Hi Jessie,
I hope you are well, and I can’t believe the conference is just 10 days away!
I wanted to provide you with some additional details to share with your agtech companies and confirm final numbers on how many companies will be participating, how many would like tables and any additional needs they might have (extra chairs, etc.)
Agtech Showcase and Graduate Student Poster Competition
Tuesday, April 29, 6:00-8:30 p.m., Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center, Banquet Hall
Join us for an evening reception in the banquet hall. There will be complimentary beverages and heavy appetizers. Enjoy networking with fellow attendees, visit the booths for The Combine Agtech Showcase and the Graduate Student Poster Competition. For those who wish to consume alcoholic beverages, please bring your government-issued ID with your birthdate, such as a driver’s license or passport. IDs will be checked without exception.
The space
Each exhibitor will receive an 8’ table and 2 chairs unless they have requested not to have one. Agtech displays will be located on the west side of the Banquet Hall between the two bars. We invite agtech representatives to also enjoy the food and beverages!
Parking at Nebraska Innovation Campus
* For load-in, you can park temporarily on the south entrance of the NIC Conference Center near the bus stop. However, you’ll need to move your car to a more permanent parking spot afterward. Find a map of Nebraska Innovation Campus herehttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/innovate.unl.edu/parking-nic__;!!DfSON6MX!ixoRqKh-7GPBKR1FE80Fx2VD01v94KjfUoSofrGqekRk8jKPHgX0JvxLOFgxnTXBsqlHNMv1rB_rVRI710N3YA$. The conference will be held in the NIC Conference Center. * Recommended: Day parking is available in the lot north of Transformation Drive. Please use the Passport Parking apphttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.passportparking.com/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!BcNXGlMj24TAwRidhNu9lcFQ-tOH-18dsR2JMJI_iQl47LJ4ivKvsE3V1yL11wzqLH314O9bx-i6kADsKRvB-wKaQC7ybUq9rLA$ (Zone 9900) to pay for parking. (Pay stations cannot be used for lot parking.) Learn more herehttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/innovate.unl.edu/parking-nic__;!!DfSON6MX!ixoRqKh-7GPBKR1FE80Fx2VD01v94KjfUoSofrGqekRk8jKPHgX0JvxLOFgxnTXBsqlHNMv1rB_rVRI710N3YA$. * On-street parking is also available and can be paid for on the Passport Parking apphttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.passportparking.com/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!BcNXGlMj24TAwRidhNu9lcFQ-tOH-18dsR2JMJI_iQl47LJ4ivKvsE3V1yL11wzqLH314O9bx-i6kADsKRvB-wKaQC7ybUq9rLA$ (zone 80) or at a pay station located near the metered parking. Learn more herehttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/innovate.unl.edu/parking-nic__;!!DfSON6MX!ixoRqKh-7GPBKR1FE80Fx2VD01v94KjfUoSofrGqekRk8jKPHgX0JvxLOFgxnTXBsqlHNMv1rB_rVRI710N3YA$. * If you have a current UNL parking permit, you can request reciprocal parking access in advance for Nebraska Innovation Campus by notifying Parking and Transit Services at unlpts@unl.edumailto:unlpts@unl.edu.
Set-up
You can set up your booth anytime on Tuesday, April 29, 4:30-6:00 p.m. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. Please check in at the Registration Desk located on the ground level of the NIC Conference Center and load in at the south entrance near the bus stop. Tables will be labeled with each organization’s name.
Attendance
We have nearly 350 in-person participants registered and have attendees from all over the world and various industries, including farmers/growers, government/policymakers, research/academia, private industry, non-profits/NGOs, etc. Check out our speaker listhttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/waterforfood.nebraska.edu/explore-our-conferences/2025-water-for-food-global-conference/speakers__;!!DfSON6MX!ixoRqKh-7GPBKR1FE80Fx2VD01v94KjfUoSofrGqekRk8jKPHgX0JvxLOFgxnTXBsqlHNMv1rB_rVRJ1t4rRig$ for a pulse on who will be attending as well.
Teardown
Please take down your display at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29. We ask that you have everything removed by 9 p.m. on April 29.
Questions
Please contact Amber at apoythress@nebraska.edumailto:apoythress@nebraska.edu or 402-472-5175 with any additional questions.
