Conference FAQ

Greetings AWESOME Alaska Farmers Market Organizers and Enthusiasts!

It’s almost conference time!! Thank you for taking this journey with us.

We’re looking forward to hosting y’all in Homer! Here’s a list of important

information. Please let us know if you have any questions!

REGISTRATION
If you haven’t registered, do so NOW! For planning needs, we need information on everyone attending.

Registration will be open:
Thursday, 1:45-5pm, 7:45-9pm
Friday 7:30-10am

If you arrive after this, ask for Tiffany and she’ll get you squared away.

LOCATION:
The conference will take place at Second Star, a beautiful facility overlooking Kachemak Bay. Sessions will take place in the main meeting hall downstairs, as well as in the upstairs hall. We’ll have our Keynote (and possibly some films) in the onsite movie Theatre. All conference meals will be served in the onsite kitchen. If it is somewhat nice, we’ll have cocktails and pizza on the deck.

SCHEDULE
The schedule is divided into breakout sessions (two choices per session) and plenary sessions (only one session option).

The majority of our breakout sessions will be “peer-led,” with 2-4 facilitators in each session. Sessions may include a brief presentation, followed by discussion. If you indicated interest in helping lead a discussion, you’ll find your name beside that session. Everyone is welcome to contribute! Bring any materials (i.e. policy manuals, insurance guides, etc.) to share.

Other plenary sessions will include an “expert” and provide more in depth, technical information, with questions and answer afterwards.

Find out more information about our Speakers and Schedule

PHOTOS AND SHWAG GALLERY

Do you have some great photos of your market? Send them to us and we’ll print them for display.

Some stellar t-shirts or posters? Bring them with you! We’re setting up a “Shwag Gallery” to show off Alaska’s creative nature. At the end of the conference, trade with a new market friend!

MEALS
The Conference will provide meals for attendees and speakers: Friday- breakfast/lunch/dinner, Saturday- breakfast/lunch, as well as light break refreshments. Thursday’s pre-party will be at local bar and restaurant, Alice’s Champagne Palace. Edible Alaska will be providing drink tickets to attendees, but dinner is on your own.

Note- regardless if you received a scholarship or not, all attendees must pay a $50 meal fee (what a deal for 5 meals!). Please bring cash or check payable to Homer Farmers Market (no credit cards) with you to registration.

LODGING
Scholarship Lodging:
All scholarship recipients have been assigned a shared room (as stated in the scholarship offering). You will receive your room assignment when checking in at Registration. If you do not wish to share a room, you’ll need to book and cover costs for a room elsewhere.

The “Spa Wing,” sauna, pool, and hot tub, are open to participants staying on site, during non session times. Bring your bathing suits and flippyflops!

Other Lodging Options:

Homer Bed and Breakfast Association is offering discounted rates
Lands End Resort also has negotiated rates
AirBnB has several choices
Other area hotels: Driftwood Inn, Bidarki Inn, Ocean Shores, and Beluga Lake Lodge

GETTING AROUND:
Taxis:

Kachecab - 235-1950
Kostas Taxi - 399-8008
Chux Cab - 235-2489

Catching a ride with other conference attendees/locals is also a great option!

SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS

All receipts must be submitted by MARCH 20, 2017. You will be given a reimbursement form at Registration to submit with your receipts. The form will also be available online after the conference.
Participation in the “Fresh Perspectives” session is required.

(More details)

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

The facility is a “shoes-off” building. Consider bringing a pair of house slippers or indoor shoes.
Thursday is movie night! Send us suggestions for films to screen!