• I'm driving to the convention. What's the best way to get to Austin?
• If I drive to San Antonio for the pre-conference bus tour and go to the convention in Austin, how do I get my car?
  
• What time do the buses load on Monday morning for the Pre-Conference Bus Tour? What if I can't get there on time?
• I'm going on the pre-conference bus tour. Which nights do I need to make my own hotel reservations and where?
• Is there still room on any of the Pre-Conference Bus Tours?
• I'm not sure what workshop I want to go to; can I change it when I get there?
• How do I know if I'm registered for the convention?
• How do I get a written receipt for my convention registration?
• What meals are included with registration?
• What do I do with all my luggage during the bus tour?
• Do I need to book my own hotel room for the convention?
• Do I have to be a member of NAFDMA to go to the conference?
• What is the rate if I bring my 15-year-old child to the conference?
• Can I get the proceedings without coming to the conference?
• Is the conference going to be recorded?
• I am driving in and would like to know where I can park and what it costs.
• If I bring my young children, is there day care available?
• Why do I have to buy a membership to go on the tour but not attend the conference?
• Why does your convention cost more that my regional conference?
• Can I register and pay for the conference when I get to the door?
• Is there still room on the Post-Conference Cruise?
• Do I need a passport to go on the cruise?
• I want to only visit the trade show, what is the cost?
  

If I drive to San Antonio for the pre-conference bus tour and go to the convention in Austin, how do I get my car?
Greyhound bus: Call 210-270-5824 or 800-231-2222 or www.greyhound.com. Amtrak’s Texas Eagle: Call 210-223-3226 or 800-872-7245 or www.texaseagle.com.

What time do the buses load on Monday morning for the Pre-Conference Bus Tour? What if I can't get there on time?
Because we are running several different bus tours, which will be going in several different directions, we are not able to accommodate anyone late to the bus loading. Please make your travel plans accordingly.

I'm going on the pre-conference bus tour. Which nights do I need to make my own hotel reservations and where?
You will need to book your own rooms in San Antonio for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday night. This year, your hotel room is NOT included with your tour registration. We have special room rates of $79 per night at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel. The tour ends on Wednesday in Austin, so if you're staying overnight on Wednesday and beyond, you'll need to make your hotel reservations at the Hyatt Regency Austin.

Is there still room on any of the Pre-Conference Bus Tours?
Maybe not.** This year, we are offering several different bus tours for you to choose from. The number of buses per tour is limited. Seats will be filled on a first-paid, first-served basis. We strongly recommend that you register early for the tour of your choice. Pre-registration begins Oct. 1. **Please click here for tour availability.

I'm not sure what workshop I want to go to; can I change it when I get there?
Due to the growing popularity of our workshops - No! New this year, you must pre-register for workshops. There will be no on-site workshop registration. Take the time to click on the workshop descriptions here at the Web site to help you make your decision.

How do I know if I'm registered for the convention?
If you pre-register for the conference by Dec. 6, you will be sent a confirmation letter. If you pay by check, your cancelled check is your receipt. If you pay online by credit card, your receipt is printed immediately upon registration.

How do I get a written receipt for my convention registration?
If you have registered on-line, remember to print your confirmation page as your receipt. If you paid by check, visit the registration desk during the conference to request a receipt.

What meals are included with registration?
Pre-Conference Bus Tours: Breakfast and lunch on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and dinner on Tuesday.
Workshops on Thursday: Lunch.
Conference: Breakfast and lunch on Friday and Saturday.

What do I do with all my luggage during the bus tour?
Leave it in your hotel room! Remember, this year you will make your own reservations for you bus tour overnight rooms. That means you have the same room on Sunday night through check out on Wednesday.

Do I need to book my own hotel room for the convention?
Yes, you are responsible for your own lodging during the entire convention. Be sure to book your room by Dec. 15 to get the convention rate. Bookings after that date will be at the hotel's standard rate. We cannot change that for you.

Do I have to be a member of NAFDMA to go to the conference?
No. However, NAFDMA members receive a discounted rate to attend the conference. You can pay your membership fee on the same form as the convention registration.

What is the rate if I bring my 15-year-old child to the conference?
Children under 16 years old are free for the conference and will receive a special name badge.

Can I get the proceedings without coming to the conference?
Yes. Visit the NAFDMA bookstore. Here you'll find various publications, including proceedings from past conferences, as well as order forms for audio from past conferences.
Is the conference going to be recorded?
Yes. All sessions will be audio recorded, so if you enjoyed your session or want to hear a session that you missed, you can purchase a tape or CD of that session. Visit the audio company table at the conference. Order forms will also be available in the Conference Digest you will get on site.

I am driving in and would like to know where I can park and what it costs.
Please click here for full travel details.

If I bring my young children, is there day care available?
Childcare is not offered by the convention. You are responsible for the care and arrangements for your children.

Why do I have to buy a membership to go on the tour but not attend the conference?
Our popular pre-conference bus tour is an exclusive benefit for NAFDMA members. Members and non-members are welcome to attend the conference.

Why does your convention cost more that my regional conference?
The fees we charge cover the cost of bringing you premier speakers and information on farm direct marketing, holding the conference in an outstanding facility conducive to learning and sharing, and including meals and special amenities. At our 2004 convention, we surveyed attendees and asked them how much their 2003 farm income had increased as a result of attending a NAFDMA convention. More than 75 percent said that 2003 income had increased by more than $5,000. More than 40 percent said that 2003 income had increased by more than $20,000. As you can see, the convention is a great value that can really help boost your farm income.

Can I register and pay for the conference when I get to the door?
Yes, but only for the conference. Be aware, however, that advanced registration is required for all bus tours and workshops.

Is there still room on the Post-Conference Cruise?
Please click here to check on tour availability. This tour is limited to 60 people and registration by November 6, 2005 is required.

Do I need a passport to go on the Post-Conference Cruise?
Sailing requirements per the Royal Carribean web site:
U.S. Citizens: The below requirements are valid up until December 31, 2006. A passport (valid or expired) is highly recommended as it will speed-up your check-in formalities as well as your departure procedures with government officials (if you would like to find out how to obtain a passport, you can do so at U.S Department of State Passport Services and Information website). In the absence of a passport, a birth certificate (original, notarized copy or certified copy), plus a picture ID card issued by a federal, state or local government agency is required. A voter registration card or Social Security Card are not considered to be proof of citizenship. Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture ID. Visas are not required for U.S. citizens.
Canadian Citizens: A passport (valid or expired) is highly recommended as it will speed-up your ship check-in formalities (if you would like to find out how to obtain a passport, you can do so at The Canadian Passport Office website). In the absence of a passport, a birth certificate (original, notarized copy or certified copy), plus a picture ID card issued by a federal or provincial government agency. Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture ID. Visas are not required for Canadian citizens.

I want to only visit the trade show, what is the cost?
The Trade show is offered in the conference package. We no not offer a "trade show only" price.

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