2016 National Value Added Agriculture Conference

18th ANNUAL NATIONAL VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE 2016

The 18th annual National Value Added Conference was held at Madison, Wisconsin, July 21st-22nd, 2016

National leaders in value-added agriculture will be convening in Madison, Wisconsin, for the 18th Annual National Value-Added Agriculture Conference. The theme of this year’s conference is “Agriculture, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship: Developing Thriving Rural Communities.”

Conference topics include agritourism, rural & urban economic development, food waste, food safety, marketing, policy, local & regional food systems, labor issues, alternative energy, technology, supply chain management, and more.

The 2016 National Value Added Agriculture Conference is hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection & University of Wisconsin – Dane County Extension. The conference runs on Thursday, July 21st through mid-day on Friday, July 22nd, with a welcoming reception the evening of Wednesday, July 20th and tours Thursday afternoon.  The deadline to register is July 18th.

Who should attend: Farmers, business owners and operators, entrepreneurs, consultants, policy makers, extension specialists, academics, community leaders, and service providers.

Follow us on Facebook for the latest news!

Registration: The cost to attend the full conference is $150. This will cover meetings, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and a reception. There are volunteer opportunities for students and those who cannot afford the full rate. Register by May 1st and receive the early bird rate of $125.

Hotel: The event will be held at Park Hotel (formerly Inn on the Park), located at 22 S Carroll St, Madison, WI 53703. Call (800) 279-8811 or (608) 285-8000 and identify yourself as being a part of the "2016 National Value-Added Conference Block" to receive the group rate.

Room rates per night:
One Bed (1 to 2 people) = $139.00
Two Beds (1 to 4 people) = $149.00
Suites = $179.00

Rates above do not include taxes of 5.5% for the state or 9% for the city, if applicable

Presentation Information: If you are interested in presenting, please read through the presentation proposal information document and submit your proposal by April 1st, 2016.

Booth Space: A limited number of booth tables will be available. These booths are primarily reserved for information and service providers, however we welcome business booths as well. This is not a tradeshow, and it is not necessary to provide coverage for your booth for the entire conference, though we encourage you to be present. No electricity will be available. No sampling.

Agenda: See the agenda for the 2016 NVAAC!

MAKE IT A WEEKEND!

Madison, Wisconsin has a lot of amazing things to offer! Make the conference a weekend and consider checking out Wisconsin’s beautiful countryside.

• Dane County Farmers Market - Madison is home to the largest producer only market in the nation. It takes place every Wednesday and Saturday on the beautiful downtown square.
• Visit our Visitor Bureau to find more information.
• July is a great time to visit farms for u-picks and farm to table dinners. Check out REAP Food Group’s Farm Fresh Atlas which lists farms, businesses, organizations, restaurants, and farmers' markets that sell their goods directly to customers in southern Wisconsin.
• Looking for a great restaurant while you’re in Madison? Check out REAP Food Group’s listing of restaurants focusing on local food.
• Want to go to a show or an art exhibit? Isthmus has a great events list of everything happening in town.

The 2016 National Value Added Agriculture Conference is hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection & University of Wisconsin – Dane County Extension. Confirmed sponsors include the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, University of Wisconsin Dane County Extension, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Food MarketMaker, and Southern Extension Risk Management Education.