By Robin Loftin
In 2023, when the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo was forced to leave the Lee Civic Center and Fort Myers, AgNet Media shared your disappointment. Like many of you, we hoped and prayed that one day we would have the opportunity to return. Today, we are thrilled to announce that those prayers have been answered.
The 2026 Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo is officially returning to Fort Myers on Aug. 12–13, 2026, at the stunning waterfront Caloosa Sound Convention Center and adjoining Luminary Hotel, located at 1375 Monroe Street in Fort Myers, Florida.
This move represents more than a change of venue. It marks a renewed commitment to delivering the best possible experience for growers, exhibitors and sponsors. The Caloosa Sound Convention Center offers a modern, open, highly accessible space designed to foster meaningful connections and productive conversations. Even better, the convention center is just steps away from the Luminary Hotel, making it easier than ever to move seamlessly between your hotel room, the trade show floor and networking opportunities.
One of the most exciting improvements for the 2026 Expo is that the educational seminars will be held within the trade show ballroom itself. With soundproof walls separating the seminars from the exhibit floor, attendees can easily transition between learning and networking without missing a beat. This layout ensures strong seminar attendance while keeping traffic flowing on the show floor — a big benefit for both growers and exhibitors.
For exhibitors and sponsors, the event’s return to Fort Myers provides unmatched visibility in a destination setting that encourages longer stays, stronger engagement and more face-to-face interaction. For growers, the Expo continues to be a one-stop destination for the latest research, technology, products and services supporting citrus and specialty crop production.
The Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo has always been about listening to the industry and evolving to meet its needs. Returning to Fort Myers by popular demand is proof of that commitment.
Mark your calendars for Aug. 12–13, start planning and get ready to be part of an Expo that brings the industry together in an exciting new way, right where many of you asked us to be. Online exhibit sales will be available soon, followed by attendee registration in spring.
Thank you for supporting the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo and AgNet Media over the years. Words cannot express the gratitude we have for each and every one of you. From all of us at AgNet Media, we hope you have a merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, safe and prosperous 2026! We can’t wait to welcome you back home to Fort Myers next year!