2026 PSA Summer Symposium
July 15-17, 2026
Plover, Wisconsin
PSA is bringing our signature event, the PSA Summer Symposium, to Plover, Wisconsin! The premier potato industry networking and educational event designed to keep conversations on the future of potato sustainability moving forward.
Our Event Location and Host
This year’s event, hosted by McCain Foods, will take place at the Food + Farm Exploration Center in beautiful Plover, Wisconsin. The Food + Farm Exploration Center is a place for education, great wholesome food, and multiple immersive exhibits and activities.
Address:
Food + Farm Exploration Center
3400 Innovation Drive
Plover, WI 54467
Hotels
PSA has room blocks at two local area hotels. Please note that there is limited availability at each hotel, so we recommend booking soon. Click each to learn more and reserve your room!
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Stevens Point
Booking cutoff date: June 14, 2026
Home2Suites by Hilton Stevens Point
Booking cutoff date: May 31, 2026
Registration Options
April 4 – May 18
Early Bird
Grower/Student
Early BirdMember Registrations
Early BirdNon-Member Registrations
Early BirdMay 19 – July 2
Grower/Student
Member Registrations
Non-Member Registrations
Group Dinner – July 15
Join us for a classic Wisconsin dining experience at Sky Club Supper Club, a beloved local steakhouse that has been serving the Plover community since 1935. Often credited as the home of the first-ever salad bar, the Sky Club is known for its warm hospitality, timeless supper club charm, and outstanding food. It’s the perfect setting to unwind, enjoy a great meal, and connect with fellow Symposium attendees.
Prime Buffet Menu:
Slow-roasted prime rib with au jus, BBQ-rubbed salmon, hunter chicken with mushroom cream sauce, seasonal vegetables (carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower), smashed Yukon potatoes, and rice pilaf.
*Please note that the dinner price includes tax and gratuity. Alcoholic beverages are not included and will be available for purchase separately.
Agenda
Get a preview of sessions covering topics such as:
Wisconsin Grower Perspectives Panel, with Local Growers – This panel brings together leading growers from Wisconsin’s sustainability community to share real-world insights from the field. It’s a valuable chance to connect with regional leaders and better understand the issues impacting growers across the area.
On-Farm Assessment (OFA) Results and PSA Verification Results, with PSA Program Manager Natalie Nesburg – These sessions will focus on the 2025 OFA results, exploring year-over-year performance and on-farm management practice insights, alongside an overview of PSA verification results.
Wisconsin Water: Challenges & Stewardship, with Kevin Masarik from UWSP Center for Watershed Science – Panelists will explore key topics including water quality, conservation practices, and evolving regulations, while sharing practical approaches to responsible water management.
Fertilizer & Weed Management: Balancing Productivity and Sustainability, with Matt Ruark and Jed Calquhoun from UW – Panelists will share updates on sustainability practices, emerging challenges, and practical strategies growers can implement in the field.
Active Ingredient Rotation: Coordination for Resistance Management, with Russ Groves from UW – This panel will focus on the importance of coordinating active ingredient rotation across operations to help manage resistance and maintain long-term effectiveness.
Wisconsin Sustainability in Action: Programs Making an Impact, with Deana Knuteson from WHG and Dani Heisler from WDATCP – Hear from representatives of Wisconsin Healthy Grown Program and Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grants Program as they share how these efforts are supporting growers, improving water quality, and advancing on-farm practices.
Concurrent Breakout Sessions: Choose Your Focus – Position Paper Breakouts and Sector Breakouts – This concurrent breakout session will divide attendees into smaller groups to discuss key topics outlined in the PSA position papers. The goal is to generate meaningful dialogue and actionable ideas that can help shape future priorities and industry direction. Running concurrently, the sector breakout sessions will bring attendees together in sector-specific groups to discuss priorities, challenges, and opportunities unique to their role in the industry.
And more!
Friday, July 17
8:00 – 10:00 AM | PSA Board of Directors Meeting
Location: Food + Farm Exploration Center
PSA Board members should plan their stay to attend the Board of Directors meeting in the morning. Please note, this meeting is not part of the official Symposium agenda, but attendees who are in town for the event are welcome to attend.
Farm Tours
Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in two on-farm tours at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station and Heartland Farms, offering a closer look at innovation in action.
Hancock Research Facility
The Hancock Agricultural Research Station, operated by the University of Wisconsin–Madison, is a 412-acre research farm in Wisconsin’s Central Sands region. With a focus on irrigated crops like potatoes, corn, and vegetables, the station plays a key role in advancing agricultural research and sustainability. Attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at field trials and innovations shaping the future of crop production.
Heartland Farms
Heartland Farms is a fifth-generation, family-owned potato and vegetable operation in central Wisconsin, with roots dating back to 1873. Known for blending tradition with innovation, the farm utilizes advanced technology and sustainable practices to drive efficient, large-scale production. During the tour, attendees will see firsthand how modern farming and storage operations come together.
Sponsors
We thank our valued sponsors for their support of the PSA Summer Symposium:
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in supporting the PSA Summer Symposium? Email PSA’s Membership Coordinator, Teresa Sokolowski, at teresa@potatosustainability.org to learn more about being a sponsor of this year’s event.
Available Sponsorships:
Platinum Sponsor - $10,000.00
- Overall presenting sponsor of the PSA Summer Symposium
- Logo inclusion on all materials leading up to the event
- Logo to appear prominently in event program
- Logo to appear on PSA Website
- Logo to appear on all event signage
- Logo to appear on slide deck
- Two (2) dedicated social posts
- Logo inclusion in the PSA monthly newsletter
- Registration for four (4) attendees to Symposium
- Branded collateral included in recipients’ welcome bag (sponsor to provide item)
- Logo on event lanyards
Gold Sponsor - $5,000.00
- Recognition during event
- Logo to appear prominently in event program
- Logo to appear on PSA Website
- Logo to appear on all event signage
- Logo to appear on slide deck
- One (1) dedicated social post
- Logo inclusion in the PSA monthly newsletter
- Registration for two (2) attendees to Symposium
- Branded collateral included in recipients’ welcome bag (sponsor to provide item)
Silver Sponsor - $2,000.00
- Recognition during event
- Logo to appear in event program
- Logo to appear on PSA Website
- Logo to appear on all event signage
- Logo to appear on slide deck
Bronze Sponsor - $1,000.00
- Recognition during event
- Logo to appear in event program
- Logo to appear on slide deck
Transportation Sponsorship - $3,000.00
- Recognition during the event, logo inclusion in the event program, and mentions during tours.
Hospitality Sponsorship - $3,000.00
- Recognition during the event, logo inclusion in the event program, and on signage during lunch and snack/beverage breaks.
Partner Sponsor - $500.00
- Recognition during the event; logo inclusion in event program.
Questions about the Symposium?
We can’t wait to connect with you in July! If you have any questions about the PSA Summer Symposium, please contact PSA’s Events Manager Jenna Cargile at jenna@potatosustainability.org.
