Schedule of Events for the TPGA 2026 Conference & Trade Show
Click here for a printable version
| TIME | EVENT | LOCATION | NOTES |
| 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Exhibitor Move-in | Veramendi Ballroom | Times will be assigned closer to event |
| 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Welcome Reception | Veramendi Ballroom | Explore misc. games at leisure; Awards given on Tuesday |
| 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | State of Texas Pecan Show | Spring Lake C Ballroom | The Texas Pecan Show is open throughout the entire event. |
| 5:00 PM | Silent Auction Opens | Hallway near Registration Table | The Silent Auction will close on Monday, July 13 at 5:00 PM |
| 5:45 PM | Cooking with Pecans Demonstration | TPGA Stage in Veramendi Ballroom | Kate Blankenship, Hays County AgriLife Extension – FCH |
| 6:00 PM | Pecan Grafting Demonstration | TPGA Stage in Veramendi Ballroom | Larry Jim Womack, Womack Nursery |
| 6:30 PM | “Shell-of-a-Time” Cracking Competition | TPGA Stage in Veramendi Ballroom | $5 Entry Fee (Cash-Only), Winner Takes All |
| TIME | EVENT | LOCATION | NOTES |
| 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Trade Show | Veramendi Ballroom | |
| 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | State of Texas Pecan Show | Spring Lake C Ballroom | The Texas Pecan Show is open throughout the entire event. |
| 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Educational Program | Spring Lake A & B Ballrooms | Sponsored by Savage Equipment Inc. |
| 9:00 AM | Native Nut Book Nook Opens | TPGA Registration Table | TPGA Native Nut Book Nook |
| *9:15 AM – 11:00 AM | Amazon Fulfillment Center Tour | SAT2: Amazon Fulfillment Center |
Ticket Required. Please arrive 15 minutes early *Note: Updated tour time: 9:15 AM (previously 12:45 PM) |
| 5:00 PM | Silent Auction Closes | Hallway near Registration Table | See Registration Table for payment and to collect your item(s) |
| 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Pecan Cluster Family Event | Spring Lake A & B Ballrooms | Ticket Required, Sponsored by Terra Nova Research, LLC |
| 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Dinner Available | Hallway Outside of Chautauqua Rooms | Ticket Required |
| 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Casino Night | Chautauqua Conference Rooms | Ticket Required, Sponsored by Big Star |
| TIME | EVENT | LOCATION | NOTES |
| 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM | Trade Show | Veramendi Ballroom | |
| 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | State of Texas Pecan Show | Spring Lake C Ballroom | The Texas Pecan Show is open throughout the entire event |
| 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Educational Program | Spring Lake A & B Ballrooms | Sponsored by Savage Equipment Inc. |
| 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM | USDA-FSA One-on-one Sessions | Placido Boardroom – Christa Kraatz, FSA | See Registration Table for advanced booking |
| 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM | USDA-NRCS One-on-one Sessions | Burleson Boardroom – Aaron Reynolds et. al., NRCS | See Registration Table for advanced booking |
| 12:15 PM | Regenerative Lunch | Chautauqua Room | Sponsored by Noble Research Institute |
| 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Branch Out with Bats | Swift River Pecans – Lockart, TX | Please bring your own chair & refreshments |
| TIME | EVENT | LOCATION | NOTES |
| 9:00 AM | Orchard Tour | Comal Pecan Farm – New Braunfels, TX | Ticket Required. |
| 12:00 PM | BBQ Lunch for Orchard Tour Attendees | Comal Pecan Farm |
Lunch: Bill Miller BBQ sponsored by Texas Deptartment of Agriculture Golf Cars provided and sponsored by Hawkins Battery & Golf Cars
|
Click Below to Learn More About the 2026 Events and Opportunities
Welcome Reception
Kick off the TPGA Conference in true Texas style at our Welcome Reception, happening from 5:00-8:00 PM on Sunday, July 12. This evening is designed to bring growers, industry partners and friends together for a warm and relaxed start to the week. Enjoy great food, refreshing drinks and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow attendees.
This year’s reception will feature live demonstrations, our “Shell-of-a-Time” pecan hand cracking competition, and a variety of fun and interactive stations. Guests can also explore the State of Texas Pecan Show, while getting the first look at the Silent Auction and TPGA Trade Show as they officially open.
