As the National Watermelon Association prepares to host its 111th annual convention, Executive Director George Szczepanski reflected on some of the challenges and successes the watermelon industry experienced in 2025.

“This past season was marked by uncertainty and market bottlenecks that affected many segments of the industry,” said Szczepanski. “Those challenges reinforced the importance of strong advocacy and adaptable business practices.”

At the same time, according to Szczepanski, the NWA underwent significant internal changes, such as moving to a virtual office model and expanding its professional resources, including dedicated labor and policy expertise.

“Together, those experiences helped shape a 2026 strategy centered on resilience, responsiveness and stronger member support,” he said.

Szczepanski said that as NWA and the watermelon industry moves forward into 2026, it is looking to turn the page on a challenging season.

“We’re looking to build on the momentum created with some meaningful regulatory successes, including improvements to the H-2A AEWR (adverse effect wage rate) calculation,” he said. “Our goal is to translate advocacy wins and new resources into real on-the-ground value for our growers, shippers and allied businesses.”

That “on-the-ground” value will be on full display when the NWA meets Feb. 18-22 in St. Pete Beach, FL, for its 111th annual convention, or what watermelon insiders refer to as the “Watermelon Family Reunion.”

“Our convention truly earns its nickname as the ‘Watermelon Family Reunion,’” said Szczepanski. “It’s built on decades — and generations — of tradition and the relationships that bring people back year after year. The event offers a rare opportunity for the national industry to gather face-to-face, gain insights that help frame the coming season, and spend time together in a setting that welcomes both colleagues and families. That sense of connection is what makes it special.”

Szczepanski said attendees of this year’s convention can expect a lot of long-standing favorites, like the auction, the National Queen competition and the festive closing banquet. But the venue — the Tradewinds Resort, located on the beach in St. Pete Beach — is a new one for the NWA convention, which adds excitement to this year’s gathering.

“The setting provides a refreshing backdrop that encourages connection beyond the meeting room,” said Szczepanski. “We’re also excited about the strength of this year’s educational programming, including expanded leadership and labor-focused sessions.”

He said this year’s programming looks to build on the well-received sessions at previous recent conventions. For example, the Women’s Leadership session, which has received standing-room-only attendance since it was introduced two years ago, will feature Lauren Griffeth, an extension leadership specialist at the University of Georgia, where she facilitates internal and external leadership programs, and serves as a graduate faculty member. She has been published in the Harvard Business Review for her research on women’s leadership, and this past October was awarded Outstanding Leadership Program Director from the International Association of Programs for Agricultural Leaders.

Other scheduled sessions include a comprehensive panel on labor that examines policy, regulatory and technological perspectives, and a food safety and audit preparedness session in partnership with QIMA.

“These sessions reflect the issues that our members tell us matter most to them,” said Szczepanski.

Of course, there will be ample recreation and networking opportunities during the NWA convention, including the annual Arnold Mack Memorial Golf Tournament at the famous Copperhead Course at Innisbrook.

“This is one of the most respected and challenging courses in the country,” said Szczepanski. “Whether you are a competitive or casual golfer, or simply there for the camaraderie, this will be an outstanding experience.”

Other networking opportunities include the President’s Welcome Reception held on the beach and the closing banquet and crowning of the National Queen.

“Throughout the week, members will have countless opportunities to reconnect, build relationships, and enjoy time together,” said Szczepanski.