Draft Schedule as of January 12, 2015

2015 Michigan Farmers Market Conference Schedule

Monday, March 9

Time Room Topic 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Auditorium (Rm 1200) Double Up Food Bucks Training

Double Up Food Bucks is a program of Fair Food Network that provides Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries with a one-to-one match to purchase healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables at participating locations. This session will train new and returning market managers on implementation of the program in 2015 including the sharing of best practices from experienced market managers.

Tuesday, March 10

Time Room Topic 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Atrium Registration

9:00 – 10:15 a.m. Auditorium (Rm 1200) Keynote Speaker: Richard McCarthy, Slow Food USA 10:15 – 10:45 a.m. Atrium

Morning Break, Visit Exhibitors & Silent Auction Opens

10:45 – 12:00 p.m. Conservatory Roundtable Discussions

Discussion Questions: 1) What was your biggest success in 2014 that you hope to build on in 2015? Or, what is one new idea that you have for

your farmers market or business in 2015? 2) MIFMA works hard to professionalize the job of farmers market managers because we know that they are integral to the

success of a farmers market. To better understand the baseline and progress being made, MIFMA will, for the first time, do a study in 2015 to investigate how market managers are being compensated. How would you use the results of a market manager compensation study?

3) In April 2015, MIFMA will begin to draft and set in place a strategic plan to guide our work over the next three years. What do you see as the most exciting opportunities for MIFMA in the next three years?

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Conservatory & Atrium Lunch, Visit Exhibitors & Silent Auction

Lunch will be provided by MIFMA member, Purple Carrot of Lansing, Michigan whose business model is to serve innovative, creative and fresh cuisine by utilizing the abundance of flavors Michigan has to offer.

Time Room Track Topic 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. A155 Boot Camp

Starting a Farmers Market in Michigan Featured Speaker: Dru Montri, MIFMA

Session Description: The number of farmers markets in Michigan has grown exponentially since the late 1990s. If you are in the early phases of starting a farmers market, this session is for you. The presentation will include a review of important questions to consider about the feasibility of starting a new market in your community as well as the steps you can take to start and grow a new farmers market.

Draft Schedule as of January 12, 2015

A149 Advanced Farmers Market Placemaking Accomplishments and Lessons Learned Featured Speaker: Matt Bach, Michigan Municipal League

Session Description: After visiting more than 30 farmers markets in Michigan, Matt Bach of the Michigan Municipal League wrote a Case Study to highlight the placemaking accomplishments of farmers markets throughout the state. Join Matt as he shares lessons learned from around the state and what he believes to be the keys to having a successful farmers market. A158 Farmer/

Vendor Small Fruit Production for Farmers Market Sales

Session Description: There is no doubt that beautiful, ripe and fragrant fruit draws customers to Michigan farmers markets. Whether it is the first strawberry of the year, or that last raspberry of the fall, those crops can also bring a premium for growers. Join this session on small fruit production to pick up a few tips on growing these marketable crops.

2:15 – 2:45 p.m. Atrium Afternoon Break, Visit Exhibitors & Silent Auction

2:45 - 4:00 p.m. A155 Boot Camp

Integration of Social Media and Web-based Marketing

Session Description: Many farmers markets understand the importance of having a website and a Facebook page, but do you know how they should work together? How do you turn Facebook “likes” into website traffic and how do you make sure the people who visit your website become repeat visitors? Attend this session to learn how to optimize your market’s web presence and integrate your social media and website marketing tools. A149 Advanced Building a Partnership with SNAP Ed Programs in Your

Community

Session Description: Each year, the Michigan Nutrition Network and MSU Extension work with partners all across the state to implement Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Education programs with the goal of improving the likelihood that persons eligible for SNAP will make healthy choices within a limited budget and choose active lifestyles. Attend this session to hear examples of how farmers markets in Michigan are currently working with SNAP Ed partners and learn how your market can get involved.

4:00 – 4:30 p.m. Atrium Afternoon Break, Visit Exhibitors & Silent Auction

7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Lansing City

Market

Networking Event Join MIFMA for networking at the indoor Lansing City Market. This open-house-style event is open to all conference attendees and MIFMA members.

