Event Overview
Join leading food researchers from across West Texas, New Mexico and Southern Arizona for an inspiring gathering dedicated to advancing food systems research. This event is designed to foster collaboration, spark new ideas, and highlight innovative approaches to the challenges facing our region’s food systems.
Date and Time
May 21, 2026
8am-5pm MST
Venue Details
333 N Oregon St, El Paso, TX 79901 | The Foundation Room
Light breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Recommended Hotels in El Paso
The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park– 106 W Mills Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
Hotel Paso Del Norte – 10 Henry Trost Ct, El Paso, TX 79901
*Please call them directly to check on government rate.
Tentative Agenda
Morning Program
8:00 – 8:45 AM
Registration and Networking Breakfast
Check-in and light breakfast; informal networking among attendees.
8:45 – 9:00 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Dr. Beth Racine, Center Director, Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at El Paso; Overview of Texas A&M AgriLife and symposium goals.
9:00 – 9:15 AM
Cultural Opening: Mariachi Performance
Short live performance to welcome participants.
9:15 – 10:30 AM
Oral Presentation Session I: Food, Nutrition, and Health
1-2 short research presentations with Q&A.
10:30 – 10:45 AM
Morning Break
Coffee and informal networking.
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Oral Presentation Session II: Food Systems, Agriculture, and Community Interventions
1–2 presentations with Q&A.
12:00 – 1:15 PM
Lunch and Open Poster Session
Buffet lunch with informal poster viewing.
Afternoon Program
1:15 – 2:00 PM
Funders/Partnership Perspectives Panel
Regional funders share priorities, opportunities, and tips; Q&A.
2:00 – 3:45 PM
Directed Networking Activity
4:00 – 4:30 PM
Closing Reflections
4:30 – 5:00 PM
Open Networking and Symposium Wrap-Up
5:30 PM onward (optional)
End-of-Day Networking at Paso del Norte Rooftop Bar
Informal cocktail and networking time.
Contact Information
Tony Racine
