InTents Conference aims to grow farmers’ market businesses

The first ever InTents Conference is coming to Mission Bay in San Diego Sunday, March 19-21, to help new and established farmers, artisan food makers and farmers’ market managers find smart new ways to increase their income. The InTents Conference will feature two full days of educational panels, speakers, roundtables and networking opportunities, skills and resources.

“Our goal for the InTents Conference is to teach farmers, small food makers and farmers’ market managers how to maximize their income at their famers’ markets and beyond,” said Catt Fields White, InTents Conference director.

In addition to Fields White, the inaugural InTents Conference speakers include 3 Cow Marketing’s Charlotte Smith, Edible San Diego’s Katie Stokes, experienced farmers, food makers, and farmers’ market managers from several states, authors and experts in the fields of food, business, human resources, marketing and more. The Big Tent ticket provides access to all three days, special breakout sessions and to Monday evening’s social event. Afternoon sessions on Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will focus on taking startups through the logistics of how to launch a new market or bring a great product to farmers’ markets including permitting information for farmers, food makers and managers.

The InTents Flavor Party on Monday night, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., will feature chefs and farmers teaming up at tasting stations to bring guests unique farm fresh bites, drinks, live music and surprise entertainment. This tasting event will be open to the public on Monday night for $75 and a portion of the proceeds will go to Kitchens for Good, a San Diego local nonprofit that breaks the cycle of food waste and uses it to feed the hungry. To close Monday evening, the InTents Conference will hold an “Urchin Pond,” with a wink to Shark Tank, where attendees will have the opportunity to pitch a panel with the best Farmer’s Market product and business plan for a chance to receive a startup subsidy package.

The InTents Conference will help attendees discover new sources of ingredients, packaging, operating supplies, signage, insurance, management services, marketing materials and more. It also provides a networking opportunity for participants to connect with fellow farmers, managers and entrepreneurs.

The InTents Conference will be held at the Marina Village Conference Center in Mission Bay. The event will run from Sunday, March 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to Tuesday, March 21 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration ranges from $75-$325 for different packages.

For more information about the InTents Conference, visit www.intentsconference.com. More details about the InTents Conference will be released in the upcoming weeks.