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​​​The Potato Association of America 2025 Meeting​

July 27-31, 2025 | Madison, Wisconsin

Registration Now Open!

Register now to discover fresh ideas, dig into the latest scientific research, and build lasting connections in the potato research community. See complete details below.

• Registration Details

  Registration

  Your Registration Includes:

  • 3 days of symposia, concurrent sessions, and posters highlighting best practices in potato breeding, production, integrated pest management, nutrient management, post-harvest physiology, and extension and outreach efforts
  • Section and committee meetings
  • Networking with PAA members, potato researchers and industry partners
  • Morning coffee, 2 lunches, and breaks
  • Welcome reception and Tuesday Auction & Dinner
  • PAA Annual Awards Banquet

  
  

  Registration is Now Open!

  Register Now!Update Registration
  
  

  Registration Rates
  

  NEW for 2025 - Save When You Stay

  Save $100 on your registration fees when you stay at the Hilton Monona Terrace. During registration, click the Save When You Stay option and your registration rate will adjust to the lower rate then be sure to make your reservation. Discount does not apply to student and single day registrations.

  
  

  Advanced Registration Rates (Ending June 15)

  Membership Type	Stay at Meeting Hotel	Other Accommodations
  PAA/EAPR Member	$549	$649
  Nonmember	$649	$749
  Student Member	$69	$69
  Single Day - Monday July 28	$149	$149

  
  

  Regular Registration Rates (Starting June 16)

  Membership Type	Stay at Meeting Hotel	Other Accommodations
  PAA/EAPR Member	$599	$699
  Nonmember	$699	$799
  Student Member	$89	$89
  Single Day - Monday July 28	$149	$149

  
  
  

  Connect and Save with Registration Plus Membership!

  Join PAA or renew your membership with your meeting registration and save! Registration PLUS includes Individual ($150) or student ($20) membership through December 31, 2025.

  Advanced Registration PLUS Rates (Ending June 15)

  Membership Type	Stay at Meeting Hotel	Other Accommodations
  Registration PLUS	$699	$799
  Student Registration PLUS	$89	$89

  
  

  Regular Registration PLUS Rates (Starting June 16)

  Membership Type	Stay at Meeting Hotel	Other Accommodations
  Registration PLUS	$749	$849
  Student Registration PLUS	$109	$109

  
  
  

  Guests

  PAA welcomes social guests to the annual meeting. Guests must be registered along with the attendee and can select from the event options listed below. Purchase of a Guest Bundle is not required to attend the Tuesday Dinner & Auction or the Awards Banquet. The Guest designation is for social guests attending in a non-business capacity. Business associates and colleagues are not considered guests and must register for the full meeting.

  • Guest Bundle: $425
    Guest Bundle includes access to the President’s Opening Reception, morning coffee, 2 lunches, and the ice cream social. Tuesday Dinner & Auction and Awards Banquet tickets must be purchased separately for guests if they wish to attend those events.
  • Tuesday Dinner & Auction: Adults - $99; Children 6-12 - free (ticket needed), 5 & under - free (no ticket needed)
    
  • Wednesday Awards Banquet: $99
  • Companion Tour: $10
    Companion Tour Inside Wisconsin's Heart: A Tour of the State Capitol
    Step inside the historic Wisconsin State Capitol for a guided tour showcasing its stunning architecture, rich history, and the workings of state government. Explore the grand chambers, marvel at the intricate design, and learn about the legislative process in this iconic building. This tour is kid-friendly, with engaging stories, fascinating facts, and plenty of opportunities for young visitors to ask questions and learn about how laws are made. It’s also a great chance for guests of all ages to meet and mingle, making connections while experiencing one of Wisconsin’s most important landmarks.

  
  
  

  Cancellation and Substitution Policy

  Registration cancellations must be made in writing and emailed to PAA at paameeting@scisoc.org by June 16, 2025. Cancellations received by this date are subject to a $100 cancellation fee. Registration cancellations received after June 16, 2025, are not subject to a refund.

  • Registration fees will be refunded the same way they were paid to PAA.
  • Attendee substitutions are permitted. If the original registrant is a member, the substitute must also be a member, pay the membership fee or the difference between the member and nonmember rate.
  • Membership fees paid with PLUS registrations are non-refundable after 30 days from registration.
  • In the event PAA cancels the event or associated ticketed events, PAA is not liable for any charges including non-refundable hotel charges, airfares or change penalties imposed by an airline.
  • By registering for this event, you agree to the cancellation and refund terms and conditions.

  
  

  Travel from Outside the United States

  Applicants should contact the consulate directly to determine wait times or visit the U.S. Visa website.

