2022
56th Annual
Conference & Trade Show
Has a New Location
The WPGA Conference and Equipment Trade Show will commence on March 8th-10th. The Equipment Trade Show will feature the latest innovative products, equipment, and professional services geared towards the pecan industry. The WPGA conference will future a variety of seminars dedicated to the most recent updates from pecan state organizations within the western growing region, marketing updates, pecan research, pest and disease management, etc.
Schedule
Important dates to know!
Trade Show & Exhibitions March 8-10, 2022
* Events open to WPGA members only!
Monday, March 7th
| 8am- 5pm | Outdoor & Showcase Equipment Move-In Not open to the public! |
Las Cruces Convention Center – Parking Lot |
Tuesday, March 8th
| 8am- 12pm |
Indoor Vendor Setup
|
Las Cruces Convention Center – Vendor Exhibition Hall |
| 1pm- 4pm | WPGA Registration | Las Cruces Convention Center – Vendor Exhibition Hall |
| 1pm- 4pm | Cornhole Tournament Held at outdoor vendors booths. |
Las Cruces Convention Center – Parking Lot |
| 1pm- 6pm | Indoor Vendor Exhibition |
Las Cruces Convention Center – Vendor Exhibition Hall |
| 4pm- 6pm | Welcome Reception & Beer Garden |
Las Cruces Convention Center – Vendor Exhibition Hall |
Wednesday, March 9th
| 8am- 5pm | Pecan Trade & Equipment Show |
Las Cruces Convention Center – Parking Lot |
| 11:30am- 1pm | Sponsored Lunch |
Las Cruces Convention Center – Parking Lot |
| 6pm- 7pm | Social Hour/ Cash Bar |
Las Cruces convention Center Vendor Exhibition Hall |
| 7pm- 10pm | WPGA Banquet and Auction |
Las Cruces Convention Center – Banquet Hall |
Thursday, March 10th
| 8am-11am | Pecan Trade & Equipment Show |
Las Cruces Convention Center – Parking Lot |
Educational Program March. 9, 2022
Exhibitor Presentations March 10, 2022
Las Cruces Convention Center
680 E University Ave
Las Cruces, NM 88001
Details
There will be limited parking at the Las Cruces Convention Center to make room for the Equipment Trade Show. This year’s overflow event parking will be located at NMSU Lot #3 across from Skeen Hall.
WPGA Membership
The WPGA registration will open to the public January 7, 2022. Thank you for your patience, we look forward to seeing you at the conference. Please retain your receipt for your records.
Membership Details
The WPGA Board is now offering new ways to provide information and education services as part of our ongoing commitment to our membership:
- A Quarterly Email Newsletter will be sent out to all our membership to provide industry updates, extension/research reports, and communication from our board members.
- Access to our Annual Conference and Equipment Trade Show. The trade show will feature the latest innovative products and equipment geared towards the pecan industry.
- A Two Day Educational Program will be provided exclusively to our 2022 registered members. This two day conference will provide CEU credit. These events will feature a variety of educational presentations, updates from pecan state organizations within the western growing region, marketing updates, etc. Be sure to sign up for your 2022 Membership to receive updates on important dates and agendas.
- Pecan Advocacy in Washington D.C. through National Pecan Federation (NPF), as well as marketing benefits from the American Pecan Council (APC) and US Pecan Growers Council (USPGC). Restrictions apply to international addresses.
- WPGA membership include Subscriptions to 3 Pecan Grower Magazines.
Your WPGA Board is consistently working on other ways we can provide opportunities for outreach, education, and connecting with our membership. Please visit our site frequently to stay up to date. We look forward to meeting again in person at our 2022 Western Pecan Conference, scheduled for March 8th-10th. Please contact us if you have any questions and we will be happy to assist you.
If you would like to make a donation to WPGA, please click on the donate button. Please retain your receipt for your records.
Conference & Trade Show Events
Banquet
Join us at 7pm for the annual WPGA Banquet and Auction Wednesday, March 9th at the Las Cruces Convention Center. A cash bar will be available at 6pm to set off the festivities. All Pecan Food Fantasy Contest winning dishes will be auctioned during the banquet. Proceeds from this auction will benefit the WPGA Scholarship fund. Tickets will be available for purchase at the registration desk.
Cornhole Tournament
Join us for the WPGA Equipment Trade Show Cornhole Tournament on Tuesday, March 8th from 1pm - 4pm the Las Cruces Convention Center Parking Lot.
