Training & Networking Events Around the Country

(Listed in order by DATE) 
Submit your conference or training here to have it added to the list

Arkansas:
The Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms Conference is an annual conference providing practical information and tools for new and experienced organic and sustainable producers, young farmers, ranchers, value-added food producers, and those creating more vibrant community food systems. Event offers pre-conference courses, field trips, conference sessions, poster display, networking opportunities, and trade show. January 22-25, 2020. Learn more here.

Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Conference January 26-28, 2020 is a three-day conference that provides educational programming for growers of fresh produce including apples, berries, grapes and vegetables; agri-tourism and winery operators as well as farmers market vendors and managers. Learn more and register here.

California:
Join farmers’ market professionals from throughout the US and Canada at InTents: The Farmers Market Conference in San Diego, California, February 2 – 4, 2020. All-access passes $235 – $355 for three full days of speakers, workshops, round tables and mixers. Farmers’ market managers, small farmers and food makers will find valuable info regarding market operations, branding and marketing, hiring and training, sponsorships and fundraising, current legal issues and more. Learn more and register.

Ohio (Online Webinar Series)
The Market Manager Certificate Program (MMCP) administered by Ohio Farmers Market Network is designed for individuals with some experience in farmers market management. While not required for participation, students may find the content more advanced than topics covered in the annual Ohio Farmers Market Conference. The cost is $300 for entire program, or $35 per individual webinar. Webinars are hosted every Tuesday, February 4 – April 14, 2020 from 7-8:30 PM. Register online here.

Pennsylvania:
Pennsylvania Sustainable Agriculture’s 2020 Sustainable Agriculture Conference will be held February 5-8, 2020 in Lancaster, PA. Sponsor and exhibitor applications are now open. Learn more here.

Florida:
Florida Organic Growers & the Florida Farmers’ Market Association are teaming up to host multiple educational and training events throughout Florida for anyone looking to improve their direct-to-consumer food and agricultural business. These symposiums will feature talks, workshops, and presentations on topics such as food safety, marketing, developing a business plan, state and federal regulations, and much much more. Jacksonville  – February 7, 2020; Gainesville – February 14, 2020; Tampa – March 6, 2020; Fort Pierce – March 13, 2020; Tallahassee – March 20, 2020. Learn more and register here.

Montana:
Hosted by National Center for Appropriate Technology, this statewide gathering of farmers market managers will provide an opportunity for market managers to share their best practices and learn from national farmers market experts. The workshop will be Saturday, February 8, 2020 with an optional networking session Friday evening. The meeting is free but registration is required. Register online here.

Oklahoma:
The 2020 Oklahoma Farmers Market & Agritourism Conference will be held on February 10-12, 2020. The conference will consist of a full day of breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and two farm tours, one focusing on agritourism the other on innovative farm practices. Learn more and register here. 

Tennessee:
The Pick TN Conference will be held in Franklin, TN on February 20-22, 2020. Classes will include new market manager training, food safety, rules and regulations at farmers markets, growing specialty crops for farmers markets, how to be a successful vendor and more! Learn more here. 

Washington:
2020 Washington State Farmers Market Association (WSFMA) Conference, February 20-22, 2020, in Tacoma, WA. Includes “Boot Camp” for new market managers and board members; 18+ workshops focusing on practical tools to help your market succeed, tricky issues all markets face, and emerging trends to dive into as a community. Back by popular demand is the best farmers market networking (and fun) in Pacific Northwest. Email info@wafarmersmarkets.org for more info or visit https://wafarmersmarkets.org/conference-2020/ for updates.

California:
The California Small Farms Conference is a great opportunity for direct-marketing farmers and market managers to network and focus on peer-to-peer learning. The conference will take place in Paso Robles, California, February 27 – 29, 2020. The conference is currently looking for workshop proposals for the farmers’ market manager track. Submit a workshop proposal today by November 1 2019. Learn more.

Michigan:
The Michigan Farmers Market Association will host the annual Michigan Farmers Market Conference on March 3 – 4, 2020 in the Greater Lansing area. Participants will learn about Envisioning the Next Generation of Thriving Marketplaces! Click here to learn more. 

Vermont:
NOFA-VT is hosting the annual Vermont Farmers Market Conference on March 18, 2020 in South Royalton, VT. The event is geared towards market leaders and will cover topics such as collecting market data, using data to support your market, market location change, and more! There will be opportunities to learn from and network with peers. Click here to learn more.

Ohio:
The Ohio Farmers Market Conference on March 27-28, 2020 will include a networking dinner on Thursday evening and sessions geared towards vendors and managers about all things related to running and selling at a farmers market. Email ohiofarmersmarketnetwork@gmail.com for more information.

Pennsylvania:
Two day-long educational programs for market managers in Slippery Rock, PA will be offered by PA Farm Markets and Penn State Extension on March 28, 2020 and April 3, 2020.

Alaska:
2020 Alaska Farmers Market Association Conference – “Buy Local, Grow Local” will be held April 2- 4, 2020 in Anchorage, AK. Join market organizers and supporters from around the state for a weekend devoted to growing your farmers’ market! Share ideas, develop new skills and strengthen your support network. Learn more here.