  Customized visa invitation letters can only be issued to confirmed registrants—including those who have paid the meeting registration fees, have submitted an abstract, or are otherwise presenting. When you register for the meeting, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to auto-generate a customized visa invitation letter. If you are unable to register early enough to begin the visa process and have submitted an abstract, please complete the invitation letter request form. Invitation letters generated using the request form are identical to the letters created when registering, however they are manually created and may take up to 5 business days to be processed.

  All applicants must be able to qualify for a visa on their own merits. PAA cannot intervene with embassies in other countries on behalf of any meeting participants. If you require an invitation letter prior to registering or if you have additional questions, please contact the PAA Registration Desk.

  
  
• Program

  Program
  

  Schedule-at-a-Glance

  Schedule is subject to change. Full program will be available Spring 2025

  
  

  Sunday, July 27
  

  2:00pm - 4:00pm	Graduate Student Activity
  6:00pm - 8:00pm	Presidents Reception

  
  

  Monday, July 28

  6:30am - 8:00am	Morning Coffee
  8:00am - 10:00am	Concurrent Sessions (3)
  9:00am - 4:00pm	Companion Tour
  10:00am - 10:30am	Break
  10:30am - 11:30am	Concurrent Sessions (3)
  12:00pm - 1:00pm	Lunch
  1:00pm - 1:45pm	International Guest Speaker
  2:00pm - 5:30pm	Potato Storage Symposium
  3:00pm - 3:30pm	Break
  6:00pm - 9:00pm	Trivia Pub Crawl

  
  

  Tuesday July 29

  9:00am - 7:00am	Morning Coffee
  9:00am - 10:30am	Concurrent Sessions (3)
  10:00am - 10:30am	Break
  10:30am - 12:00am	Concurrent Sessions (3)
  12:00pm - 1:00pm	Lunch
  1:00pm - 3:00pm	Concurrent Sessions (3)
  3:00pm - 4:30pm	Poster Session with Authors Present
  5:30pm - 10:00pm	Dinner and Auction at the Madison Children's Museum

  
  

  Wednesday, July 30

  6:30am - 7:30am	Fun Run
  7:00am - 9:00am	Morning Coffee​
  9:00am - 10:00am	Concurrent Sessions (3)
  10:15am - 10:45am	Break
  10:45am - 11:45am	Concurrent Sessions (3)
  11:45am	Lunch on your own
  1:30pm - 3:30pm	PAA Business Meeting
  1:30pm - 5:30pm	Additional Meetings
  7:00pm - 10:00pm	PAA Awards Banquet

  
  

  Thursday, July 31

  8:30am - 4:30am

  Tours

  
  
  
• Speakers

  Speakers
  

  
  

  Kürt Demeulemeester
  

  Vice-President | European Association for Potato Research (EAPR)

  Kürt Demeulemeester is a prominent figure in the field of agricultural research, particularly known for his contributions to potato research. He currently serves as the Vice-President of the European Association for Potato Research (EAPR) and is actively involved with Inagro, a leading agricultural research organization based in Belgium.
  

  Kürt holds a Master's degree in Agricultural Sciences from Leuven University, where he specialized in crop protection and agronomy. He started his professional career in 1997 working in independent and applied potato research and moved to Inagro in 2003 where he became responsible for potato research. In 2011 Kürt became responsible for the arable crop department of Inagro, and expanded his scope from potatoes to all major arable crops. Nevertheless, potatoes stayed a major focus in his research work, and in 2015 research projects where setup on sprout suppressants in potatoes.
  

  Throughout his career, Kürt has been dedicated to advancing agricultural practices and improving crop yields. His work at Inagro focuses on innovative research and development in agronomy, pest management, and sustainable farming techniques.
  

  In addition to his role at Inagro, Kürt has been a key member of the EAPR, where he has contributed to various initiatives and conferences that bring together researchers and industry professionals from around the world. His efforts have helped to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the agricultural community.

  
  
• Networking & Tours

  Networking & Tours

  Daily Breaks

  Take a moment to recharge and connect during our coffee breaks. Engage in informal discussions, meet new colleagues, and share insights with fellow attendees over a cup of coffee or tea.

  
  

  Poster Viewing with Authors

  Tuesday, July 29, 3:00pm - 4:30pm

  Dive into cutting-edge research and engage directly with the researchers during Poster Viewing sessions. This interactive environment encourages in-depth conversations and provides a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the topics that interest you most.

  
  

  Graduate Student Event

  Sunday, July 27, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

  More information coming soon.
  Free to attend; preregistration is requested.

