CEA Leafy Greens Network Event
February 27, 2026 | In-Person & Online
Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex (CEARC)
The Ohio State University; Columbus, OH, USA
In-Person: $240 | Online: $140
2026 Event Schedule
 |
 |
 |
||
The 2nd Annual CEA Leafy Greens Network Event will bring together industry professionals, growers, entrepreneurs, and research institutions to exchange insights and explore the future of leafy greens production. This exclusive, full-day event (2/27/26) highlights cutting-edge practices in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) for crops like lettuce and spinach and provides a dedicated space for collaboration and community across the CEA industry.
Hosted by The Ohio State University Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (OHCEAC) in partnership with Wageningen University and Research, the event spotlights greenhouse hydroponic production for leafy crops, offering invaluable knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities.
Hosted by
|
|
|
Keynote Speakers
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Laura Bautista Jalon | Wageningen University & Research "Research and Innovation at Wageningen University & Research" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Stress: What is the Root of the Problem" |
Featuring Panel discussions
PANEL 1: Data-Driven Management & AI Applications for Leafy Green Production (& Climate Control)
 |
 |
 |
|||
| Adam Greenburg IUNU |
Brian Stancil Leaficient |
Dominick DiMucci Haven Greens |
|||
 |
|
 |
|||
| Frans-Peter Dechering Corvus Drones |
Mihnea Paraschiv Sigrow |
Robin Klamer Certhon |
|||
PANEL 2: Leafy Greens Root Health Management
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||
| Dr. Anna Testen USDA-ARS |
Austin Smith Grodan |
Dr. Bart Geraats BASF | Nunhems |
Charlie Guy |
|||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||
|
Dr. Kyle Freedman |
Dr. Paul Rutten Concert Bio |
Dr. Soledad Benitez Ponce The Ohio State University |
Dr. Vijay Rapaka Oasis Grower Solutions |
|||
PANEL 3: Light & Climate Management - Glazing, Lighting, Shading for Leafy Greens
 |
|
 |
 |
|||
| Amos Bassi Signify |
Dominick DiMucci Haven Greens |
Dr. Erik Runkle Michigan State University |
Paul Arena |
|||
 |
 |
|||||
| Sarah Despres Rijk Zwaan |
Vic Mirabella |
|||||
Schedule at a Glance
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH | 8:30 - 6:00 PM
ALL TIMES ARE IN EASTERN US TIME (ET)
- Welcome and Introductions: 8:30 - 8:50 AM
- Session 1: Keynote Presentations & Discussion on R&D in Academia: 8:50 - 11:00 AM
- Session 2: Keynote Presentations & Discussion on Technologies in Industries: 11:00 - 12:20 PM
- Networking Lunch (Provided for In-Person Attendees): 12:20 - 1:20 PM
- Sponsor Presentations: 1:20 - 2:00 PM
- Panel Discussions: 2:00 - 4:10 PM
- Event Closing: 4:10 - 4:15 PM
- CEARC Tours (In-Person Activity): 4:15 - 4:45 PM
- Networking Social (In-Person Activity): 4:45 - 6:00 PM
Thanks to our sponsors
Premium Sponsor
Standard Sponsors
 |
 |
||
 |
 |
||
 |
 |
||
 |
 |
||
take a look at last year's event!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Accomodation Recommendations
There are many hotels in the Columbus area to choose from but these hotels are only a short drive from the conference at the Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex (2515 Carmack Rd, Columbus, OH 43210).
- Blackwell Hotel (1.6 Miles Away - 5 Minute Drive): 2110 Tuttle Park Place Columbus, OH 43210
- Hampton Inn & Suites (2.2 Miles Away - 6 Minute Drive): 3160 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43202
- Hilton Garden Inn (2.2 Miles Away - 5 Minute Drive): 3232 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43202
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites (2.0 Miles Away - 5 Minute Drive): 3045 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43202
- Homewood Suites (1.1 Miles Away - 4 Minute Drive): 1576 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, OH 43221)
- Springhill Suites (2.0 Miles Away - 6 Minute Drive): 1421 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43212
- Staybridge Suites Columbus (2.1 Miles - 5 Minute Drive): 3125 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43202
There are many nearby restaurants, shops and activities around Columbus for you to experience during your stay. You can also search Experience Columbus' website for recommendations.
Sign Up to Receive Event Info
Hosted by the Ohio Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (OHCEAC) in partnership with Wageningen University & Research
Organizing Members: Chieri Kubota, Laura Bautista Jalon and Carly Becker
Please contact Carly Becker (becker.421@osu.edu) with any questions