Whether you’re looking to learn something new, reconnect with familiar faces or make new connections, the Welcome Reception is the perfect way to start your TPGA experience.
The Welcome Reception will take place in the Veramendi Ballroom on Sunday, July 12 5:00-8:00 PM.
TPGA Trade Show
Explore the TPGA Trade Show and connect with exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services for the pecan industry. It’s a great opportunity to discover new solutions, ask questions and build valuable connections.
Be sure to visit the 2026 Exhibitors event page to see who will be in attendance and plan your time on the trade show floor.
If you are interested in exhibiting at this or future events, please email nichole@tpga.org. You may also reserve your space as an exhibitor for the 2026 TPGA Conference & Trade Show by registering online: https://fs22.formsite.com/tpga/xtz4t62nkn/index
The TPGA Trade Show is located in the Veramendi Ballroom.
State of Texas Pecan Show
The Texas Pecan Show has a long-standing history dating back to the 1950s and is an excellent way to showcase the quality and competitiveness of Texas-grown pecans, while celebrating our state’s rich pecan heritage. It’s open to all producers across Texas, from commercial to hobby growers, and serves as a qualifying competition for national recognition through the National Pecan Shellers Association.
The show begins at the county and at-large level, where winning entries advance to regional competitions divided into East, Central, and West Texas. Regional winners then compete for state level honors at the TPGA Conference and Trade Show each July.
The Texas Pecan Growers Association is a proud sponsor of the Texas AgriLife Extension’s Texas Pecan Show, and we encourage you to participate in future shows by contacting the TPGA office or your local Extension office for more information.
The Texas Pecan Show is located in the Spring Lake C Ballroom
Silent Auction
Funds raised through the Silent Auction directly support Texas Pecan Extension and Research. Your donated item not only contributes to a great cause, it also helps promote your company or product. To donate, please provide a brief item description and estimated value. Items may be mailed to the TPGA office or delivered to the Registration Desk before Sunday night’s Grand Opening Reception.
Your support delivers real results. For example, TPGA and the Texas Pecan Board are partnering to offer a $25,000 grant for projects that advance the Texas pecan industry. Priority areas include Pest & Disease Management, Water Use & Drought Tolerance, Soil Health & Fertility, Variety Development & Evaluation, Economics & Market Research, and Environmental & Sustainability Studies.
The Silent Auction will take place in the hallway near the Registration Table. The Silent Auction will close Monday, July 13 at 5:00 PM. See Registration Table for payment and to collect your item(s).
Live Demonstrations
Enjoy live demonstrations Sunday evening during the Welcome Reception, including Pecan Grafting and Cooking with Pecans.
Cooking with Pecans Demonstration
Enjoy a live cooking demo that highlights pecans in a fresh, flavorful way. Kate Blankenship with Hay’s County AgriLife Extension will walk you through a dish that’s easy to recreate and unbelievably good.
Pecan Grafting Demonstration
Don’t miss our live pecan grafting demonstration presented by Larry Jim Womack of Womack Nursery. This hands-on demonstration will showcase the skill and precision behind successful grafting, one of the most important techniques in establishing and improving pecan orchards. Attendees will gain valuable insight into best practices, timing and methods that directly impact tree health, variety selection and long-term orchard productivity. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just getting started, this is a unique opportunity to see expert technique in action and pick up practical knowledge you can take back to your own operation.
The Live Demonstrations will take place during the Welcome Reception in the Veramendi Ballroom.
“Shell-of-a-Time” Cracking Competition
Test your skills in this fast‑paced pecan‑cracking challenge. Participants will race to produce 10 clean pecan halves. Once you’ve finished, throw your hands in the air and yell “PECAN!” to signal the judges.
Be sure to bring your favorite hand cracking device and sign up early; buy-ins for the competition are $5.00 per person (Winner takes all), and sign-up starts at 5 p.m. at the Welcome Reception, Sunday July 12, 2026. Cracking starts at 6:30. A limited number of pecans will be provided to each participant.
“Shell-of-a-Time” Cracking Competition will take place during the Welcome Reception in the Veramendi Ballroom.
While you’re there, don’t miss the other games and interactive stations set up throughout the Conference & Trade Show. We hope you’ll enjoy plenty of opportunities to connect, compete and have a little fun along the way.
"TPGA Future Grower" Kits
Complimentary “TPGA Future Grower” Kits filled with fun pecan-themed activities will be available at the registration desk and are recommended for children 12 and under.
