Join the National Watermelon Association Annual Meeting & Convention from February 24 to 27, 2027, at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, NV, for networking and education in the watermelon industry.
Dates
24–27 Feb 2027
City / country
Las Vegas, USA
Venue
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
The National Watermelon Association Annual Meeting & Convention is the premier networking and education event dedicated to the watermelon industry.
Scheduled for February 24 to 27, 2027, at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, NV, this event will feature educational sessions, networking opportunities, and the crowning of the National Watermelon Queen.
Join industry leaders and peers to explore the latest trends and innovations in the watermelon sector.
TL;DR
Attendees will gain insights from industry experts, participate in valuable networking opportunities, and engage in discussions that shape the future of the watermelon industry. The event also features an exciting auction and the crowning of the National Watermelon Queen, making it a unique experience.
Exhibitors will have the chance to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of industry professionals, enhancing visibility and fostering connections that can lead to new business opportunities. The event serves as a platform for launching new products and gathering feedback from key stakeholders.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Las Vegas, USA
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Who runs the show
National Watermelon Association
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
Impact
The 2026 National Watermelon Association Annual Meeting & Convention was held in Florida and was covered by FreshFruitPortal, which reported that the watermelon industry gathered and crowned a new queen. The association maintained an official 2026 convention page and promoted the event through its social channels. Trade coverage highlighted the convention as a key gathering for the watermelon industry.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Attending National Watermelon Association Annual Meeting & Convention on 2027-02-24 to 2027-02-27 in Las Vegas lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Latest updates from across the market.
Communications - National Watermelon Association
ReadPDF Official Newsletter of the NATIONAL WATERMELON AS OCIATION USA
ReadPDF NATIONAL WATERMELON REPORT - mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov
ReadPDF National Watermelon - Agricultural Marketing Service
ReadU.S. watermelon season hit hard by logistics and tariff woes
ReadWatermelons | Produce News
ReadPlan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Harry Reid International
Harry Reid International is the main gateway; rideshare pickup zones are signed at each terminal.
~8 mi (13 km)
to venue
15–25 min off-peak
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino
Venue hotel, guest rating 4.3 from about 70.2K reviews, excellent location score; amenities include breakfast (paid), Wi-Fi (paid), parking (paid), outdoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, fitness center, pet-friendly.
OYO Hotel and Casino Las Vegas
Budget option flagged as a great price for a 3-star; free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center.
Ellis Island Casino & Hotel
Guest rating 4.2; breakfast included, free parking, outdoor pool, hot tub, bar and restaurant on site.
Excalibur Hotel & Casino
Guest rating 4.1; hotel-class filter listing shown as a great deal, roughly 37% below its usual rate at capture time.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi
15-25 min off-peak; rideshare pickup zones are signed at each terminal.
rideshare
Uber and Lyft both serve the airport and the Strip resort; surge pricing applies at peak convention hours.
monorail
Monorail runs along the east side of the Strip; use the station nearest the resort and walk across.
bus
Local bus routes stop near the resort in Paradise; check Moovit for current lines and timetables.
Weather
Las Vegas in late February is mild and dry: expect cool mornings, comfortable afternoons and chilly evenings, with strong sun and very low humidity typical of the Mojave desert. Indoor venues are heavily air-conditioned, so a light layer helps.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Business casual is typical for watermelon industry conferences; scientific meetings may be less formal than consumer fairs.
Arrival
Arrive early on day one for registration and badge pickup; large venues may have security checks.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Las Vegas; 15-20% at restaurants and a few dollars per drink for bartenders.
Weather and attire
Late February is mild but evenings can be chilly; bring layers for air-conditioned venues and comfortable walking shoes for the Strip.
Business etiquette
Exchange business cards and confirm appointments in advance; punctuality is appreciated.
Transportation
Rideshare and taxis are widely available; the Las Vegas Monorail connects many Strip resorts. Confirm fares and routes before travel.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: LAS
Book flights to LAS (Las Vegas) when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue.
Most international business visitors need a U.S. visa before travel; the B-1 classification covers temporary business visits such as attending a convention, while travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries can use ESTA instead. Check your nationality against the U.S. Department of State business visa pages.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Apply through USTravelDocs after completing the DS-160; B-1 visitors cannot take up employment in the United States. Carry an invitation or convention registration confirmation to the interview.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Harry Reid International (LAS): 15–25 min off-peak. Allow road or rail time to Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino: Las Vegas Strip (venue hotel): Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino; Las Vegas Strip: OYO Hotel and Casino Las Vegas; Off-Strip, near the venue: Ellis Island Casino & Hotel.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Las Vegas; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: The Las Vegas Monorail runs along the east side of the Strip and connects to Planet Hollywood via the adjacent station corridor; local bus routes served by RTC Transit also stop near the resort. Check Moovit or the RTC Transit site for current route numbers and schedules.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February 2027
Temperature: February daytime highs near 19-21 C (mid-to-high 60s F) with overnight lows around 7-9 C (mid-40s F)
Seasonality: February is one of the drier months in Las Vegas, with only light, occasional rainfall and plenty of clear days; desert air swings cool after sunset.
Packing: Pack light layers: a jacket or sweater for cool mornings and evenings, breathable shirts for mild afternoons, comfortable walking shoes for Strip distances, sunglasses and sunscreen for strong desert sun, plus a refillable water bottle.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at National Watermelon Association Annual Meeting & Convention usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Confirm your registration and badge pickup details for the watermelon event at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Book flights to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and arrange ground transport to the venue.
Reserve your hotel room at Planet Hollywood or a nearby option such as OYO Hotel and Casino or Ellis Island Casino & Hotel.
Check visa requirements for traveling to the United States and apply for a B-1 business visa or ESTA if eligible.
Review the event schedule and mark sessions on watermelon production, pest management, and trade.
Download the event app or bookmark the schedule page for real-time updates.
Pack business casual attire and a light layer for air-conditioned venues.
Arrange airport transfers or familiarize yourself with rideshare pickup zones at LAS.
Print or save your registration confirmation and a government-issued ID for badge pickup.
Check the weather forecast for Las Vegas and pack accordingly (mild days, chilly evenings).
Join the event's networking groups or forums to schedule meetings with exhibitors.
Set a budget for meals, local transport, and incidentals; typical taxi from LAS to the Strip is USD 25-45.
Registration and hall orientation at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
Supplier meetings and product demos
Final negotiations and follow-up
National Watermelon Association Annual Meeting & Convention registration concourse
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Use this quick check to decide whether National Watermelon Association Annual Meeting & Convention fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
8 more alternate names hidden
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
