The Intersection of Agriculture, Cannabis, and Tech: Ag-Con’s Vision for the Future
In the heart of Las Vegas this March, Ag-Con—the premier event where technology meets agriculture—will once again gather the brightest minds in indoor farming, cannabis cultivation, and controlled environment agriculture (CEA). At the helm of this thriving organization is CEO Brian Sullivan, who leads the company through an ever-evolving landscape where new technologies, environmental sustainability, and market opportunities are reshaping the way we grow and consume food.
Ag-Con is no stranger to large-scale events and industry innovation. As the CEO of Ag-Con, Brian leads a team responsible for multiple high-profile events like the Indoor Ag-Con in Las Vegas and the CEA Summit in Virginia. Ag-Con’s focus is on providing a platform for education and networking, where growers of all kinds—be it cannabis cultivators or traditional agricultural producers—can come together to share ideas and push the boundaries of indoor agriculture.
“We are kind of like a sole producer for Ag-Con, and we’re not just in it for one crop or sector,” says Sullivan, emphasizing the versatility of their platform. “It’s all about controlled environments—whether that’s growing leafy greens, strawberries, or even cannabis. The technology is here to support them all.”
A Journey Into Indoor Agriculture
Sullivan’s passion for agriculture isn’t just professional—it's deeply personal. Reflecting on his childhood, he recalls fond memories of gardening with his father. That early connection with nature led him to recognize the growing importance of indoor agriculture, particularly as technology began to revolutionize the industry.
“Honestly, an opportunity came up in 2018 to acquire Indoor Ag-Con, and I saw it as a very similar opportunity to another event I launched years ago for satellite communications. It was a young sector, still finding its footing,” Sullivan explains. “Fast forward to today, and indoor agriculture—especially with its tie to cannabis—is on the cusp of something big. Technology and sustainability are converging, and it's a perfect match for this growing industry.”
From there, Sullivan’s company dove into the specifics of indoor agriculture, embracing automation and artificial intelligence to address the needs of modern farming. As he explains, innovation in this sector isn’t just about getting more efficient—it’s about getting more creative with how food is produced and distributed.
Tech Meets Agriculture
The tech world has had a transformative effect on indoor agriculture, and one of the most exciting developments is automation. From sorting and planting to harvesting, packaging, and cold storage, AI and robotics are optimizing every step of the process. The rise of vertical farming and automated indoor grows is allowing for year-round production, reducing waste, and increasing food security in ways we never thought possible.
“The future of indoor agriculture is about scaling up without scaling up the environmental impact,” Sullivan says. “Automated systems are emerging that track every aspect of the growing process—water, nutrients, light, temperature—and they’re being integrated with AI to optimize growth. It’s changing everything.”
For those in the cannabis space, these advancements are especially transformative. The growing demand for locally sourced, fresh cannabis has fueled the need for facilities that can meet strict environmental standards while maximizing yields. Sullivan points to Aero Farms in Virginia, a leader in vertical farming, as an example of how innovative technology can push the boundaries of what’s possible in agriculture.
Sustainability and the Future of Indoor Agriculture
As cannabis cultivation continues to evolve, there’s growing concern over the environmental impact of indoor farms—especially in terms of energy consumption. According to Sullivan, the industry is acutely aware of this and is taking strides to reduce its carbon footprint. Water recycling, energy-efficient lighting, and sustainable growing mediums are just a few ways growers are mitigating their environmental impact.
“We’ve seen some very interesting solutions emerge,” Sullivan notes. “For example, there are companies working to capture carbon from indoor growing operations, using it to benefit other processes. And many indoor ag operations are moving toward more efficient water systems, which is crucial given how much water agriculture traditionally consumes.”
At the upcoming Ag-Con in Las Vegas, sustainability is a key theme. Beyond energy efficiency, the event will also address how indoor agriculture can play a vital role in the future of urban farming. With cities becoming increasingly crowded, the idea of using unused spaces—like rooftops, vacant lots, and even data centers—to grow food is gaining traction. Sullivan points to the idea of integrating greenhouse operations with data centers that produce waste heat, redirecting this energy to help power indoor farms. This “circular economy” approach is not just a buzzword, but a practical solution that could help address the challenges of feeding a growing population.
Cannabis, Agnostic to the Plant
A central philosophy of Ag-Con is being “agnostic to the plant.” Whether it’s cannabis, leafy greens, or strawberries, the technology that supports indoor agriculture is remarkably versatile. The same innovations that benefit cannabis cultivators can be applied to a wide range of crops. For Sullivan, this open-minded approach is critical to driving the industry forward.
“We’re here to support all growers,” Sullivan explains. “Whether you’re growing cannabis, mushrooms, or produce, we want to help you succeed. The crossover of knowledge is one of the most exciting parts of this industry. At our events, you’ll see growers from different sectors sharing ideas and learning from each other.”
In fact, Ag-Con’s upcoming show will feature a dedicated cannabis track that explores everything from lighting innovations to breeding practices. Last year’s show saw an incredible exchange between traditional growers and cannabis cultivators, bridging the gap between these once-separate industries. As Sullivan explains, the goal is to foster an open dialogue where all types of growers can connect, share best practices, and explore new opportunities together.
Looking Ahead to Ag-Con 2025
The Ag-Con event in Las Vegas, set for March 11-12, promises to be the largest and most dynamic yet. With nearly 90 speakers, a sold-out expo floor, and tracks dedicated to cannabis, technical growing, trends, and operations, there’s something for everyone in the indoor agriculture space.
“Ag-Con continues to grow, and as demand increases, so does the diversity of people and companies attending,” says Sullivan. “We’re seeing more than just traditional ag folks; city planners, retail, food service, and even startup companies are all coming together to learn, share, and grow the industry. It’s exciting to be part of such a transformative moment in agriculture.”
This year’s event will also feature a new awards program, the CEA Awards, which will recognize excellence across various aspects of indoor farming. From genetics to packaging to sustainability, Ag-Con aims to shine a light on the innovators pushing the envelope in the world of controlled environment agriculture.
“We want to continue to be a resource for the industry, and feedback from attendees is crucial,” says Sullivan. “The cannabis sector is growing within our community, and we’re excited to keep supporting and educating all types of growers—whether they’re in cannabis or beyond.”
As the demand for local, fresh produce and cannabis grows, indoor agriculture is poised to revolutionize how we approach food production. With Ag-Con leading the charge, the future looks bright for an industry that’s no longer just about crops—it’s about technology, sustainability, and creating a new world of farming for the next generation.
