Event returns to Orlando to help industry partners launch into the new year
Fresh off the largest Potato Expo in history, U.S. and international supply chain partners are poised to relocate to sunny Orlando, Florida, for the premier networking opportunity for the potato industry. At Potato Expo 2025, held 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 United States.
“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.”
Feedback from attendees confirms that networking is the top reason to attend the Potato Expo. 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 your 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 concluded.
Potato Expo 2025 marks the 17th meeting in the event’s history and the fifth time the show will be held in Orlando.
“We’re excited to return to the sunny, family-friendly environment of Orlando,” said Hollee Alexander, NPC Vice President of Industry Relations & Events. “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’x10’ booth space sales away from Austin’s record-breaking tradeshow footprint.”
Potato Expo has always featured industry experts and addressed issues top-of-mind for industry partners. 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 wildly forward-looking but ultimately fascinating and informative keynote presentation, global futurist and best-selling author Jack Uldrich will not only explain how artificial intelligence 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 artificial intelligence (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, Ph.D., VP 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 One-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, on the election outcomes and how they will impact growers in 2025.
As always, the 2025 event includes numerous networking opportunities, such as the Kick-Off Reception with a live auction to benefit the Potato Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF), daily happy hours, and a closing party. And, 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. Visit potato-expo.com to register and access other important information about Potato Expo 2025.
