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Welcome to the 2026 Global Sorghum Conference

September 14 - 18, 2026

Conference Countdown:

77 days

15 hours

Register NowInternational Attendees*

*International attendees who may need visas should begin the application process ASAP

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In Partnership with the Global Sorghum Association

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2026 Global Sorghum Conference

Join us in Lubbock, Texas, for a premier gathering of global experts, researchers, producers, and industry leaders dedicated to advancing sorghum science and its pivotal role in sustainable agriculture.

Keynote Events | Covering innovation and emerging leaders in agronomy, crops, and soil sciences. Events include technical presentations, hands-on workshops, networking events, award ceremonies, field tours, and more.

Student Programming | Get inspired for the next step in your academic and professional career. Attend career workshops and network with industry professionals.

Exposition | Check out the latest innovations in agronomy, crops, and soils in the exhibit hall.

Conference Sponsors

Conference Vision

We look forward to showcasing sorghum through technical presentations, networking events, field tours and more, as well as highlighting sorghum’s unique role as The Resource Conserving Crop™.

Our conference aims to:

  • Catalyze groundbreaking research on high-priority topics in sorghum science
  • Strengthen collaborations between producers and researchers
  • Foster interdisciplinary interaction among academia, government and national programs, NGOs, and the private sector
  • Promote sorghum's global importance in partnership with the Global Sorghum Association

Conference Speakers

Keynote Speaker David Jordan

David Jordan

Professor

University of Queensland

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Keynote Speaker Holly Mayton

Holly Mayton

Science, Technology, and Policy Partnerships Lead

John Deere

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Keynote Speaker Jessica Christiansen

Jessica Christiansen

Communication Head

Bayer Crop Science

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Keynote Speaker Kira Everhart-Valentin

Kira Everhart-Valentin

Alliance Manager

Gates Ag One

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Plenary Speaker Lanier Dabruzzi

Lanier Dabruzzi

Director of Nutrition & Food Innovation

United Sorghum Checkoff Program

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Plenary Speaker Michael Groszmann

Michael Groszmann

Lead Portfolio Investor

Grains Research and Development Corporation

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Plenary Speaker Monia Caramma

Monia Caramma

Founder & Global CEO

Sorghum United Global (SUG)

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Discussion Leader Cleve Franks

Cleve Franks

R&D Director

Innovative Seed Solutions

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Discussion Leader Emma Mace

Emma Mace

Professorial Research Fellow, University of Queensland

Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation

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Discussion Leader Erik Van Oosterom

Erik Van Oosterom

Academic Director

University of Queensland

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Discussion Leader Florentino Lopez

Florentino Lopez

Consultant

Creando Mañana LLC

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Discussion Leader Geoff Morris

Geoff Morris

Associate Professor, Crop Genetics and Genomics

Colorado State University

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Discussion Leader Ignacio Ciampitti

Ignacio Ciampitti

Professor and Co-director of the Institute for Digital and Advanced Agricultural Systems

Purdue University

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Discussion Leader Mitch Tuinstra

Mitch Tuinstra

Professor of Plant and Breeding Genetics and Scientific Director, Institute for Plant Sciences

Purdue University

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Discussion Leader Sarah Sexton-Bowser

Sarah Sexton-Bowser

Managing Director, Center for Sorghum Improvement

Kansas State University

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Discussion Leader Vincent Vadez

Vincent Vadez

Managing Director at Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research

French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD)

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Discussion Leader William Rooney

William Rooney

Professor of Sorghum Breeding and Genetics; Bayer-Borlaug Chair in Plant Breeding and International Crop Development

Texas A&M University

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How to Participate

Call for Abstracts

Submit your abstracts for a chance to showcase your poster or oral presentation at the conference!

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3MT (3 Minute Thesis Competition)

Distill your research into three unforgettable minutes, step on stage, sharpen your voice, and show the world why your work matters.

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Idea Challenge

Turn your idea into impact, pitch at the Sorghum Idea Challenge to gain expert feedback, connect with collaborators, and compete for funding and mentorship.

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Art & Photo Contest

Celebrate sorghum through art, share your creative vision and be part of a global exhibition showcasing its beauty, innovation, and cultural impact.

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Attend The Global Sorghum Conference

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Conference Location

The 2026 Global Sorghum Conference will be held at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, a central venue that offers easy access to local hotels, dining, and transportation.

Lubbock Memorial Civic Center
1501 Mac Davis Lane
Lubbock, TX 79401

Get directions to the conference venue

Hotel & Transportation

Experience the energy of Lubbock, from its vibrant culture and dining to the ease of getting here from anywhere.

Discover why the Hub City is the perfect destination for connection, exploration, and unforgettable moments at the 2026 Global Sorghum Conference.

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Cotton Court Hotel

Cotton Court Hotel

$139 per night

Book with the Conference Rate
Doubletree Inn

Doubletree by Hilton

$139 per night

Book with the Conference Rate
MCM Elegante

MCM Elegante

$119 per night

Book with the Conference Rate
Hyatt Place

Hyatt Place

$149 per night

Book with the Conference Rate
Overton Hotel

Overton Hotel

$155 per night

Book with the Conference Rate

Global Sorghum Conference

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