Exhibitors Presentations
WPGA is proud to announce that we are rolling out a new program that will allow exhibitors to demonstrate their products and services to our members. All exhibitors presentation's will be held in the Seminar Hall on Thursday, March 8th from 8:30am to noon. If you are a vendor and would like to present please contact Richard Heerema You may also find more details on the vendor page.
Trade Show
Join us for the annual WPGA Equipment Trade Show & Exhibition on March 8th - 10th. Featuring exhibitors product's, innovative equipment, and company services from all over the country geared towards the pecan industry.
Hours of operation:
Tuesday, March 8th
1pm to 5pm
Wednesday, March 9th
8am to 5pm
Thursday, March 10th
8am to 12 noon
Food Fantasy Contest
Join us for the Karin Davidson Pecan Food Fantasy Contest on Tuesday, March 8th at 8am. Winners will receive a cash prize, and be featured on the Pecan Food Fantasy Blog. Winning dishes will be auctioned during our banquet. Proceeds will benefit the WPGA Scholarship fund.
If you would like to become a Karin Davidson Pecan Food Fantasy contestant, please click on the button below for more details.
Indoor Exhibition
Come & see the latest innovative products & services geared towards the pecan industry at the Las Cruces Convention Center.
Indoor Venders Exhibition Hours:
Tues. March 8th 1pm-5pm
Wed. March 9th 8am-5pm
Thu. March 10th 8am-noon
WPGA Seminar
An Educational Program will be provided exclusively to our 2022 registered members. The seminar on March 9th & 10 will provide CEU credits to all qualifying members. These events will feature a variety of educational presentations, updates from pecan state organizations within the western growing region, marketing updates, etc. Be sure to sign up for your 2022 Membership to receive updates on important dates and agendas.
Social Hour/ Cash Bar
The annual WPGA Social Hour on Wednesday, March 9th will kick off the Banquet and Auction festivities at 6pm. A cash bar will be available to our members.
Vendors
If you are a vendor and would like to showcase your equipment, products or companies services please refer to the Vendor Details Page. If you have any questions please contact Blair Krebs Vendor Coordinator. If you are a vendor and would like to present please contact contact Richard Heerema or you may also find more details on the Vendor Page.
Welcome Reception
The WPGA Welcome Reception commences at 4pm on Tuesday, March 8th at the las Cruces Convention Center Vendor Exhibition Hall. Join us and meet the rest of the WPGA community.
WPGA Equipment Trade Show
Itinerary:
- The 2022 WPGA Equipment Trade Show & Exhibition will be open to WPGA members on March 8th at 1pm. Join us and get up to speed with the latest pecan industry innovations.
- Join us on Tuesday, March 8th at 1pm for the WPGA Indoor Vendors Exhibition. Come and see the best of what the pecan industry has to offer.
- WPGA will be hosting a Welcome Reception on Tuesday, March 8th at 4pm in the indoor vendor exhibition hall.
- New to The WPGA Trade Show & Exhibition are the Exhibitor's Presentations. This will give you a better opportunity to know more about the products, equipment, and services that our exhibitors provide. Exhibitors presentations will be held in Ballroom 1 on Thursday, March 10 at 8:30am.
If you are a vendor and would like to exhibit your equipment, products or companies services please refer to the Vendor Details Page. If you have any questions please contact us at info.wpga@gmail.com.
All 2022 Conference and and Trade Show Exhibitions are limited to WPGA 2022 members only! Register now for full access.
Event Location & Parking
Event Location
Las Cruces Convention Center
680 E University Ave
Las Cruces, NM 88001
Details
There will be limited parking at the Las Cruces Convention Center to make room for the Equipment Trade Show. This year's overflow event parking will be located at NMSU Lot #3 across from Skeen Hall.
Walk to Event
Las Cruces Convention Center
680 E University Ave
Las Cruces, NM 88001
Details
This year's event parking will be located at NMSU Skeen Hall. It is a 9 minute walk to the Las Cruces Convention Center. WPGA event parking will be posted for your convenience.
Event
Overflow Parking
Event Overflow Parking
NMSU Lot # 3
Parking lot will be reserved for the WPGA Conference & Trade Show.
Located at
2916 Knox St
Las Cruces, NM 88003
Details
There will be limited parking at the Las Cruces Convention Center to make room for the Equipment Trade Show. This year's overflow event parking will be located at NMSU Lot #3 across from Skeen Hall.
