Frequently Asked Questions

All the info you need to attend the 2024 InTents Conference

Who attends this event?

Current and prospective farmers market managers and participants. Municipal groups, nonprofits and policy makers that host or support farmers’ markets. Businesses that provide goods and services to farmers market managers and participants.

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 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.

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 4th and wrap up at 5 pm on Wednesday, March 6th. 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. Early registration and Swap Shop drop offs on-site start at 2 pm on Sunday, March 3rd.

Where should I stay?

You’ll need to book your own accommodations. Many attendees and most speakers stay at The Dana, across the street from our Marina Village venue. NOTE: Attendee rate regular rooms are now Sold Out . There are suites available at The Dana. 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’ll be near the water and that can get nippy, especially at night. Pack layers, a swimsuit for the pool and the beach, and sunscreen. • Our beloved funky waterfront venue tends to run chilly, even with the heat on, so bring a wrap. • It also tends to have spotty internet, even though we bring boosters to be sure we can power the livestream. That’s frustrating, we know, and we’ve explored solutions but so far to no avail. On the other hand, we don’t have to eat hotel food and there’s free parking. Tradeoffs. We recommend planning to use a hotspot at times.

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

Our Good Food Bar offerings for 2024 include a variety of breakfast and lunch options for sale in the Resource Lounge including beverages, grab and go pastries, sandwiches and speciality foods including vegetarian options. At the lively lunch market on site each day you can buy meals, beverages and snacks from local farmers market vendors. Budget as if you’ll be eating breakfast and lunch at a California farmers market.
VENDOR LINEUP: All days: 7 Seas Coffee, French Gourmet pastries and stuffed croissants (The Dana also offers a breakfast buffet) Assorted grab and go hummus, dips, salads and pitas from Brothers Products

Monday: La Casita de Vero fresh Mexican, My Pozole, Aro Chili dumplings, Kalyefornia Filipino, Sabor Piri Piri flavors of Mozambique

Tuesday: La Casita de Vero fresh Mexican, Kalyefornia Filipino, Sabor Piri Piri flavors of Mozambique, Tamale Fiesta, Nono Joe’s empanadas

Wednesday: Tamale Fiesta, Kalyefornia Filipino, Sabor Piri Piri flavors of Mozambique, My Pozole, Vegan Mirai sushi

Complimentary food and drinks will be offered at a Monday reception and possibly at other sponsored breaks. 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?

San Diego does not have as robust a public transportation system as some cities this size, though MTS Bus Route #8 does run regularly between The Dana and the Pacific Beach business district, a 10 minute trip. Rideshares are plentiful. If you’re driving while you’re here, Marina Village offers a big free parking lot onsite, unusual for California. If you’re not, The Dana provides a free shuttle in the morning and after sessions end in the afternoon. And it’s a lovely 12 minute walk from the hotel to the conference.

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. The Swap Shop will open at 11:30 during the lunch break on Tuesday, with contributors getting a 30 minute head start.

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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