Las Cruces Consumer Product Summit
Cinco de Mayo in Las Cruces, New Mexico
The Las Cruces Consumer Product Summit is launching to accelerate the rise of Southwest-made consumer brands. With national speakers, hands-on workshops, and guidance in areas like trademarks, distribution, manufacturing, and AI marketing, this summit gives entrepreneurs the platform they need to grow smarter, scale faster, and build together.
About the Summit
Where Real local growth you can get behind.
The Las Cruces Consumer Product Summit is a high-energy gathering for creators, makers, growers, shakers, foodies, founders, and the whole Southwest CPG tribe. If you've ever said "I should totally sell this," this event is for you.
We're bringing together everyone who believes that New Mexico-made products deserve to be on regional and national shelves.
Meet Our Speakers
Get ready to be inspired by a lineup of industry leaders and experts who are shaping the future of consumer products in the Southwest and beyond. They'll share invaluable insights, strategies, and success stories to help your brand thrive.
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Event Flow
A full day designed to maximize learning, connection, and inspiration — from sunrise vendor browsing to sunset celebration.
1
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Vendor Marketplace
Taste, sample, shop, connect. Browse dozens of New Mexico-made products while meeting the makers behind them.
2
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Food Truck Festival
Enjoy local flavors from the areas best food trucks.
3
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Keynote, Panel Sessions
Deep dive into workshops and panels across Main Room, Product Lab, and Marketplace tracks. Mix and match based on your needs.
4
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Cinco De Mayo Cocktail Hours
Network with buyers, investors, and mentors in a relaxed setting. Make the connections that move your business forward.
A Region Ripe for Growth
Las Cruces is overflowing with incredible local products — salsas, spices, wellness goods, roasted chiles, coffees, pecans, crafts, and small-batch creations that families have perfected for generations. But too often, these homegrown brands stay hidden at farmers markets, tucked on a single store shelf, or passed down without ever reaching their full potential.
With the right care, clarity, and direction, these products can do so much more than survive — they can scale, generate new revenue, and create family-sustaining opportunities that transform family trees.
We’re bringing bold Southwest energy together with startup strategies — mixing creativity, culture, and commerce to help Las Cruces makers rise.
AI Packaging Rebrand Tool
Design plays a bigger role in sales than most people realize.
Studies show that around 70% of buying decisions happen at the shelf, and shoppers form an opinion about a product in under 3 seconds. About 60% of consumers say they’ve tried a new product because the packaging caught their attention, and over half are more likely to buy again when the packaging feels consistent and professional. Simply put, clear and thoughtful design helps people notice your product, trust it, and feel confident coming back for more.
Upload a photo of your product packaging and instantly see it reimagined in a polished, retail-ready design. Choose from five distinct styles—from Modern Minimalist to Heritage New Mexico—and let AI generate professional packaging concepts in seconds.
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See what the Make It Market Studios: AI Packaging Rebrand Tool can do for your brand. Below are sample rebrands.
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Summit Organizers
Behind the Las Cruces Consumer Product Summit are two founders who believe the next wave of iconic consumer brands can — and should — rise from the Southwest.
Jeff Villalobos and Joseph Sapien have spent years building platforms that help entrepreneurs break through barriers. Together, they co-created the Día de los Muertos Startup Pitch Conference in El Paso — an event that brought founders face-to-face with angel investors and venture capital leaders, sparking new companies, new deal flow, and new economic momentum for the Borderplex region.
Jeff’s background as a business and intellectual property attorney has helped countless makers protect what they’ve built. Joseph’s experience as a startup ecosystem builder has unlocked funding, partnerships, and growth opportunities for emerging ventures.
Jeff Villalobos, Senior Attorney
Joseph Sapien, Ecosystem Builder
Now, they’re turning their focus to Las Cruces’s consumer product innovators — the small-batch food creators, beauty makers, apparel founders, and sustainable product builders who are ready for the national stage.
Their mission is simple:
Give local brands the tools, expertise, and exposure they need to scale — right here at home.
Together, Jeff and Joseph are committed to uplifting makers, activating a stronger consumer economy, and showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Southern New Mexico.
Thank You Supporters
Stay Connected
Get updates on speakers, sessions, and more by following us on Instagram.
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May 5, 2026 • Las Cruces, New Mexico • Where Local Products Glow Up