Also, be sure your children don’t miss Pecan Cluster Family Night on Monday evening, along with additional games and interactive stations offered throughout the TPGA Conference & Trade Show. There’s plenty to keep our future growers engaged and entertained.
“TPGA Future Grower” Kits will be available at the TPGA Registration Desk.
Educational Program
Take part in the TPGA Educational Program, where industry experts share timely topics and practical insights tailored to today’s pecan operations. From production practices and pest management to market trends and emerging research, sessions are designed to provide valuable, real-world takeaways for growers and industry professionals alike.
The program also features exhibitor presentations, offering a closer look at products, services and innovations supporting the industry.
Attendees can earn CEUs through the Texas A&M AgriLife Pecan Orchard Management portion of the program.
Please enjoy refreshment breaks, provided by our sponsors, and explore the TPGA Trade Show throughout the event.
Be sure to visit the “Educational Program” event page for the full schedule and speaker lineup. Please note the schedule is subject to change.
The Educational Program sessions take place in the Spring Lake A & B Ballrooms.
TPGA Native Nut Book Nook
The TPGA Native Nut Book Nook features a thoughtfully curated selection of educational books, promotional materials and pecan-themed gifts. It’s your go-to spot to explore, learn and take a piece of the industry home with you. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just a fan of pecans, there’s something for everyone.
Be sure to stop by during the event to browse and purchase items that highlight the rich history, science and flavor of America’s native nut. Visit our website and get a preview of what will be available onsite.
The TPGA Native Nut Book Nook will be located at/near the Registration Table.
Amazon Fulfillment Center Tour
Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when you shop on Amazon? We’ve partnered with the Amazon Fulfillment Center for a free walking tour of the warehouse, where you’ll see how their team and technology work together. You may even pick up ideas to streamline your own business.
Spots are limited, and tickets are first-come, first-served, with a maximum of 25 participants. Since the fulfillment center is close to the conference hotel, transportation will not be provided.
On the tour, you may walk up and down at least one flight of stairs and walk approximately 1 mile. Guests must wear flat, closed-toed, and closed-heeled shoes (no sandals, clogs, Crocs, or high heels). We recommend comfortable shoes or sneakers. Long hair must be pulled at or above shoulder length. For more information please visit https://events.amazontours.com/na/onsite/sat2
The tour is on Monday, July 13. Please meet in the fulfillment center parking lot at 9:00 AM. The tour starts at 9:15 AM and will leave on time. Guests must arrive at least fifteen minutes early. The tour lasts about 60 to 90 minutes.
Pecan Cluster Family Night
Enjoy a family crafting night from 5:30 to 7:00 PM on Monday, July 13, as you and your kids create a mini Texas pecan variety board with a family‑friendly movie playing throughout. One mini pecan variety board is included per ticket and all supplies are provided. We’ll offer several ticket options; please see below for more information.
Pecan Cluster Family Night with meal ($45 each)
Pecan Cluster Family Night – just event ($20 each)
Monday Night meal ($30 each)
Pecan Cluster Family Night will be held in the Spring Lake Conference Rooms
Sponsored by Terra Nova Research, LLC
Monday Casino Night
Roll the dice and try your hand at classic games during Casino Night. Enjoy supper, drinks and great company.
Casino Night will be held at the hotel this year on Monday July 13, 2026, from 6:00-9:30 PM. Choose from several ticket options, with or without a meal:
Casino Night with meal ($65)
Casino Night – Gambling only ($40)
Monday Night meal ($30 each)
Casino Night will be held in the Chautauqua A & B Rooms.
FSA One-on-one Sessions
Meet with a Farm Service Agency (FSA) representative in person to discuss your unique operation and learn about the programs and assistance available to you. This is a valuable opportunity to receive guidance on farm loans, disaster‑assistance, and other USDA programs that can help set your orchard up for success. By attending a meeting like this it can help you understand the resources available to your pecan operation and how to navigate required forms.
Each meeting will last 30 minutes. To make the most of your time, please arrive with any questions ready. The FSA representative has limited availability. Please select the time that works best for you, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
FSA One-on-one Sessions will take place in the Placido Boardroom.