We look forward to the event and have a wonderful weekend,
Frances Hayes Director of Communications and Public Relations Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska<http://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/ > Nebraska Innovation Campus 2021 Transformation Dr. | Ste 3220 | Lincoln, NE 68588 e: fhayes@nebraska.edumailto:fhayes@nebraska.edu | p: +1 402.472.9510 News<https://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/news-and-events > | Facebook<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/waterforfoodinstitute__... > | YouTube<https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.youtube.com/user/WaterForFood__;!!PvX... > | Instagram<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.instagram.com/waterforfood/__;!!PvXu... > | LinkedIn<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.linkedin.com/company/waterforfood__;... > [Text Description automatically generated]<https://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/ >
From: Jessica Rudolph Jessica@investnebraska.com Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 1:44 PM To: Frances Hayes fhayes@nebraska.edu, Amber Poythress apoythress@nebraska.edu Subject: Re: Startup Pitch Opportunity at DWFI Conference Caution: Non-NU Email
Thank you, I also think connecting with Silicon Prairie News should be fine.
Thanks!
From: Frances Hayes fhayes@nebraska.edu Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 11:50 AM To: Jessica Rudolph Jessica@investnebraska.com, Amber Poythress apoythress@nebraska.edu Subject: Re: Startup Pitch Opportunity at DWFI Conference Thanks for the update, Jessie, and I hope you had a great time in Germany!
Frances Hayes Director of Communications and Public Relations Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska<http://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/ > Nebraska Innovation Campus 2021 Transformation Dr. | Ste 3220 | Lincoln, NE 68588 e: fhayes@nebraska.edumailto:fhayes@nebraska.edu | p: +1 402.472.9510 News<https://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/news-and-events > | Facebookhttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.facebook.com/waterforfoodinstitute__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!Bd4Gb7iGvrRz3sIw4kMENSh06GgH8qQbGv2Mx80VtGIdlHu31MvJTkoeSQWo-fhb-8xBLFJq5UnmvLQxmccqlfFv$ | YouTubehttps://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.youtube.com/user/WaterForFood__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!Bd4Gb7iGvrRz3sIw4kMENSh06GgH8qQbGv2Mx80VtGIdlHu31MvJTkoeSQWo-fhb-8xBLFJq5UnmvLQxmeTYP4EQ$ | Instagramhttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.instagram.com/waterforfood/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!Bd4Gb7iGvrRz3sIw4kMENSh06GgH8qQbGv2Mx80VtGIdlHu31MvJTkoeSQWo-fhb-8xBLFJq5UnmvLQxmejEf0T6$ | LinkedInhttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.linkedin.com/company/waterforfood__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!Bd4Gb7iGvrRz3sIw4kMENSh06GgH8qQbGv2Mx80VtGIdlHu31MvJTkoeSQWo-fhb-8xBLFJq5UnmvLQxmW7MUdyv$ [Text Description automatically generated]<https://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/ >
From: Jessica Rudolph Jessica@investnebraska.com Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 10:30 AM To: Frances Hayes fhayes@nebraska.edu, Amber Poythress apoythress@nebraska.edu Subject: Re: Startup Pitch Opportunity at DWFI Conference Caution: Non-NU Email
Hey Frances and Amber,
Here is who I have so far:
Landoption- Table
Seismi- Table
Agsoilare-no table
Nave Analytics-table
The Pennycress Company, Jason Thomas, - Table
I have two more who will likely participate but I’ll circle back.
I need to push this out to our startups again and will likely get a few more.
Thanks!
From: Frances Hayes fhayes@nebraska.edu Date: Monday, March 24, 2025 at 12:29 PM To: Amber Poythress apoythress@nebraska.edu, Jessica Rudolph Jessica@investnebraska.com Subject: Re: Startup Pitch Opportunity at DWFI Conference Hi Jessie,
Just checking in to see how the Agtech Showcase recruitment is going and see if there is anything we can assist with. For planning purposes, could you let us know how many companies are confirmed at this point?
Additionally, a reporter for Silicon Prairie News reached out and was wanting to chat with me about the conference, including Nebraska entrepreneurship and innovation-focused content. I plan to do a quick interview but thought I may also give him your contact info to discuss the Agtech Showcase and The Combine’s involvement if you’re also up for an interview?
Thanks!