  
  

  Trivia Pub Crawl

  Monday, July 28, 6:00pm - 9:00pm

  Join us for a potato-themed trivia pub crawl! Test your knowledge on all things potato while hopping between Madison spots and networking with fellow attendees.
  Free to attend; food/beverage purchases are on your own. Preregistration is requested.

  
  

  Fun Run

  Wednesday, July 30, 6:30am - 7:30am

  Get ready to kick off the day with a burst of energy? Join us for a fun run before the sessions start! It's the perfect way to get moving, share some laughs, and enjoy the fresh morning air together while seeing some Madison sights. No need to be a pro runner—just bring your enthusiasm!
  Free to attend; preregistration is requested.

  
  

  Tour: Exploring Wisconsin Potato and Specialty Crop Production

  Thursday, July 31, 7:15am - 4:30pm | $99

  This tour will give you a flavor of the horticulture industry in Wisconsin. Tour stops will include visits to see potato packaging for various marketing classes, a mint farm and distillation facility (WI is #1 in the US), and a large horticultural seed and landscape plant organization. Throughout the tour, you will learn about historical and natural history facts for this region of Wisconsin.
  Preregistration Required

  
  

  Tour: Wisconsin Flavors - A Local Cheese & Wine Tour

  Thursday, July 31, 9:00am - 5:00pm | $99

  Experience the best of Wisconsin’s local flavors on this exclusive field trip! We’ll visit an artisanal cheese factory, and a local winery, and an important historical site, all showcasing the state’s rich history and traditions. Whether you're a foodie, a history buff, or a wine enthusiast, this trip is the perfect way to savor Wisconsin’s signature tastes!
  Preregistration Required.

• Abstract Submission

  Abstract Submission

  Abstract Submission is now open! Don't miss your chance to contribute to the leading voice in potato science by sharing your research with a global network of experts.

  Abstract submissions are being accepted through April 24, 2025 at 11:59 EDT

  Start Submission
  
  

  Submission Instructions

  You will be asked to create an account in the Abstract Scorecard portal. Click Join Now to create Your Profile.

  1. Abstract Title
     • 200 characters maximum
     • Capitalize only the first letter of the first word and any proper nouns
     • Registered names and trademarks are not permitted in title
     • Symbols (Greek, math, etc.) must be spelled out, e.g., Beta
  2. Select a primary topic.
  3. Select a secondary topic, if applicable.
  4. Select a preferred presentation type. (Oral, poster, or oral and poster). Depending on the number of submissions received and time constraints, the number of oral presentations may be limited.
  5. Affirmation that at least one author is a current PAA member. (Yes/No)
  6. Would you like to submit this abstract to the student research paper award competition? (Yes/No)
  7. Abstract text. Enter your abstract text limited to 300 words.
  8. Authors
     • Create the list of authors for this submission. Each submission can have only one Presenting Author and up to 10 Co-Authors.
     • To add an author type the author's first name, last name, and email address. Click 'Add Author.'
     • To complete an author's profile:
       • Click on the 'Edit Author' button to complete the profile.
       • A green check mark indicates a complete profile.
       • Once the profile is complete, click 'Save Authors' to complete the task.
       • The first person added will be designated as the Presenting Author, but this role can be changed after multiple authors have been entered.
  9. Edit Profile
     • Enter the required fields for each author
     • Communications regarding the abstract will be sent only to the "Presenting Author"
  10. Copyright

      • By submitting an abstract to PAA for the 109th Annual Meeting, submitters must agree to the following terms & conditions. I agree that the designated presenting author will present the abstract in the selected format and time at the PAA Annual Meeting, July 27-31, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin, register and pay the associated fees. I understand that failure to complete the above terms will result in the abstract submission being withdrawn .I confirm that this is an original work and that the abstract has not been previously published. I and any contributing authors, as sole proprietors of the abstract, agree to transfer copyright of the abstract to the PAA. Abstracts will be published in American Journal of Potato Research after the meeting takes place .
        

        By agreeing, I accept this copyright transfer

        
        

        Non-US Government Submitters:

        I confirm that this is an original work and that the abstract has not been previously published. I and any contributing authors, as sole proprietors of the abstract, agree to transfer copyright of the abstract to the Potato Association of America will be posted online. By agreeing, I accept this copyright transfer.

        
        

        US Government Submitters:

        I hereby confirm that the abstract submitted, having been created by an employee or agency of the U.S. government or for some other reason, is not eligible for copyright transfer to PAA, is in the public domain, and as such may be reproduced freely. I acknowledge that PAA is relying on this statement in determining that the work is copyright free.

