2023
57th Annual
WPGA Pecan Conference & Trade Show
Las Cruces Convention Center
March 5th-7th, 2023
Pesticides Applicator CEU Credit Available
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Come and see the best of what the pecan industry has to offer. The 57th Annual Western Pecan Growers Association Conference and Equipment Trade Show is back and better than ever. The conference and equipment trade show will commence on March 5th-7th. The Equipment Trade Show will feature the latest innovative products, equipment, and professional services geared toward the pecan industry. The WPGA conference will feature a variety of seminars dedicated to the most recent updates from pecan state organizations within the growing western region, marketing updates, pecan research, pest and disease management, etc.
WPGA Membership
- Single Person-$250.00 USD
(Admits one to the annual conference and quarterly webinars) - Single Family/Sole Proprietor-$300.00 USD
(Admits two to the conference) - Corporate-$500.00 USD
(Admits four to the conference) - Researcher/Educator/Student (with ID)-$125.00 USD
- WPGA Membership only-$125.00 USD (NO CONFERENCE ADMITTANCE)
(With access to quarterly webinars)
Online Registration will end on Saturday, March 4, 2023.
Registration will resume at the conference on Sunday, March 5th, 2023, at 1 pm. the registration booth will be located in the Las Cruces Convention Center Lobby (a $50 fee will be applied).
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ACCOMMODATIONS
Conference & Equipment Trade Show
Activities
Food Fantasy Contest
Sunday
March 5th
8 am
Join us for the Karin Davidson Pecan Food Fantasy Contest on Sunday, March 5th at 8 am. Winners will receive a cash prize, and be featured on the Pecan Food Fantasy Blog. Winning dishes will be auctioned during our Banquet on March 7th. 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.
BBQ Lunch Cookout
Sunday
March 5th
Noon- 2 pm
BIG STAR AG SOURCE will host a BBQ lunch cookout for the WPGA ATTENDEE & VENDORS. Name badges are Required
This lunch is also sponsored by:
Corn Hole Tournament
Sunday
March 5th
1-4 pm & 5-8 pm
Join us for the WPGA Equipment Trade Show Cornhole Tournament on Sunday, March 5th, from 1 pm - 4 pm at the Las Cruces convention center parking lot.
The Cornhole Championship will be held during the welcome reception in the vendor exhibition hall from 5 pm - 8 pm
For more information about the Equipment Trade Show, click the button below.
Welcome Reception
Sunday
March 5th
5-8 pm
The WPGA Welcome Reception commences at 5 pm - 8 pm on Sunday, March 5th, at the Las Cruces Convention Center Vendor Exhibition Hall. Come and meet the rest of the WPGA Attendees & Vendors.
Name Badges are Required!
Educational Program
Monday & Tuesday
March 6th, & 7th
The educational program will feature presentations on issues related to the pecan cultural practices, industry updates, pecan research, marketing and economics, pest management, and reports from related support organizations.
WPGA is making changes to the exhibitor presentations as their presentations with be interspersed with the regular educational programs. Exhibitors' presentation spaces are offered on the vendor registration form. If you have any questions, you may contact Richard Heerema. You may also find more details on the Vendor Packages Page.
Indoor Exhibition
Sunday - Tuesday
March 5th- 7th
Come & see the latest innovative products & services geared towards the pecan industry at the Las Cruces Convention Center.
Indoor Vendors Exhibition Hours:
Sunday, March 5th, Noon-8 pm
Monday. March 7th, 8 pm-5 pm
Tuesday. March 8th, 8 am-Noon
Trade Show
Sunday - Tuesday
March 5th -7th
Join us for the annual WPGA Equipment Exhibition and Trade Show. Featuring exhibitors' products, innovative equipment, and company services from all over the country geared toward the pecan industry.
Hours of operation:
Sunday, March 5th
Noon to 8 pm
Monday, March 6th
8 am to 5 pm
Tuesday, March 7th
8 pm to Noon
Sponsored Lunch
Monday
March 6th
11:30 am - 1 pm
This year's lunch will be served at noon in Ballroom #1. Lunch tickets will be required.
Additional lunch tickets may be purchased at the registration desk or online.
This lunch is also sponsored by:
Social Hour/ Cash Bar
Monday, March 6th
6-7pm
The annual WPGA Social Hour on Monday, March 6th, will kick off the Banquet and Auction festivities at 6 pm. A cash bar will be available to our members.
Banquet
Monday
March 6th
7 pm
Join us at 7 pm for the annual WPGA Banquet and Auction at the Las Cruces Convention Center. A cash bar will be available at 6 pm 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.
Sunday, March 5th, 2023
All entries must be delivered between 8am and 12pm.
Some award-winning pecan recipes will be featured in the
Karin Davidson Pecan Food Fantasy Blog.
Registration opens on February 5, 2023.
Entrants may enter all 16 categories, but, only one entry per category. All entries should be delivered on SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 2023 between 8 am and 11 am. 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 in 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.
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.
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