Frances Hayes Director of Communications and Public Relations Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska<http://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/ > Nebraska Innovation Campus 2021 Transformation Dr. | Ste 3220 | Lincoln, NE 68588 e: fhayes@nebraska.edumailto:fhayes@nebraska.edu | p: +1 402.472.9510 News<https://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/news-and-events > | Facebookhttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.facebook.com/waterforfoodinstitute__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!Feh8GCrcd-RKKhmtQH4Tfjjh8T8G72AvONrEGAWTgjIudw5HnMlsKDgHyTf1OcRd0UKEVQ5YFEP4bpEuhbZh1g61$ | YouTubehttps://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.youtube.com/user/WaterForFood__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!Feh8GCrcd-RKKhmtQH4Tfjjh8T8G72AvONrEGAWTgjIudw5HnMlsKDgHyTf1OcRd0UKEVQ5YFEP4bpEuhUXqyeZm$ | Instagramhttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.instagram.com/waterforfood/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!Feh8GCrcd-RKKhmtQH4Tfjjh8T8G72AvONrEGAWTgjIudw5HnMlsKDgHyTf1OcRd0UKEVQ5YFEP4bpEuhV6O28YQ$ | LinkedInhttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.linkedin.com/company/waterforfood__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!Feh8GCrcd-RKKhmtQH4Tfjjh8T8G72AvONrEGAWTgjIudw5HnMlsKDgHyTf1OcRd0UKEVQ5YFEP4bpEuhZAuD87P$ [Text Description automatically generated]<https://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/ >
From: Amber Poythress apoythress@nebraska.edu Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 2:39 PM To: Jessica Rudolph Jessica@investnebraska.com, Frances Hayes fhayes@nebraska.edu Subject: RE: Startup Pitch Opportunity at DWFI Conference Hi Jessica,
No one is required to use a table but let us know how many do want tables and how many don’t. Thanks so much!
Kind regards, Amber
Amber Poythress Events Coordinator Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska<http://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/ >
From: Jessica Rudolph Jessica@investnebraska.com Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 9:59 AM To: Frances Hayes fhayes@nebraska.edu; Amber Poythress apoythress@nebraska.edu Subject: Re: Startup Pitch Opportunity at DWFI Conference
Caution: Non-NU Email
Frances and Amber,
I have a few companies who want to be part of the showcase, but said they do not need an 8X8 table…would that work for you all, or do I need to tell them it is required to bring items for a table?
Thanks!
From: Jessica Rudolph <Jessica@investnebraska.commailto:Jessica@investnebraska.com> Date: Friday, March 7, 2025 at 11:23 AM To: Frances Hayes <fhayes@nebraska.edumailto:fhayes@nebraska.edu>, Amber Poythress <apoythress@nebraska.edumailto:apoythress@nebraska.edu> Subject: Re: Startup Pitch Opportunity at DWFI Conference That sounds great…thank you!
From: Frances Hayes <fhayes@nebraska.edumailto:fhayes@nebraska.edu> Date: Friday, March 7, 2025 at 10:22 AM To: Amber Poythress <apoythress@nebraska.edumailto:apoythress@nebraska.edu>, Jessica Rudolph <Jessica@investnebraska.commailto:Jessica@investnebraska.com> Subject: Re: Startup Pitch Opportunity at DWFI Conference Hi Amber and Jessie,
That’s a great idea, Amber, and I think makes a lot of sense. I’ll let Ralf know about the exhibitor booth opportunities and we’ll stick with only Combine companies for the agtech showcase. Sounds okay?
Thanks for the brainstorming!
Frances Hayes Director of Communications and Public Relations Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska<http://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/ > Nebraska Innovation Campus 2021 Transformation Dr. | Ste 3220 | Lincoln, NE 68588 e: fhayes@nebraska.edumailto:fhayes@nebraska.edu | p: +1 402.472.9510 News<https://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/news-and-events > | Facebookhttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.facebook.com/waterforfoodinstitute__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!HEngO7oGvf-t37in1lckhPzFnFJ23cjtXPFVCur3rxP8XQIdoyIGAUbv815mHRSq5pvvPKx6P8OAKqt_gZy6-3vIB9M$ | YouTubehttps://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.youtube.com/user/WaterForFood__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!HEngO7oGvf-t37in1lckhPzFnFJ23cjtXPFVCur3rxP8XQIdoyIGAUbv815mHRSq5pvvPKx6P8OAKqt_gZy6lFrhGdY$ | Instagramhttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.instagram.com/waterforfood/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!HEngO7oGvf-t37in1lckhPzFnFJ23cjtXPFVCur3rxP8XQIdoyIGAUbv815mHRSq5pvvPKx6P8OAKqt_gZy6J8AWXWw$ | LinkedInhttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.linkedin.com/company/waterforfood__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!HEngO7oGvf-t37in1lckhPzFnFJ23cjtXPFVCur3rxP8XQIdoyIGAUbv815mHRSq5pvvPKx6P8OAKqt_gZy6D3-ydE0$ [Text Description automatically generated]<https://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/ >
From: Amber Poythress <apoythress@nebraska.edumailto:apoythress@nebraska.edu> Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 2:29 PM To: Jessica Rudolph <Jessica@investnebraska.commailto:Jessica@investnebraska.com>, Frances Hayes <fhayes@nebraska.edumailto:fhayes@nebraska.edu> Subject: RE: Startup Pitch Opportunity at DWFI Conference Hello, Jessica and Frances,
Another option we can offer is our exhibitor booth sponsorship. I think since the Combine showcase is highlighting Combine companies, having an exhibitor booth for an unaffiliated business is a better fit for the conference. He would have more time and more people to pitch to, actually.
