InTents Conference 2018: Grow Your Farmers' Market Business

Attend the InTents Conference to make your farmers' market business stronger and more profitable!

GROW YOUR FARMERS' MARKET BUSINESS HERE!

Whether you’re a small farmer, artisan food maker or farmers’ market manager, discover smart new ways to increase your income at the 2nd Annual InTents Conference on San Diego's beautiful Mission Bay in February, 2018.

Take advantage of two full days of inspiring speakers, authors and experts on Monday, February 26th and Tuesday, February 27th. Compare notes and gain new perspectives from fellow entrepreneurs. Discover new resources for the supplies and systems you need.

Speakers include experienced farmers, food makers, farmers' market managers, authors and experts on branding, packaging, costing and pricing, hiring and training and expanding your business to wholesale and beyond. Don't miss this year's special guest and farmers' market proponent Forrest Pritchard, owner of Smith Meadows Farm and author of Gaining Ground and Growing Tomorrow.

Food makers will learn how to Survive and Thrive with Neal Gottlieb of Three Twins Ice Cream, the organic ice cream business that started at the Berkeley Farmers' Market and now produces three successful lines distributed in some 4,000 locations throughout the US and Japan.

Discover new sources of financing, ingredients, operating supplies, signs, insurance, management services, marketing materials and more in the Resource Lounge, while you compare notes and gain new perspectives from fellow farmers, managers and entrepreneurs.

Brand new or need a refresher? Attend the Market-101 sessions on Sunday, February 25th (included in the All-Access Big Tent Pass, or may be purchased separately). Learn to launch a great product at farmers' markets, where start-up costs are within reach for new entrepreneurs. Expand your small farm's customer base and grow your income along with your crop. If you're an experienced manager or a community group considering the launch of a new market, learn how to weigh your chances of success and how to move forward.

Celebrate and network at the InTents Flavors party on Monday evening, February 26th, from 6 pm to 9 pm, featuring amazing food by local chefs and farmers, adult beverages, live music and a few surprises. That ticket is included in the All-Access Big Tent Pass, or buy it separately.

Do be aware that photographers and videographers will be at the event and by attending you agree that your photo may be taken, shared and published by the event organizers. We will never share your contact information without your permission. No refunds will be issued but tickets are fully transferable (see FAQs).

Don't miss the only conference designed to increase the profits of all farmers' market participants: market managers and community sponsors, farmers and food makers. Register now!

FAQs

Who should attend this event?

Current and prospective farmers' market participants: farmers, food makers and farmers' market managers. Artists and crafters who participate in farmers' markets will find some value, but many of the sessions are specific to food operations.

Who should sponsor this event?

Companies that offers goods and services that support farmers' market managers, farmers and vendors: website creation, tents, disposable foodservice supplies, credit card processing, insurance, banner and flyer printing, wholesale ingredients and packaging, and so much more.

Will I learn about the best options for crop irrigation here?

No, but we can recommend other conferences and sources of information for that. Try the California Small Farm Conference , GFMA Food for Thought Conference or Eco Farm. If you're a farmer, you'll learn at InTents how direct marketing can increase your margin, and how to most effectively choose crops, display your harvest and market your farm to increase your farmers' market sales. We'll also hear from restaurants and retailers about what you need to know to expand your wholesale sales operation.

If I already have my permits to sell my food products at farmers' markets, do I need this conference?

Only if you want to maximize your sales, and increase your profits. Almost any market vendor will learn something here about display, packaging, financial planning, marketing and other ways to increase your business and choose the best ways to grow.

I already operate a successful farmers' market. Why should I attend?

We think there's always something to learn about new methods of recruiting and retaining farmers and vendors, dealing with increasing costs and regulations, maximizing your marketing budget, and managing invoicing and paperwork. And it's always a good time when you network with other people in your industry. (They get you.) If you really already know it all, contact us about leading a session and sharing your expertise.

What are parking options at the event?

Marina Village offers an enormous free parking lot onsite.

Does the registration fee include accomodations?

You're on your own when it comes to accomodations but there are several good hotels nearby. We'll post a selection of options with available discounts soon.

What meals are included?

We'll have a variety of breakfast and lunch options available for sale in the Resource Lounge, and a Lunch Market on site each day so you can buy meals, beverages and snacks. If you register for a Big Tent Pass, that also includes a fabulous event on Monday night where food and beverages provided by local farms, chefs, brewers and winemakers is included.

What's the refund policy?

Once you've registered, no refunds are available, but you're welcome to transfer your ticket to a friend or associate. Do be aware that if you transfer the ticket too close to the conference, their name tag may identify them as you.

How can I contact the organizer with any additional questions?

Email connect@intentsconference.com