        
        

        Canadian Government Submitters:

        If your work is protected by “© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada,” please add that copyright statement at the end of your abstract.

        I understand that failure to accept the applicable copyright transfer or public domain notice will result in the immediate cancellation of my abstract submission.

  11. Once all tasks are complete with a green circle and white check, click Save Submission, and Submit. When your submission is complete you will receive a receipt for the submission fee and a confirmation email.

  
  
• Graduate Research Competition

  Frank L. Haynes Graduate Student Research Award Competition (FLHGSRAC)

  The purpose of the research award competition is to promote graduate student participation in PAA through presentation of research papers at the annual meeting. Participants are also encouraged to submit manuscripts for publication in the American Journal of Potato Research.

  Submission Deadline: April 24, 2025

  
  

  General Information

  • Students are required to submit an abstract for oral or poster presentation as the presenting author for papers they wish to enter in the competition. Symposium presentations are not eligible for the research award.
  • Research reported must have been completed while a graduate student.
  • The presenting author must be a PAA graduate student member at the time of submission. For more information on membership, click here.
  • First place winners from previous PAA meetings are not eligible to participate.

  To be considered for the competition, indicate your interest when you submit your abstract.

  
  

  Evaluation Criteria

  Papers and presentations will be judged on the following basis:

  1. Abstract (16.6%)
  2. Organization (16.6%)
  3. Effective use of time (16.6%)
  4. Effective use of visuals (16.6%)
  5. Presentation style (16.6%)
  6. Impact of the research (16.6%)

  
  

  Up to five presentation awards may be made at the discretion of the committee in the amount of $1200 for 1st place; $900 for 2nd place; $700 for 3rd place; $600 for 4th place; $500 for 5th place.

  One best poster award will be in the amount of $500.

  
  
• Hotel & Travel

  Hotel & Travel

  The 109th PAA Annual meeting will be held at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center.

  Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center
  1 John Nolen Dr
  Madison, WI 53703

  Parking & Directions
  
  

  Reservations

  Save When You Stay!

  Save $100 on your meeting registration when you stay at the Hilton Monona Terrace.

  The reservation deadline is June 26, 2025, or whenever the room block is filled.

  
  

  Hilton Monona Terrace (Connected to the Monona Terrace via skyway)
  Room Rate: $209 single/double occupancy

  To Reserve by Phone: Call Hilton reservations at 800-445-8667 or call the hotel directly at 608-255-5100 and reference the group code: 93S

  Reserve Online
  
  

  Did You Know?

  Booking a room at the designated PAA hotel ​—under the official meeting room block—benefits you and supports PAA. When you "book within the block," you help keep the meeting registration fees lower, you help our organizations secure future meeting sites, and you enable us to provide some important meeting features that participants have come to enjoy. Please book responsibly.

  
  

  Hotel Scam Warning

  We are aware of companies pretending to be the “official" PAA 2025 housing company, offering special non-refundable rates at meeting hotels, and requesting credit card information. There is NO “official" housing company for PAA Annual Meeting; therefore, NO company is authorized to solicit directly by telephone for hotel bookings or special discounts. We encourage attendees to book their room directly via the link above to receive the PAA special group rate. Please email the PAA Registration Desk if you have any questions or concerns.

  
  

  Attendees From Outside the United States

  Attendees are encouraged to apply for a visa as soon as you are confident you will attend the PAA 109th Annual Meeting. Some consulates may have backlogs in scheduling visa interviews, so applicants should contact the consulate directly to determine wait times or visit the U.S. Visa website.

  Customized visa invitation letters can only be issued to confirmed registrants including those who have paid the meeting registration fees, have submitted an abstract, or are otherwise presenting. When you register for the meeting, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to auto-generate a customized visa invitation letter. If you are unable to register early enough to begin the visa process and have submitted an abstract, please complete the invitation letter request form. Invitation letters generated using the request form are identical to the letters created when registering, however they are manually created and may take up to 5 business days to be processed.

  All applicants must be able to qualify for a visa on their own merits. PAA invitation letter prior to registering or if you have additional questions, please contact the PAA Registration Desk.

  
  
• Sponsorship

  Sponsorship
  

  Interested in sponsoring the 2025 Potato Association of America Conference? Connect with industry professionals involved in potato research, extension, production and utilization. Reach out to Rachel Alvarado to learn more about the opportunities available or to discuss creating a custom package to maximize your brand exposure! We look forward to seeing you in Madison, WI this July!

  Sponsorship OpportunitiesSponsor Order Form