Karin Davidson
Pecan Food Fantasy Contest
March 8th 2022, during the WPGA Annual Conference and Trade Show.
Let’s get creative baking with pecans!
Contest Details
CATEGORIES
ADULT & YOUTH
(AND QUANTITY OF SERVINGS NEEDED FOR ENTRY)
BREADS
Quick Breads. . 1 loaf or 6 muffins
Yeast Bread......... 1 loaf or 6 rolls
CAKES
Un-Iced ........................ 1 cake
Iced ............................. 1 cake
CANDY… ................ 12 pieces
CHEESECAKE .............. 1 cake
COOKIES
Drop Cookies ....... 12 cookies
Bar Cookies ............... 6 Bars
Other Cookies…… 12 Cookies
DECORATED CUPCAKES
…………………….. 6 cupcakes
OTHER PIES ................. 1 pie
TARTS ........... 1 large or 6 Small
TRADITIONAL PECAN PIE … 1 Pie
UNUSUAL DESSERT. 6 servings if small; or 1 large (as in cake etc)
GLUTEN FREE BAKED GOOD- (See above for quantities)
(You may enter all 15 categories, but only ONE entry per category.)
ENTRY RULES & INFORMATION
Entrants may enter all 15 categories, but, only one entry per category. All entries should be delivered on TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2022 between 9am and NOON. Deliver to the Las Cruces Convention Center east side entry door. All entries should be handmade by the entrant, and the food entry MUST CONTAIN PECANS. Exhibitors need to complete a LEGIBLE ENTRY FORM for each entry. Exhibitors also need to submit a LEGIBLE RECIPE with each entry. Please put all food on disposable containers because we cannot return platters. Refrigeration is available. Entries and recipes will become the property of WPGA. Questions? Contact: Jennifer Kosnick at pecanfoodfantasy@gmail.com for any Food Fantasy questions.
Guidelines for Traditional Pecan Pies
Please use the following guidelines if you are entering a traditional pecan pie.
Custard (Filling) Ingredients
Be sure your custard (filling) is made from a combination of the following ingredients:
- Sugar (Can be white or brown)
- Syrup (Can be light or dark; can also be honey or molasses)
- Butter or Margarine
- Eggs or Egg Substitute
- Vanilla or Rum (Extract or Flavoring)
- Salt
Flour (Optional; may or may not include flour)
Pastry (Crust) Ingredients
Be sure your pastry (Crust) is made from the following items.
- Flour
- Shortening, Margarine, Butter or Oil
- Salt
- Water or Milk
- Sugar (Optional; may or may not include sugar)
Vinegar (Optional; may or may not include vinegar)
Don’t forget! Put your entries into disposable containers. We cannot return containers.
For further Information, Contact: Jenni Kosnick Hart 575-644-5393
All entries & recipes become the property of Western Pecan Growers Association.
PRIZES & AWARDS
The Karin Davidson Food Fantasy Contest will be judged by food professionals. All participants will receive a certificate for participating. Ribbons will be given to the first three places in each category for youth and adult. Cash prizes are also awarded. First Blue Ribbon in all categories youth and adult is $40.00. The best traditional pecan pie in youth and adult is awarded $350.00 (sponsored by Leigh Fox Fletcher and Marge B. Fletcher). Outstanding Adult entry receives $200.00, and Outstanding Youth entry receives $100.00. Representatives from Las Cruces Convention Center will be presenting the 2022 Karin Davidson Food Fantasy Best of Show award of $250.00 at the Wednesday night banquet. Results will be posted online and on display in the award room for viewing starting Wednesday March 9, 2022 by 9 am.
Contact
Jennifer Kosnick at pecanfoodfantasy@gmail.com for any Food Fantasy questions, or use the button below.
Visit our blog for all the award winning pecan recipes.
Reservations
Call the hotel at (575) 527-9947, for reservations. Ask to make a reservation under group block “ WESTERN PECAN GROWERS ASSOCIATIO” in March 2022.
Please note that the last day to book under this group block is 02/21/2022. Any reservations made after this cut-off date will be based on next best available rate.
King Room
Featuring a flat-screen TV with cable, this room comes with tea and coffee-making facilities, a fridge and microwave.
