Frequently Asked Questions

All the info you need to attend the 2025 InTents Conference

Who attends this event?

After 8 years of annual InTents conferences, we have a big group of returning attendees and plenty of newcomers from throughout the US, Canada and beyond. Current and prospective farmers market managers and participants attend. Municipal groups, nonprofits and policy makers that host or support farmers’ markets will be here. We have a special shorter track for farmers and food makers again in 2025. Businesses that provide goods and services to farmers market managers and participants connect here.

Who should sponsor this event?

Companies offering goods and services that support farmers market participants: website creation, tents, insurance, foodservice supplies, credit card and EBT processing, banking and legal services, banner and flyer printing, promotional goods, packaging, and so much more. Learn more about sponsorship packages here.

I already operate a successful farmers market. Why should I attend?

There's always something to learn about recruiting and retaining farmers, vendors and staff, dealing with increasing costs and regulations, marketing, budgeting, conflict management, climate change adaptation, advocacy and paperwork. And it's always a good time when you network with other people in your industry. (They get you.) If you really already know it all, contact us about leading a session and sharing your expertise.

Will I learn about crop irrigation and food safety here?

No, if you're a farmer or a foodmaker you'll learn how direct marketing can increase your profit margin, and how to most effectively operate at markets, display your harvest and products and serve your customers to increase your farmers' market sales. There are other places to learn how to grow or bake. You’re here to learn how to sell what you produce and make a profit.

Where does all this happen?

We’ll be meeting at the Catamaran Resort in the heart of San Diego, California’s Pacific Beach community. We’ve changed locations slightly in this 9th year as we continue to grow and level up. New this year: meeting rooms, the Resource Lounge and accommodations are all on one site. Groceries, fine dining and burrito stands can be found at the hotel and right next door, no need to drive. Step outside between sessions and you’ll find your feet on the sand.

What if I can’t make it to California?

After 2021 introduced us all to virtual meetings, the InTents Farmers Market Conference has remained hybrid ever since. Register for the Listen and Learn ticket and you can join the live feed online via Zoom. A dedicated facilitator manages the chat function and questions from our online attendees. While nothing quite replaces being in the room with hundreds of farmers market folks who understand what you do, you can also make great connections and take advantage of amazing presentations online.

Will the conference sessions be recorded?

Yes! If you miss a session or can’t tune in virtually for the whole conference, don’t fret. We will also be recording each session and attendees (both in-person and virtual) will have access to those once the conference is over.

When should I arrive? How long should I stay?

Sessions start promptly at 8 am on Monday morning, March 10th and wrap up at 5 pm on Wednesday, March 12th. Plan to be here the whole time to take advantage of all of the content and networking available. 

Many attendees arrive on the Saturday before the conference to visit local markets on the weekend. Optional workshops and activities will be offered on Sunday, March 9th. Early registration and Swap Shop drop offs on-site start at 2 pm on Sunday, March 9th.

Where should I stay?

Many attendees and most speakers will stay on site at the beautiful Catamaran Resort. Book early to take advantage of special attendee rates including discounted resort fees. San Diego in March is a pretty special place, and some attendees bring their families along and enjoy the beach before or after the conference.. For other nearby hotels and short term rentals, the closest areas to search are Mission Beach, Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach.

What should I pack?

There’s no dress code, most folks lean to farmers market business casual. Fruit and vegetable costumes may occur. Like many places in these wacky weather times, San Diego can have a wide range of seasons in a single day. We expect sunny days; we’re near the water and that can get nippy, especially at night. Pack layers, a swimsuit for the pool and the beach, and sunscreen.

What food and drinks are available? Are they included in my registration?

We’ll have light breakfast offerings available Monday through Wednesday mornings, included in your registration. Complimentary appetizers and drinks will be offered at a Monday reception and possibly at other sponsored breaks.

Lunches and dinners are on your own. We’ll have a mini lunch market on Monday featuring local farmers market vendors. The hotel has a coffee bar and a restaurant on site and there are plenty of additional options nearby. Various meetups available in the evenings in casual settings, including the Pacific Beach Farmers Market, have food and beverage available for purchase.

Is parking extra? How should I get around?

Parking is expensive in Pacific Beach, including at the host hotel. With everything available on site or an easy walk away, we suggest not bringing a car. San Diego does not have as robust a public transportation system as some cities this size. unfortunately. Rideshares are plentiful.

What’s this I hear about a Swap Shop?

Wildly popular in recent years, the Swap Shop is back, so get ready to show us your swag! Drop off at least 5 - and up to 20 - shopping bags, t-shirts, or other innovative merch that represents your market at Registration on Sunday and Monday, and you’ll get Market Bucks for each item you contribute. Everyone can shop for other markets’ specialities and vintage InTents goodies and books. We’ll have some new systems in place this year to make sure everyone gets a chance to shop.

Do virtual attendees receive swag?

Unfortunately, shipping and handling doesn’t make physical swag for our virtual attendees practical. We will have some online surprises for all attendees following the conference.

What are the safety protocols?

With health protocols more routine now, we advise sensible precautions. Please respect attendees who feel more comfortable wearing face masks. If you are exposed to or test positive for COVID-19 or other contagious illness during the conference, please take care of yourself: stay off-site and take advantage of online attendance. Our venue and schedule allow for open windows and lots of time outside.

What's the refund policy?

Once you've registered, no refunds are available. You're welcome to transfer your ticket to a friend or associate by notifying us, or to take advantage of the virtual option to attend online.

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