I left exhilarated, exhausted, and inspired—all at once!

In the ever-evolving world of agritourism, planning ahead gives you the competitive edge. From February 5-9, 2026 , the agritourism community will gather in Orlando for the next NAFDMA Agritourism Convention & Expo — an event designed to equip you, your team, and your business with new ideas, strategies, and connections. The Purpose Behind the Event Agritourism isn’t just about attracting visitors — it’s about creating meaningful experiences, extending your season, optimizing your operations, and generating sustainable growth. This convention is built for those who want more than just inspiration; it’s for those ready to act. Whether you’re refining guest experiences, scaling up retail operations, or transforming your farm into a destination, this event gives you the framework and tools to move forward. What You’ll Get Out of It Attendees will benefit in multiple ways: Real-world learning through tours. Visit live operations, see how fellow agritourism businesses are executed, get actionable take-aways. High-impact educational sessions. From marketing and staffing to logistics and guest experience — the sessions are built around what agritourism professionals need today. A dynamic expo floor. Engage with vendors offering tools, services, and technologies tailored for visitor-based farms and agritourism operations. Connections that last. It’s not just the content — it’s the network. Building relationships with peers, mentors, and vendors creates long-term value. Key Event Details Date: February 5-9, 2026 Location: Orlando, Florida Who should attend: Farm owners, agritourism managers, event-venue operators, team members who handle guest experience, marketing, operations. Highlights to plan for now: Pre-select your sessions based on your current biggest opportunities (for example: enhancing your event-venue layout, boosting per-guest spend, improving seasonal extension). Map out your vendor visits in the expo hall ahead of time. Schedule a team debrief after returning — capture key insights and assign actionable next steps. Why It’s Worth Your Investment Running an agritourism business today means juggling operations, budgeting, guest services, marketing, liability, staffing, and more. Events like this give you concentrated time away from the daily grind — a space to refocus, refresh, and return with a plan. For someone who tracks every detail (budgets, vendor counts, sponsorship tiers, etc.), the return on investment isn’t just measurable—it’s transformative. Make the Most of It Bring a colleague or team member who handles a different area (e.g., one for operations, one for marketing) so you cover more ground. Make a photo book of various spaces, highlights, and trouble areas on your farm. Show the photo book with people you meet to share new ideas and get input to areas you are looking to enhance. Before you go, define 2-3 measurable goals you want to achieve post-event. Take notes during sessions and tours with implementation in mind. Use networking breaks not just to chat, but to ask: “What challenge did you just solve that I’m still working through?” Once you’re back, host a team meeting to share what you learned, delegate follow-up tasks, and set timelines for acting on new ideas. Ready to Register? Visit the official event website to explore full registration options, check out tour and session details, and lock in your spot. This is more than a conference — it’s a stepping-stone for your agritourism business to level up. Ready to lean in?

If there’s one thing farm guests love to take home—besides memories and maybe a jar of jam—it’s a keepsake that reminds them of the fun they had. Enter branded plushies : the soft, snuggly marketing tool that’s warming hearts and helping farms boost their bottom line. A Hug-Sized Branding Opportunity Branded plushies are more than adorable souvenirs—they’re a creative and profitable way to extend your farm’s reach. By customizing plushies to reflect your farm’s personality—whether it’s your star goat, favorite tractor, pumpkin mascot, or sunflower smiley—you create a tangible connection that guests can carry home. These plushies instantly transform into beloved reminders of your farm experience, keeping your name front and center long after their visit. From Shelf Appeal to Sales Power Farm stores have discovered that plushies aren’t just impulse buys—they’re sales multipliers. Pair them with your own jams, honey, or gift baskets for an easy bundle that raises your per-sale value. Plushies also shine as part of seasonal displays or themed promotions —imagine a “Pick-Your-Pumpkin Pal” or “Berry Best Buddy” during harvest season. They’re equally effective at events: maze admissions, farm tours, u-pick patches, and holiday light shows are all perfect occasions to offer a plush mascot as part of a premium package. Seasonal Excitement & Repeat Visits Limited-edition designs tied to seasonal events—think spring lambs, summer bees, or Christmas calves—create anticipation year after year. When guests know there’s a new plush to collect, they’re more likely to return, increasing your repeat-visit rate and social buzz. Turning Guests into Brand Ambassadors The marketing magic doesn’t stop at the checkout counter. High quality plushies naturally find their way into photos, travel bags, and social media posts. Encourage guests to tag your farm with a branded hashtag for a chance to be featured—free, authentic promotion powered by pure joy. The Takeaway Branded plushies do more than delight—they tell your farm’s story in the sweetest, most huggable way possible. Whether snuggled on a child’s bed or shared online, these customized keepsakes turn happy customers into long-term fans who carry your farm’s spirit wherever they go. Want to learn more or create plushies for your farm? Find out more from The RGU Group on Faire: https://www.faire.com/direct/thergugroup?signUp=direct

