• I am attending the Convention, what do I need to know?
• I am going on a bus tour, what do I need to know?
• Will NAFDMA membership cover more than one person from my farm so we can both attend a bus tour and workshop?
• I'm driving to the convention. What's the best way to get to Wisconsin?
• What time do the buses load on Friday morning for the 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 Bus Tours?
• What's the weather in Wisconsin? What do I wear?
• I'm not sure what workshop I want to go to; can I change it when I get there?
• I'm going on the bus tour. The registration form asks for a secondary roommate. What does this mean?
• How do I know if I'm registered for the convention?
• How do I get a written receipt for my convention registration?
• What is the convention cancellation policy?
  
• 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 than my regional conference?
• Can I register and pay for the conference when I get to the door?
• I want to only visit the trade show, what is the cost?
  

I am going on a bus tour, what do I need to know?
The bus tour will be based in Madison, Wis., at the Marriott Madison West. You DO NOT need to make hotel reservations. Three nights of lodging (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) are included with bus tour registration. Buses will depart from Madison on Friday morning and will bring everyone to the Kalahari on Sunday evening. See the bus tour pages for more details.

Will NAFDMA membership cover more than one person from my farm so we can both attend a bus tour and workshop?
Yes! Membership is for your farm or business. After your Convention Circle membership fee is paid, as many folks as you would like from your farm or business can attend our convention at the membership rates, and particpate in the members-only events.

I'm driving to the convention. What's the best way to get to Wisconsin?
Please visit our Travel Page for lots of helpful information to help you navigate your way to Madison (for those on the bus tour) or to the Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells.

What time do the buses load on Friday morning for the Bus Tour? What if I can't get there on time?
Because we are running five different bus tours, which will be going in five 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 bus tour. Which nights do I need to make my own hotel reservations and where?
You will be staying in Madison on Thursday (arrival day), Friday and Saturday night. You DO NOT need to make hotel reservations for the bus tour. Three nights of lodging (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) are included with bus tour registration. The tour ends on Sunday night in Wisconsin Dells, so if you're staying overnight on Sunday and beyond, you'll need to make your hotel reservations at the Kalahari.

Is there still room on any of the Bus Tours?
At this time, yes. This year, we are offering five different bus tours from which you can choose. The number of buses is limited to two per tour. Seats will be filled on a first-paid, first-served basis. We strongly recommend that you register early for the tour of your choice. Early bird registration is now open. See our bus tour page for more information.

What's the weather in Wisconsin? What do I wear?
Wear layers. We had 50 F in Boston, a Chinook in Calgary and snow in Arizona. We never know what to expect, and if the weather is in keeping with our theme, Expect the Unexpected! Click here for the latest Wisconsin weather forecast.

I'm not sure what workshop I want to attend; can I change it when I get there?
Due to the growing popularity of our workshops - No! You must pre-register for most workshops. On-site registration will be available for select workshops. Take the time to review the workshop descriptions when they are posted to help you make your decision.

I'm going on the bus tour. The registration form asks for a secondary roommate. What does this mean?
Tours D and E will be staying in Schaumburg, Ill., for one night of the bus tour. If your "main" roommate is going on Tour A, B or C, you will need another roommate. If you do not know anyone to request, don't worry. We will assign you a roommate.

How do I know if I'm registered for the convention?
If you pre-register for the conference by Jan. 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 is the convention cancellation policy?
CANCELLATION POLICY: A full refund of registration fees will be made if written cancellation notice is provided before January 7, 2008. A 50 percent refund will be made if written cancellation notice is provided on or before January 21, 2008. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN AFTER JANUARY 22, 2008.

What meals are included with registration?
Bus Tours: Breakfast and lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and dinners on Friday and Saturday.
Workshops (Monday): Lunch.
Conference: Breakfast and lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday.

What do I do with all my luggage during the bus tour?
Check back for details.

Do I need to book my own hotel room for the convention?
Yes, you are responsible for your own lodging, EXCEPT for those of you participating in the bus tour. If you're going on the bus tour, lodging is included. Begin your hotel reservation at the Kalahari on Sunday, Feb. 17. Be sure to book your room by Jan. 6 to get the convention rate of $79 (this includes admission to the indoor water park!). Bookings after that date will be at the hotel's standard rate. We cannot change that for you. (Note: Rates at the Kalahari for Feb. 17 are currently listed at $259 a night, and that's the least expensive room. Don't miss this deadline!!)

Do I have to be a member of NAFDMA to go to the conference?
No. However, NAFDMA's Convention Circle members receive a discounted rate to attend the conference. Be sure to include your 2008 membership application and fee along with your convention registration.

What is the rate if I bring my 15-year-old child to the conference?
Infants and toddlers are free. The children's rate is available on our Registration page.

Can I get the proceedings without coming to the conference?
All NAFDMA members (Connection Circle and Convention Circle members) will receive a copy of the proceedings, either as a bound copy or a pdf.

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 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.
Parking is free and easy at the Kalahari in the Dells. 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. The Kalahari offers child care services through the Pop-In Nanny Agency.

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

Why does your convention cost more than 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 two-day conference and select workshops. Be aware, however, that advanced registration is required for all bus tours and some workshops.

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