MIFMA is hosting its annual Michigan Farmers Market Conference, themed “Cultivating Community at the Farmers Market”, on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 6 and 7 at the Plant and Soil Sciences Building on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. Registration is open through February 22, 2018 at www.mifma.org/conference.
The conference is structured to meet the needs of farmers markets in Michigan and provide education and resources for market managers. Two educational tracks will be offered at the conference to provide up-to-date information on timely topics related to farmers market management and build upon information attendees found helpful from previous conferences.
Conference Tracks:
A Beginning Market Manager Track designed for market managers new to their roles and developing their content expertise and management capacity.
Sessions Include: Building an Online Presence for Your Farmers Market; SNAP Point of Sale Devices and State Funding; Food Safety at Farmers Markets: MDARD Licensing and Regulations; Managing Your Time: Strategies for Market Managers; Conducting Food Demonstrations at Farmers Markets; and Partnering to Host Creative Activities at Farmers Markets.
An Advanced Market Manager Track for experienced market managers seeking specialized information to continue to grow their professional development and expand their markets.
Sessions Include: Farmers Market Metrics and Economic Contribution Studies; Market Management Software Options Panel; Developing an Evaluation Strategy and Crafting Useful Surveys; MDARD Inspector Visits: Findings and Next Steps; Visual Story-telling; and Crafting Public Comments.
Conference Social:
MIFMA will host a Conference Social on Tuesday, March 6 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., following the first day of the conference, in the Conservatory of the Plant & Soil Sciences Building. This casual networking event will feature live music, a silent auction, drinks, and refreshments. Tickets for the Social are $25 per person and can be purchased during conference registration or individually.
Conference Cost:
MIFMA members receive a 50% discount on conference registration as part of their membership benefits and pay $150 for the full conference or $100 for one day only. Non-members will pay $300 for the full conference or $200 for one day only. Registration for the conference will close on February 22, 2018.
For more information on the Michigan Farmers Market Conference, visit www.mifma.org/conference or call 517-432-3381.