Draft Schedule as of January 12, 2015

Wednesday, March 11

Time Room Track Topic 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. Atrium Registration

8:30- 9:15 a.m. Auditorium (Rm 1200) MIFMA Annual Meeting

9:30 - 10:45 a.m. A155 Boot Camp Using Your MIFMA Membership to Enhance Your Market’s Success Featured Speaker: Samantha Collins, MIFMA

Session Description: The Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) is a statewide, member-based association that supports farmers markets and the farmers and vendors that sell at farmers markets. In order to support its members, MIFMA offers a variety of benefits available exclusively to MIFMA members. Attend this session to learn how MIFMA can support you as a market manager including the benefits now available to MIFMA members through a newly-formed, strategic partnership with the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM). A149 Advanced Preparing For and Managing Transitions in Market

Leadership Featured Speakers: Jeremy Brown, Oakland County Farmers Market; Chris Broadbent, Peoples Food Co-Op; Sarah DeWitt, Ann Arbor Farmers Market

Session Description: Many farmers markets experience transition in leadership and market manager turnover. Attend this session to hear from market managers who have successfully transitioned market leadership, the lessons they have learned and the strategies they have put in place for the future. Whether your market is planning a transition in leadership or not, you will learn how your market can organize market information in a way that would help volunteers and others to easily assist if needed. A158 Farmer/

Vendor Hoophouse Tomato Production for Early Season Sales Featured Speaker: Adam Montri, MSU Horticulture Department & 10 Hens Farm

Session Description: Being first to market with a crop can result in premium prices for farmers, especially when it’s the first bright red, juicy tomato of the season! Attend this session to learn from hoophouse expert Adam Montri the techniques for early season tomato production that can put you ahead of the pack.

10:45 – 11:15 a.m.

Atrium Morning Break, Visit Exhibitors & Silent Auction 11:15 – 12:30 p.m.

A155 Boot Camp MDARD Food Safety Regulations and Licensing

Session Description: What food safety licenses/inspections should vendors have and how do they get them? Hear directly from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development about the regulations in place to ensure food safety and what vendors need to do to comply with these regulations.

Draft Schedule as of January 12, 2015

A149 Advanced Wine Sales at Michigan Farmers Markets: Successes and Lessons Learned from the First Season of Implementation Featured Speakers: Linda Jones, Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council; Sharon Martin, Michigan Liquor Control Commission; Emily Beutel, Texas Township Farmers Market

Session Description: Public Act 100 was passed in July 2013 and allows wine sales and sampling at Michigan farmers markets. Attend this session to learn more about the success stories and lessons learned through the first season of implementation and to explore whether or not it is a good fit for your farmers market.

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Conservatory & Atrium

Lunch, Visit Exhibitors & Silent Auction Bidding on silent auction items will close at 1:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided by MIFMA member, Purple Carrot of Lansing, Michigan. The Purple Carrot’s business model is to serve innovative, creative and fresh cuisine by utilizing the abundance of flavors Michigan has to offer.

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Market Manager Peer Mentoring Meet & Greet Those participating in the 2015 Market Manager Peer Mentoring program will gather for introductions and program information.

1:30 – 2:45 p.m. A155 Boot Camp Developing Your Leadership Skills to be a Better Market Manager Featured Speaker: Kristine Ranger, The Learning Connection

Session Description: Have you ever considered how your leadership style affects the way you manage your farmers market? Your natural approach to working with others, managing conflict, and directing and motivating others shapes the way you manage your farmers market. Join presenter Kristine Ranger to explore more about yourself and how developing your leadership skills can enhance your market. A149 Advanced Licensing for Cooking Demonstrations and Providing

Safe Food Samples at Farmers Markets

Session Description: Cooking demonstrations and food sampling activities are popular programs at farmers markets across Michigan because of the value they add to a shoppers’ experience and the marketing potential they hold for market vendors. Attend this session to learn more about the licensing options for cooking demonstrations and the best practices for providing safe food samples at farmers markets. A158 Farmer/

Vendor Considerations for Succession Planning

Session Description: Planning for farm succession should not be a scary process that you avoid. Attend this session to learn about the importance of communication in the planning process and learn how you can begin putting a succession plan in place for your farm.

2:45 – 3:00 p.m. Auditorium (Rm 1200) Wrap-up and Closing Remarks, Silent Auction Winners Announced