2023
57th Annual
Conference & Trade Show
Las Cruces Convention Center
Vendor Details
The Western Pecan Growers Association (WPGA) has big things in store for the 57th Annual Conference and Trade Show! The Las Cruces Convention Center will again serve as the host facility for all events, programs, and trade-show. Dates are Sunday, March 5th, through Tuesday, March 7th, 2023.
WPGA is proud to continue with favorite events, such as the Food Fantasy Contest and Banquet, and the opportunity to start new traditions. In addition to the new facility and dates, WPGA activities include a Sunday BBQ lunch cookout, welcome reception, and corn-hole tournament. Events are meant to bring customers to your booths! This year’s educational seminar also includes an opportunity for exhibitors to give a 15-minute presentation about their products and services.
For more details or questions, please contact the WPGA Vendor Committee at info.wpga@gmail.com.
Vendor Schedule
Important dates to know!
Vendors Move-In Schedule March 4th & 5th
Events are open to WPGA members only! Name badges are required at all times!
Saturday Afternoon, March 4th
|
12 pm-5 pm Parking Lot
|
Outdoor Equipment Exhibition Moves-In Not open to the public! |
|
12 pm-3 pm Vendor Exhibition Hall |
Indoor Vendor Trade Show Large Equipment Moves-In Not open to the public! |
|
3 pm-5 pm Vendor Exhibition Hall |
Indoor Vendor Trade Show Moves-In Not open to the public! |
Sunday, March 5th
| 7 am- 9 am |
WPGA Vendor Breakfast |
|
8 am-Noon Vendor Exhibition Hall |
Indoor Vendor Trade Show Moves-In |
|
11 pm- 4 pm Registration Desk |
WPGA Membership Registration |
|
Noon- 2 pm
|
BBQ lunch cookout Southwest Terrace Area |
|
1 pm- 4 pm Parking Lot |
Corn-hole Tournament Outdoor Exhibition Area |
|
12 pm-8 pm Vendor Exhibition Hall |
Indoor Vendor Trade Show Opens to WPGA Guests |
|
5 pm-8 pm Vendor Exhibition Hall |
WPGA Welcome Reception |
⬇ CONFERENCE SCHEDULE ⬇
Equipment Trade Show & Exhibition Sunday March 5th
Events are open to WPGA members only! Name badges are required at all times!
Sunday Afternoon, March 5th
|
11 am- 4 pm Registration Desk |
WPGA Membership Registration |
| Noon- 2 pm Outdoor Entrance |
BBQ lunch cookout Southwest Terrace Area |
|
Noon- 4 pm Parking Lot |
Outdoor Vendor Trade Show Opens to WPGA Members |
|
1 pm- 4 pm Parking Lot |
Cornhole Tournament Outdoor Vendor Exhibition Area |
|
Noon-8 pm Vendor Exhibition Hall |
Indoor Vendor Trade Show Opens to WPGA Guests |
|
5 pm-8 pm Vendor Exhibition Hall |
Welcome Reception The event is open to WPGA members only! Name badges are required at all times! |
|
5 pm-8 pm Vendor Exhibition Hall |
Cornhole Championship |
Presentations Monday March 6th
* Events open to WPGA members only! Name badges are required!
Monday, March 6
Morning Seminars
| 8am-5pm |
WPGA Conference, Equipment Trade Show, and Vendor Exhibition WPGA members only! |
Morning Seminars
Moderator: Mr. Jeff Anderson
Doña Ana County Extension Agriculture Agent
New Mexico State University
|
8:30 am Ballroom #1 |
Welcome Mr. Jacob Arnold |
|
8:40 am Ballroom #1 |
Key Note Address Mr. Robert Redding & Surprise Guest |
| 9 am |
Vendor Presentation |
|
9:15 am Ballroom #1 |
Presentation Title Presenters Name & Presenters Name |
| 9:40 am | Vendor Presentation |
|
9:55 am Ballroom #1 |
Presenters Name |
Coffee Break
10:20am - 10:45 am
Sponsored by:
 |
 |
 |
 |
Morning Seminars Resume
|
10:45 am Ballroom |
Rhyme/Cotton Root Rot Dr. Alex Hu |
|
11 am Ballroom |
What’s Causing the Leaf Scorch in my Pecan Orchard? Dr. Richard Heerema |
Lunch Break- Noon -2 pm
BIG STAR AG SOURCE will be hosting a BBQ lunch for the WPGA Community
This lunch is also sponsored by:
 |
|
Monday, March 6
Afternoon Seminars
Moderator: Mr. Jack Blandford
Luna County Extension Agriculture Agent
New Mexico State University
Deming, NM
|
1 pm Ballroom |
Zinc Variability in Pecan Orchards: Implications for Leaf Sampling and Nutrient Recommendations Dr. Jim Walworth |
| 1:30 pm |
Vendor Presentation |
| 1:45 pm |
Vendor Presentation |
|
2:00 pm Ballroom
|
An Overview of the Pecan Industry in Argentina Mr. Joaquín Torassa
|
| 2:30 pm | Vendor Presentation |
Coffee Break
2:45-3:30 pm
Sponsored by:
 Dixie Ranch |
Afternoon Seminars Resume
|
3:30 pm Ballroom |
East Meets West: Converging Pecan Production Strategies in Texas Dr. Monte Nesbitt |
| 4 pm |
Vendor Presentation |
| 4:15 pm |
Vendor Presentation |
|
4:30 pm Ballroom |
Marketing Panel Moderator: Mr. Alex Ott Panel Guest
|
Monday Evening, March 6
|
6pm- 7pm Vendor Exhibition Hall |
Social Hour/ Cash Bar |
|
7 pm-10 pm Ballroom #1 |
WPGA Banquet, Award Ceremony, and Auction |
Presentations Tuesday March 7th
* Events open to WPGA members only! Name badges are required!
