The 2026 Desert Difference: Global AgTech Innovation Conference
When
The Desert Difference 2026: Global AgTech Innovation Conference December 9–10, 2026 | Yuma, Arizona
SIGN-UP HERE: https://uarizona.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6W2zP6g3zmNP6vk
Don’t Miss—The 2026 Desert Difference: Global AgTech Innovation Conference-Where the Global Agricultural Industry Comes Together to Advance Food Production Through Innovation
Hosted in Yuma, Arizona—one of the world’s most productive specialty-crop regions—The Desert Difference is an AgTech Innovation Conference built around practical solutions, fresh ideas, and the future of agriculture in Yuma and other desert growing regions.
The 2026 program will bring together growers, agribusinesses, technology developers, researchers, investors, and industry partners through technology exhibits, select live field demonstrations, thought-leadership sessions, interactive discussions, networking, and opportunities to experience innovation in real agricultural settings.
This year also introduces the Innovation Testbed: a shared field showcase where multiple AgTech technologies will operate together, connect through Yuma’s wireless infrastructure, and demonstrate what a more connected smart farm can look like in practice.
Exhibitors and technology participants will work directly with the Desert Difference team after registration to develop demonstration ideas, identify agronomic and infrastructure needs, and create formats that best fit their technology.
We look forward to seeing you in Yuma this December!
Get a glimpse of last year’s Desert Difference in The Desert Difference: The Proving Ground for AgTech Innovation, an award-winning short documentary created in collaboration with Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation, Castaños Studios, and The University of Arizona Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture.
Sign Up Now: https://uarizona.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6W2zP6g3zmNP6vk
Sponsorship Opportunities
Help Us Keep Admission Free!
Once we reach our sponsorship goal, attendees will know that our event partners made free admission possible: a direct and visible investment in the agricultural and AgTech community.
- Exclusive presenting sponsor designation
- Premier logo placement across all event branding and marketing materials
- Recognition during opening and closing sessions
- Featured speaking opportunity
- Premium exhibit, activation, or demonstration space
- Featured sponsor profile on the event website and digital program
- Recognition in media announcements and social media campaigns
- Highest level of visibility throughout the event
- Prominent event-wide branding
- Premium exhibit or demonstration location
- Speaking or panel participation opportunity
- Website logo with direct link
- Podium recognition throughout the summit
- Recognition in digital program and event communications
- Platinum Partner signage
- High-visibility logo placement
- Exhibit or activation space
- Website logo with direct link
- Recognition during event sessions
- Gold Partner signage throughout the venue
- Inclusion in sponsor spotlight promotions
- Recognition in the digital program
- Event sponsor signage
- Website logo and sponsor listing
- Recognition in the digital program
- Social media acknowledgment
- Inclusion in sponsor recognition displays
- “Digital Experience Powered by [Sponsor]”
- Sponsor branding integrated throughout the digital platform
- Dedicated links to sponsor websites and resources
- Recognition on digital experience promotions and communications
- Visibility associated with attendee NFC access tokens
- Event sponsor signage
- Website sponsor listing with link
- Digital program recognition
- Recognition as the official Coffee & Water Sponsor
- Logo placement at coffee and beverage stations
- Recognition in the digital program and event communications
- Sponsor signage in high-traffic hospitality areas
- Visibility throughout both days of the summit
- Recognition as the official Farm Tour Sponsor
- Logo placement on farm tour materials and communications
- Recognition during tour departures and introductions
- Opportunity to provide promotional materials to tour participants
- Recognition as the Student & Workforce Development Sponsor
- Support student and educator participation in the summit
- Logo recognition in workforce development and student programming
- Recognition during relevant sessions and activities
- Demonstrate commitment to developing agriculture's future workforce
- Sponsor logo on official attendee lanyards.
We’d be glad to connect directly. Reach out to Tanya Hodges, EdD at thodges@cals.arizona.edu, or Connor Osgood at connoro@arizona.edu to discuss sponsorship opportunities, custom partnerships, or questions.
Exhibitor Opportunities
Take part in the Desert Difference program with dedicated time for a live field demonstration, Innovation Testbed participation, or another programmed activity. Our team will work with you directly to develop the format and logistics.
Includes one defined exhibit space: either a 10' × 10' booth in the main expo tent or a designated equipment/display footprint. Choose the custom option below for larger displays, multiple pieces of equipment, or additional space.
For oversized equipment, larger outdoor displays, multiple display areas, or other custom exhibit concepts and participation ideas. Our team will follow up to discuss space requirements, options, and pricing.
In the sunniest place on Earth, in Yuma, experience how innovation meets the field.
We’d be glad to connect directly. Reach out to Tanya Hodges, EdD at thodges@cals.arizona.edu, or Connor Osgood at connoro@arizona.edu to discuss sponsorship opportunities, custom partnerships, or questions.
Feel free to reach out if you have questions or are interested in working with Dr. Hodges directly on Sponsorship; email thodges@cals.arizona.edu or call 928-271-9560.