Amenities:
•Free Internet
•Free Breakfast
•Property confirms they are implementing enhanced health & safety measures
• Individually-wrapped food options are available for breakfast
• 24 hour front desk
• Commonly-touched surfaces are cleaned with disinfectant
• Fitness Center
• Property is cleaned with disinfectant
• Property confirms they are implementing guest safety measures
• Bed sheets and towels are washed at a temperature of at least 60°C/140°F
• Masks are available to guests
• Swimming Pool – Outdoor
• Free Continental Breakfast
• Guests are provided with free hand sanitizer
• Individually-wrapped food options are available
• Staff wears personal protective equipment
• Social distancing measures are in place
• Gap period enforced between guest stays
• Staff temperature checks are conducted regularly
• Parking – Self
• Internet Access – Free in room
• Acrylic shield between guests and staff in main contact areas
• Dry cleaning service
• Laundry
• Property is officially certified under a brand or regulatory agency’s sanitization guidelines
• Non-Smoking Facility
• Business Center
• Protective clothing is available to guests
Check-in time: 3:00 PM
Check-out time: 12:00 PM
Room, 2 Queen Beds
2 Queen Beds
Internet – Free WiFi
Entertainment – Flat-screen TV with premium channels
Food & Drink – Refrigerator, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Bathroom – Private bathroom and a hair dryer
Practical – Free local calls, free newspaper, and iron/ironing board; cribs/infant beds available on request
Comfort – Air conditioning and daily housekeeping
Non-Smoking
Connecting/adjoining rooms can be requested, subject to availability
Amenities:
• Property confirms they are implementing enhanced health & safety measures
• Individually-wrapped food options are available for breakfast
• 24 hour front desk
• Commonly-touched surfaces are cleaned with disinfectant
• Fitness Center
• Property is cleaned with disinfectant
• Property confirms they are implementing guest safety measures
• Bed sheets and towels are washed at a temperature of at least 60°C/140°F
• Masks are available to guests
• Swimming Pool – Outdoor
• Free Continental Breakfast
• Guests are provided with free hand sanitizer
• Individually-wrapped food options are available
• Staff wears personal protective equipment
• Social distancing measures are in place
• Gap period enforced between guest stays
• Staff temperature checks are conducted regularly
• Parking – Self
• Internet Access – Free in room
• Acrylic shield between guests and staff in main contact areas
• Dry cleaning service
• Laundry
• Property is officially certified under a brand or regulatory agency’s sanitization guidelines
• Non-Smoking Facility
• Business Center
• Protective clothing is available to guests
Check-in time: 3:00 PM
Check-out time: 12:00 PM
Google Map
RAMADA BY WYNDHAM
201 E. University Ave.
Las Cruces, NM 88005
(575) 613-4693
wyndhamhotels.com/ramada/las-cruces-new-mexico/
Reservations
Please note that the last day to book under this group block is 02/22/2022. Any reservations made after this cut-off date will be based on next best available rate.
King Room
Free WiFi, mini-refrigerator, microwave, coffee/tea maker, hair dryer, HDTV, alarm clock, desk, iron, ironing board, tables and chairs
AMENITIES
- Alarm Clock
- Coffee/Tea Maker
- Desk
- Free WiFi (high-speed)
- Hair Dryer
- HDTV
- Iron
- Ironing Board
- Microwave
- Mini-Refrigerator
- Non-Smoking Room
- Tables and Chairs
Room, 2 Queen Beds
Free WiFi, mini-refrigerator, microwave, coffee/tea maker, hair dryer, HDTV, alarm clock, desk, iron, ironing board, tables and chairs
AMENITIES
- Alarm Clock
- Coffee/Tea Maker
- Desk
- Free WiFi (high-speed)
- Hair Dryer
- HDTV
- Iron
- Ironing Board
- Microwave
- Mini-Refrigerator
- Non-Smoking Room
- Tables and Chairs
Google Map
In The News
Western Pecan Growers Association Scholarship
Scholarship
Are you a passionate student with an interest in pecans? The WPGA Is offering a scholarship to undergraduate and graduate students. Tell us about yourself and you might be eligible for a scholarship from the WPGA.
WPGA Scholarship News
Scholarship winners will be announced here.
Mobile Maps
Wester Pecan Growers Association old address was www.westernpecan.org but now it is westernpecan.org.
the annual western pecan growers association conference will not be held on March 3 – march 5th 2020
https://www.google.com/search?q=western+pecan+growers+conference+2020&oq=western+pecan+growers+conference+2020&aqs=chrome.0.69i59.3807j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8