At Vaughn’s Teaching Farm and Kitchen, sunflowers bloom, zucchinis roll, and families laugh together while discovering the joy of food and farming—one race at a time.

Farming is more than a livelihood—it’s a calling, a legacy, and at times, a heavy burden to carry.

At La Ferme Quinn (Quinn Farm), every season brings something fresh and exciting—apple picking in the fall, baby animals in the spring, pumpkins and hayrides that make memories last a lifetime. But sometimes, the most meaningful harvest is not found in a basket, but in the stories and traditions that families carry with them. Recently, Phil and Stephanie Quinn received a heartfelt message from a family who has been visiting the farm for over a decade. Along with their note, they shared two photos—one taken 12 years ago, and one recreated this year in the very same spot. “We really enjoyed visiting your farm, meeting your animals and picking apples. Thank you for all that you do! I’m from a rural area and grew up around farms, and really miss the farm life. So it was lovely to visit your farm again (we haven’t gone in over a decade as a family—our kids have gone with their elementary schools). Our 4 kids recreated a photo we took of them 12 years ago at your farm, I thought you might like to see! We can’t wait to come back and go pumpkin picking!” The Power of Farm Experiences This simple act—recreating a photo—reminds us why agritourism is so much more than a fun day out. Farms like Quinn’s provide a place where families can reconnect not only with each other, but also with the land, the animals, and traditions that anchor them. When children return to a farm they visited years ago, they’re not just seeing fields of pumpkins or rows of apple trees. They’re stepping back into moments of laughter, learning, and togetherness. The familiar barn, the tractor rides, and even the scent of fresh apples create a bridge between past and present. Memories that Grow with Us As this family shared, visiting Quinn Farm wasn’t just about picking apples—it was about reliving a piece of their own story. For parents who grew up in rural areas, farms can feel like homecoming. For kids, it’s a chance to build their own library of memories, ones they’ll carry into adulthood. And for Phil and Stephanie, these stories are the heart of their work. Every pumpkin picked, every animal petted, every photo snapped represents another thread woven into the fabric of family tradition. Looking Ahead As autumn arrives, Quinn Farm welcomes thousands of visitors eager to make memories of their own. For some, it will be their first taste of farm life. For others, it’s the continuation of a tradition that has spanned years—or even generations. And for one family, the story continues this fall, as they return once more—this time to pick pumpkins, pose for photos, and keep building a tradition that is uniquely theirs. At Quinn Farm, it’s not just about what you harvest in the fields—it’s about the memories that last long after the season ends.