Tuesday Morning, March 7
| 8 am- 5 pm |
WPGA Conference, Equipment Trade Show, and Vendor Exhibition WPGA members only! |
Tuesday, March 6
Morning Seminars
Moderator: Mr. Jeff Anderson
Doña Ana County Extension Agriculture Agent
New Mexico State University
|
8:30 am Ballroom #1 |
Welcome Mr. Jacob Arnold |
|
8:40 am Ballroom #1 |
Key Note Address Mr. Robert Redding & Surprise Guest |
| 9 am |
Vendor Presentation |
|
9:15 am Ballroom #1 |
Weevil Update Mr. Brad Lewis & Mr. Patrick Dudley, Coordinator for Agriculture Commodity Boards and Producer Relations |
| 9:40 am | Vendor Presentation |
|
9:55 am Ballroom #1 |
Pecan Bud Moth Ms. Tiffany Johnson |
Coffee Break
10:20 am - 10:45 am
Sponsored by:
|
Morning Seminars Resume
|
10:45 am
Ballroom |
Rhyme/Cotton Root Rot Dr. Alex Hu |
|
11 am Ballroom |
What’s Causing the Leaf Scorch in my Pecan Orchard? Dr. Richard Heerema |
Proceedings come to an end. Thank you. I will see you again next year.
Vendor Registration
Vendors Invitation Request
Vendors Invitation Request
“Vendor Presentation Registration
Vendor; WPGA is now offering you the opportunity to give a 15-minute presentation about your products and services. Presentations will be integrated with the educational program this year. Spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can purchase a slot for $500.00 during your vendor registration or later by clicking on the button below. Speaker spots are limited by availability.
You may contact the educational program coordinator, Dr. Richard Heerema, at rjheerem@nmsu.edu for assistance or more information.
Request a Vendor Presentation Packet
Vendors Presentation Packet
Vendors Presentation Packet
Contact us
If you are a vendor who is not currently on our list and would like to showcase your equipment, products or companies services please fill out the vendor invitation request contact form below. If you have any other questions please Contact Us at info.wpga@gmail.com.
Contact List
Please select where you would like to direct your inquiry to!
Contact Educational Programming Coordinator
Contact Vendor Coordinator
Contact Western Pecan Growers Association
Educational Coordinator
Contact Vendors Coordinator
Contact Western Pecan Growers Association
Courtyard by Marriott
Las Cruces at NMSU
1 575-526-1722
456 East University Ave.
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005
Accommodations
Reservations
Please see below for ways to book:
- Call the hotel at (575) 526-1722, press 1 for reservations or press 3 to be connected to the front desk. Ask to make a reservation under “WESTERN PECAN GROWERS” rate.
- Use Marriott mobile app on your phone and add the GROUP Code: WPGN
- Book your group rate for Western Pecan Growers. Dates will automatically generate. Please take the time to adjust your reservation dates if needed.
Google Map
Conference & Equipment Trade Show
Activities
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.
BBQ Lunch Cookout
Sunday
March 5th
Noon- 2 pm
BIG STAR AG SOURCE will host a BBQ lunch cookout for the WPGA Community.
This lunch is also sponsored by:
Corn Hole Tournament
Sunday
March 5th
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.
Exhibitors Presentations
Monday & Tuesday
March 6th, & 7th
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. This year's Exhibitors' Presentations will be paired with related seminars. Exhibitors' Presentations spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Exhibitors' Presentations spaces will be offered on your vendor registration form. If you have any questions, you may contact Richard Heerema. You may also find more details on the Vendor Packages Page.
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.
Indoor Exhibition
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
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.
Trade Show
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:
Welcome Reception
Sunday
March 5th
5-8 pm
The WPGA Welcome Reception commences at 5 pm on Sunday, March 5th at the Las Cruces Convention Center Vendor Exhibition Hall. Come and meet the rest of the WPGA community.
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.
Mobile Maps