NRCS One-on-one Sessions
Meet with a Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) representative in person to discuss your unique operation and learn about the conservation programs and assistance available to you. This is a valuable opportunity to receive guidance on conservation planning, EQIP and other USDA conservation programs that can help set your orchard up for success. By attending a meeting like this, you can better understand the resources available to your pecan operation and how to navigate required forms.
Each meeting will last 30 minutes. To make the most of your time, please arrive with any questions ready. The NRCS representative has limited availability. Please select the time that works best for you, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
NRCS One-on-one Sessions will take place in the Burleson Boardroom.
Branch Out with Bats at Swift River Pecans
This free event invites you to bring a chair, your own refreshments, and join us on Tuesday evening at Troy Swift’s orchard.
Please arrive at 7 PM on Tuesday, July 14th, to get settled before we gather to watch the sun set and the sky open for bats in the pecan orchard. Enjoy a nighttime chat about these mammals and their helpful role in the pecan ecosystem. Please sign up in advance so we have an accurate headcount before the event.
No bus transportation will be provided.
Swift River Pecans is located in Lockhart, TX. Address and directions will be provided at the event.
Wednesday Orchard Tour at Comal Pecan Farm
Join us for an orchard tour on Wednesday, July 15, at a fifth‑generation family farm with Mark Friesenhahn. Located in New Braunfels, Texas, just off I‑35, Comal Pecan Farm spans 110 picturesque acres of actively growing pecan trees. This is a great opportunity to visit a historic site in the Comal community and learn from several industry experts. This will be another TPGA visit to Comal Pecan Farm – come see what’s changed, including newly implemented regenerative agriculture practices.
The orchard tour is $30 per person, with complimentary admission for children.
BBQ lunch will be provided on-site immediately following the tour.
Bus transportation will NOT be provided. Please use your own vehicle or carpool with other attendees.
We encourage everyone to arrive at Comal Pecan Farm by 9:00 AM, as the tour will begin shortly after. For a July orchard tour in Texas, we recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing and bringing a hat. Restrooms will be available on-site. For additional details, please refer to your ticket or stop by the registration desk.
Tour Speaker Stations:
1) Pecan IPM & Insect Management
Kyle Slusher [TAMU / AgriLife]
Apurba Barman [UGA]
2) Pecan Research Updates
Warren Chatwin [USDA-ARS]
McKenzie Stock [NMSU]
Sarahi Bracamontes [NMSU]
3) Comal Pecan Farm: History, Operations & Orchard Practices
Mark Friesenhahn [Comal Pecan Farm]
Troy Swift [TPGA / Swift River Pecans ]
4) Pecan Horticulture
Monte Nesbitt [TAMU / AgriLife]
Larry Stein [TAMU / AgriLife]
5) Guided Orchard Tour / Golf Cart Ride
Larry Friesenhahn [Comal Pecan Farm]
Chris Simons [Comal Pecan Farm]
RD) Noble Soil & Rain Demonstration
Comal Pecan Farm is located in New Braunfels, TX. Address and directions will be provided at the event.
Bill Miller BBQ lunch sponsored by Texas Department of Agriculture.
Golf cars provided and sponsored by Hawkins Battery & Golf Cars.
PECAN PAC
A strong advocacy program depends on a dedicated political action committee (PAC). TPGA provides year‑round representation in Washington, D.C., while PECAN PAC contributions help move that work forward. The PECAN PAC can accept contributions from individuals, partnerships or LLCs, with a limit of $5,000 per calendar year.
TPGA can no longer accept donations on behalf of its members. PECAN PAC has provided a secure link if you wish to contribute to the PECAN PAC.
Visit their website to learn more or make a contribution.
https://secure.anedot.com/pecan-pac/donate
Texas Horticulture Opportunities Conference
The Texas Horticulture Opportunities Conference, hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife, will be held in conjunction with the 2026 TPGA Conference & Trade Show. This event brings together industry professionals, researchers, and students to explore opportunities, innovations, and current topics across the horticulture sector. THOC will focus on exploring agritourism, edible crops and ornamental plant production for Texas’ growing population.
Attendees are encouraged to participate in both events to take full advantage of the educational programming, networking opportunities and industry insights offered throughout the week.
Please note that this event must be registered for separately through Texas A&M AgriLife.
The Texas Horticulture Opportunities Conference programs will be held in the San Marcos Rooms.



































