Attending a conference is a great opportunity for farmers to grow their knowledge, connect with like-minded individuals, and promote their businesses. Whether you're coming to the Veterans IN Farming Winter Conference or another event, a little preparation can make all the difference. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your conference experience.
1. Get Your Farm Ready to Network

• Business Cards: These are essential. Include your farm’s name, contact info, and logo.

• Farm Branding: If your farm doesn't have a logo, you can easily create one using the free version of Canva. It's user-friendly and offers customizable templates.

• Online Presence: Make sure your farm is easy to find online:

• Set up a basic Facebook page for your farm.

• Consider creating a simple website. Platforms like Squarespace or WordPress make this process straightforward, even for beginners.

2. Pack Smart

• Pen and Notepad: Old-school tools for jotting down key takeaways.

• Smartphone: Use it to snap photos of presentation slides or make quick notes.

• Raffle Item: At the Veterans IN Farming Winter Conference, we’re looking for farms to donate raffle items. If you produce nonperishable goods like jam, honey, or soap, bring something branded with your logo. It’s a great way to showcase your products and gain free advertising.

3. Enjoy Conference Perks

• Meals and Refreshments: These are provided, so no need to pack snacks.

• Convenient Location: The hotel is adjacent to the conference center, making it easy to get from your room to the event without hassle.
• Free Parking: Located behind the Conference Center

4. Stay Engaged

• Ask questions during sessions to deepen your understanding.

• Swap contact information with fellow attendees—farming is about community, after all.

• Visit exhibitor tables to discover new tools and resources that could benefit your farm.

Networking is one of the most valuable aspects of a conference. To make a great impression, ensure you're ready to share your farm's story:

Conferences are fast-paced, so having the right tools on hand will help you stay organized and engaged:

At the Veterans IN Farming Winter Conference, you can look forward to:

Once you're at the conference, stay open to learning and connecting:

Conferences are an investment in yourself and your farm, so take the time to prepare. We can’t wait to see you at the Veterans IN Farming Winter Conference in Bloomington, Indiana, this January. Come ready to learn, connect, and grow—Farm ON!