NWA 2026 Annual Meeting & Convention
February 18-21 | St. Pete Beach, Florida
The National Watermelon Association’s Annual Meeting and Convention is the premier networking and education event dedicated to the watermelon industry.
This is the place for the Watermelon Family to get back together, talk about the year that was and the one to come, and have a little fun.
Join us at St. Pete Beach, Florida for education, networking, auction, the crowning of our 2026 National Watermelon Queen, and an unbelievable fun-in-the-sun experience!
Resort Info
The 2026 NWA Annual Meeting and Convention will take place at the Tradewinds Resort, the Gulf Coast's largest playground with 28 fun-filled acres of white-sand beachfront in sun-sational St. Pete Beach. Celebrate the spirit of this tropical oasis and enjoy pink sunsets, signature island cocktails, endless beach activities, and much more.
Rooms are booked during the registration process.
Schedule
Wednesday, Feb. 18
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9:00 am
(Buses depart at 7:15 am)
Arnold Mack Memorial Golf Trny
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1:00 pm
Registration Open
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5:00 pm
President's Welcome Reception
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10:00 pm
Hospitality Suite
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Thursday, Feb. 19
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8:00 am
Audit Readiness Workshop
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9:00 am
Committee Meetings
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12:00 pm
NWA Exec. Committee Lunch/Mtg
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5:00 pm
Opening Reception and Dinner
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10:00 pm
Hospitality Suite
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Friday, Feb. 20
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8:00 am
Breakfast & Education
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11:00 am
Women’s Leadership Session
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12:00 pm
Hall of Fame Lunch
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1:00 pm
Auction
Seed Spit Contest to follow!
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9:00 pm
Future Watermelon Farm Leaders Social
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10:00 pm
Hospitality Suite
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Saturday, Feb. 21
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8:00 am
Prayer Breakfast
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11:00 am
NWPB Meetings
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5:30 pm
Closing Reception & Banquet
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10:00 pm
Hospitality Suite
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* Speaker info coming soon *
Travel
Airport Information
We recommend flying into Tampa International Airport which is about a 35 minute drive from the resort.
Airport Transportation
To arrange a car from the airport, please contact Resort Transportation at 727.343.3303 for rates and availability. Rental cars and rideshare apps are available from the airport and at the resort.
Golf Tournament
Tournament Schedule
The Arnold Mack Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 on the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook. Golfers will be challenged on this incredible course which hosts the PGA's Valspar Championship.
7:00 am - Grab & go breakfast available at resort
7:15 am - Buses depart resort
8:15 am - Arrive at Copperhead
9:00 am - Shotgun start
2:00 pm - Lunch
3:15 pm - Depart Copperhead for resort
For registration and sponsorship opportunities, please click HERE.
Sponsorship
The best way to become a sponsor is to email Martha Jordan at martha@nwawatermelon.com. She will share information on pricing and availability. Thanks for your support!
