation and sustainability in agriculture.