Kind regards, Amber
Amber Poythress Events Coordinator Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska<http://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/ >
From: Jessica Rudolph <Jessica@investnebraska.commailto:Jessica@investnebraska.com> Sent: Thursday, March 6, 2025 2:16 PM To: Frances Hayes <fhayes@nebraska.edumailto:fhayes@nebraska.edu> Cc: Amber Poythress <apoythress@nebraska.edumailto:apoythress@nebraska.edu> Subject: Re: Startup Pitch Opportunity at DWFI Conference
Caution: Non-NU Email
Frances,
Thank you for passing this along to me. Would you like me to email Ralf and CC you both to ask more about his company?
I can let him know a little about The Combine, and how we are coordinating with Combine companies for the showcase part of the event. I’ll defer to you all on if you want him to participate alongside Combine companies, but I’m happy to help vet the request.
Let me know if that is along your line of thought!
Thank you
From: Frances Hayes <fhayes@nebraska.edumailto:fhayes@nebraska.edu> Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 12:26 PM To: Jessica Rudolph <Jessica@investnebraska.commailto:Jessica@investnebraska.com> Cc: Amber Poythress <apoythress@nebraska.edumailto:apoythress@nebraska.edu> Subject: FW: Startup Pitch Opportunity at DWFI Conference Hi Jessie,
We recently received a request (below) from someone asking about a startup pitch opportunity. While we won’t have capabilities to host this at the conference this year, I was wondering if you’d like to inquire with them if they may be a good fit for the agtech showcase. However, I’m also completely fine letting them know we don’t have this opportunity this year, as you may have plenty of other start-ups that would be a better fit. This is the first I’ve heard of this company so I’ve not entirely sure what they offer but thought I’d double check in case it is of interest to include.
Thanks!
Frances Hayes Director of Communications and Public Relations Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska<http://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/ > Nebraska Innovation Campus 2021 Transformation Dr. | Ste 3220 | Lincoln, NE 68588 e: fhayes@nebraska.edumailto:fhayes@nebraska.edu | p: +1 402.472.9510 News<https://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/news-and-events > | Facebookhttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.facebook.com/waterforfoodinstitute__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!BVyTTRzT7RjiGnB576yolv6JR7kwNq0OxXowu56W4BUBV2BiTdeYn0L7Xt72ZueBdA8F_BJTSvUI6Kpib4ecmKFzxlU$ | YouTubehttps://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.youtube.com/user/WaterForFood__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!BVyTTRzT7RjiGnB576yolv6JR7kwNq0OxXowu56W4BUBV2BiTdeYn0L7Xt72ZueBdA8F_BJTSvUI6Kpib4ecj8rvGoA$ | Instagramhttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.instagram.com/waterforfood/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!BVyTTRzT7RjiGnB576yolv6JR7kwNq0OxXowu56W4BUBV2BiTdeYn0L7Xt72ZueBdA8F_BJTSvUI6Kpib4ecjII-diQ$ | LinkedInhttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.linkedin.com/company/waterforfood__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!BVyTTRzT7RjiGnB576yolv6JR7kwNq0OxXowu56W4BUBV2BiTdeYn0L7Xt72ZueBdA8F_BJTSvUI6Kpib4ecU_JoRh8$ [Text Description automatically generated]<https://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/ >
From: Ralf Petersen <petersen@stockpilehydration.commailto:petersen@stockpilehydration.com> Sent: Monday, March 3, 2025 3:01 PM To: Amber Poythress <amber.poythress@unl.edumailto:amber.poythress@unl.edu> Subject: Startup Pitch Opportunity at DWFI Conference
Caution: Non-NU Email
Dear Amber,
Thank you for hosting the conference in Lincoln this April - I’m looking forward to it.
With the rapid advancements in AI, computing, and the evolving landscape of agriculture and water, I was wondering if DWFI offers a startup session or an opportunity for early-stage business ideas to deliver quick 3-minute pitches to an audience. I was not able to find this in the program.
Would there be a chance to incorporate this? Perhaps, into the TBD time slot on April 28th from 3:30–5 PM?
Looking forward to your thoughts
Best regards,
Ralf