At NAFDMA Convention & Expo, something special happens the moment you arrive. Yes, you’ll find world-class educational sessions, inspiring keynotes, and plenty of innovative ideas to bring home. But ask any past attendee what really sticks with them, and you’ll hear the same thing again and again: the relationships. Networking at Convention isn’t just small talk over coffee—it’s conversations that can change the trajectory of your farm, your business, and your future. Here's some thoughts from current board members about the power of NAFDMA Networking. The Power of Peers Farming and agritourism can be lonely work. Few people truly understand the challenges of balancing crops, customers, and community. At NAFDMA, you’re surrounded by peers who not only understand but respect the unique path you’re walking. “Your peers at NAFDMA are the only people in the world who never call in sick! They respect your business as much as they respect theirs.” — Olivia Telschow, Helene’s Hilltop Orchard, Merrill, WI That mutual respect is the foundation for lasting connections. It’s what turns a quick introduction into a trusted friendship—and sometimes, into a future business breakthrough. Conversations that Open Doors Networking here isn’t about swapping business cards—it’s about discovering solutions you didn’t even know you needed. Every workshop, farm tour, and Expo booth creates space for conversations that spark ideas and build confidence. “Convention networking has been a tremendous asset in building our business. The knowledge we’ve gained from our peers has opened opportunities we never knew existed. Success becomes easier when we invest in the relationships we build through NAFDMA—these relationships will continue to open new doors!!” — Scott DeBuck, DeBuck’s Family Farms, Belleville, MI From Ideas to Inspiration The best part? Those conversations don’t stop when the Convention ends. They travel home with you, fueling creativity, problem-solving, and inspiration long after the event. “Networking at Convention has been invaluable for us. The chance to connect with peers who truly understand our industry has not only sparked new ideas but also created lasting relationships. Every conversation opens a door to fresh opportunities, and those connections continue to support and inspire long after Convention ends.” — Andrea DeJesus, A&H Farms, Manhattan, KS Every Handshake Matters Whether it’s a quick hallway chat, a roundtable discussion, or a shared meal, every moment is an opportunity to learn from someone who has walked the same rows you do. “At NAFDMA, every handshake carries the potential to change your farm, your business, and your future—the power of networking here is unmatched, and it isn’t just about sharing experiences; it’s about discovering solutions you never knew you needed from people who’ve walked the same rows you do.” — Alma Galloway, Galloway Farm, Hallsboro, NC Why NAFDMA Convention & Expo? Because in addition to the educational sessions, the Expo floor, and the farm tours—you gain something you can’t put a price on: a community. A network of peers who will answer the phone when you’re stuck, celebrate with you when you succeed, and inspire you to keep going when times are tough. That’s the heart of NAFDMA Convention & Expo. And it’s why year after year, attendees come back—not just for the content, but for the connections. ✨ Ready to open new doors for your farm and your future? Join us at the next NAFDMA Convention & Expo and experience firsthand the power of networking with peers who truly get it.

Adding Pops of Color to Your Spring Festival 

As we head into the busiest time for many agritourism farms, owners and managers start to look at quick and easy ways to add new offerings to their customers. One way to increase the per-person spend? Add snacks! Biting Off the Next Bite of Consumer Attention? Food & Beverage may seem daunting, but there are many ways to simplify it. If you are just getting started, you may want to check out our Concessions 101 webinar. This gives you the most important things you need to know to start adding food, snacks, and drinks. If you are wanting to "level up" the experience for your guests, avoid some pitfalls by viewing the webinar titled Food & Beverage: 8 Things I Wouldn't Do . How to Get Started One of the easiest ways to get started is by using a pre-made snack that just needs heating up. The Amish Pretzel Company/Ben's Pretzels has just worked with Gordon Food Service to add both their 5.5 ounce pretzel and their pretzel bites to the GFS line of products. Who doesn't love a warm, tasty pretzel?! New Partnership from a NAFDMA Industry Member In the words of Tiffany from The Amish Pretzel Company: You may not remember me from the NAFDMA Expo but hopefully you remember sampling the world's best frozen pretzel. I am happy to let you know, you can now find our products the 5.5 ounce pretzel and the pretzel bites at your local Gordan Food Service (GFS) (NOTE: They do not stock in Florida or Texas) 96 ct - 5.5 ounce pretzel $124.99 Pretzel bites - $109.99 If you choose to use GFS for your ordering just let your GFS know that you will be ordering so they can plan to stock plenty for your farm. If this option does not work, you can always reach me to ship directly to you. Tiffany 574-215-8470.