Michigan Agritourism Summit adds second day as registration opens for inaugural conference

What’s happening: Details have been released as registration has opened up for the inaugural Michigan Agritourism Summit from Michigan State University Extension. The summit itself is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City. A Pre-Summit Farm Tour and Welcome Soiree has been added to the event, and is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, at multiple locations throughout Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties.

What it is: The Agritourism Summit aims to draw together Michigan farmers, municipal officials, and rural community stakeholders in an attempt to foster growth in the state’s agritourism industry.

Why it’s happening: Summit organizers cite the economic power of Michigan’s agriculture and tourism industries but attest that there is still plenty of room to grow for both, and especially if and when they overlap. The sharing of best practices among Summit attendees will be at the forefront of the inaugural event.

[Related: Read “Agritourism is flourishing in rural Michigan” on Rural Innovation Exchange.]

What’s planned: On Tuesday, May 7, guests will meet at the Hotel Indigo in Traverse City before being escorted on an agritourism farm tour at sites throughout Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties before the Welcome Soiree at Farm Club. On Wednesday, May 8, guests will meet at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City for a full day of forums and networking opportunities. Key speakers include Kathy Angerer, chief of staff for the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development; Suzi Spahr, executive director of the North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association; and more.

A full agenda is available online.

How to attend: Summit information and registration is available online. All-inclusive and a la carte pricing are both available, with an early bird discount available through Monday, April 15. It should be noted that the pre-summit agritourism tour is limited to 50 guests due to bus capacity.

Registration for the 2024 Agritourism Summit is available online.

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