September 10 – 11, 2025
Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile
Chicago, IL
Registration
Registration is closed, you can email Kelsey at info@ilovepecans.org, by Monday September 8, 3 p.m. CST for registering. We look forward to seeing everyone in Chicago!
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Group Breakfast – 3rd Floor Salon 1 & 2
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Pecan Export Trade Council (PETC) Meeting – 3rd Floor Illinois Room
9:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. NPSA Board Meeting – 3rd Floor Illinois Room
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Group Lunch – 3rd Floor Salon 1 & 2
Afternoon Exhibitor Setup – 3rd Floor Lakeshore Ballroom – West
1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Industry Workshop – 3rd Floor Lakeshore Ballroom – West
- Introductions
- Industry Group Presentations & Discussions
- Small Sheller/Retailer Discussion
- Research/Innovation Committee
Vendor Presentations
Evening, 6:00p.m. Welcome Reception at Hotel – 3rd Floor Lakeshore Ballroom – West
Thursday, September 11, 2025
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Group Breakfast – 3rd Floor Salon 1 & 2
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Presentations – 3rd Floor Lakeshore Ballroom – West
- Shelf Life Study – “Effect of packaging and storage temperature on shelled pecan quality evaluated by chemical means” Dr. Ronald Pegg, University of Georgia
- NPSA Updates & Board Caucus
- Other Tree Nuts Report – Evo Soria
- Market Outlook – Dan Zedan
- NPSA Crop Estimate – Chris Harrell
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Group Lunch – 3rd Floor Salon 1 & 2
12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Food Service Bootcamp & Test Kitchen Tastings with the American Pecan Promotion Board
- The Carter Chicago – Bus will depart at 12:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m Reception at The Carter Chicago
- Reception will immediately follow the Food Service Bootcamp and feature bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres. The area is popular with bars and restaurants. Below is a list if restaurants near the Hyatt Centric Hotel. If you would like to go back to the hotel area, the bus will depart at 6:30 p.m.
*Schedule subject to change
Scheduling of Non-NPSA Functions – Please remember that no events are to be scheduled that conflict with official NPSA events. This includes hospitality suites, special breakfasts or dinners, recreational activities, transportation, and similar events. If you would like assistance in scheduling a meeting, please reach out to info@ilovepecans.org.
Hotel
The National Pecan Shellers Association, on behalf of its members, has reserved a block of rooms at Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile, at a discounted group rate. Please click on the link below to access the room block. Room reservation must be made by August 19th, 2025.
Restaurant Recommendation
The National Pecan Shellers Association, on behalf of its members, has created a list of recommended restaurants near the Hotel.
Please click on the link below to access list, you are able to click the restaurant name to be taken to the restaurant website.
Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors
If you would like to be a 2025 sponsor, email info@ilovepecans.org.
Sponsorship
About the National Pecan Shellers Association (NPSA)
The National Pecan Shellers Association’s mission is to support and promote the interests of pecan shellers and the global industry to assure the quality, safety, and integrity of pecan products worldwide. Membership consists of two categories: Active and Affiliate. Active members are engaged in shelling pecans. Companies not engaged in shelling pecans but having an interest in the pecan shelling and processing industry join the association as Affiliate members.
Why Sponsor?
Sponsoring with NPSA allows your company to reach and interact with NPSA members. Sponsorships are available throughout the year and specifically for the Annual Meeting.
What does an Annual Meeting Sponsorship include?
- Inclusion in conference materials and promotion at event
- Vendor/Sponsor presentation at event
- Recognition through signage and on the NPSA website, and
- a feature in all NPSA email newsletters for one year
How to become a Sponsor?
Please reach out via email to info@ilovepecans.org to order your sponsorship today. Sponsors can pick an available package, or we can work with you to customize a package to meet your needs.
