Participation Day is your time to reconnect with old friends and network to meet new ones, all while enjoying our unique trade show and various events.

"We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate."
— Thomas Jefferson

Your personal feelings of government aside, this quote by one of the most famous people from Virginia, affectionately known as TJ to the locals, speaks to what Participation Day is all about. There are few majorities here and you must participate to get the most out of your convention experience.

Farm Operators, Service Professionals, Allied Industry Suppliers and Agricultural Media, Farmers' Market Managers and Organizers; Grower, Retailer, Entertainer, Service Provider, Supplier. All sectors of the NAFDMA membership have a voice. Let yourself be heard while joining in and celebrating what you all have in common - The business of Farm Direct Marketing and Agritourism.

Trade Show
The trade show will be open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Spend part of your day reconnecting with vendors you already do business with and meet some of the new and unique vendors in the show this year. New products for your retail market, new attractions for your on-farm activities, new tools for your business. The vendors are looking forward to meeting you, discussing their products and answering all your questions.

Celebrate Excellence Contests
Throughout the trade show area and in live sessions, you can see your marketing materials stack up against those of other NAFDMA Members. Visit the contest displays to see what others are doing and learn from their examples. Sit in on the live demonstrations to see and hear how other members use audio and video to promote their farms and events. Go to the Contests page for more details on the contest categories and how you can enter.

Exhibitor's Stage
Join exhibitors who have also signed up to be a part of the Exhibitors' Stage for a 30 minute, no pressure information session. This series of 30 minute presentations brings several exhibitors to the stage to explain their products and services. You get an all-new perspective as you see demonstrations and presentations. Ask questions in a no pressure setting. It's educational as the most innovative vendors choose to present their products in a group setting.

Round Tables
One of our most popular events last year, we have tweaked the format to help attendees get the most out of these peer to peer discussions. Round Table topics will be set in advance, complete details of discussion subjects and locations will be available at the convention.

NAFDMA Every Day
We welcome all members to join in and become more involved in the association. Behind the scenes of the convention are open meetings of the Participation Teams, and the Annual Membership Annual Meeting. We are also excited about the advancements in technology that allow NAFDMA members to remain connected to one another throughout the year, not only at the Convention. Information and hands-on demonstrations will be available to help you learn how to navigate through your membership benefits.

Grand Opening Session
Be sure to make plans to join us for this entertaining and informative session. Whether you will be returning from the Three-Day Networking Tour, or you are just arriving in Williamsburg to begin your convention experience, the Grand Opening Session will help you regroup and prepare for the next two days of intense education.

Shuttles to Colonial Williamsburg
The convention headquarters host hotel is a short drive from Colonial Williamsburg and you shouldn't miss it. Not only does the area offer a bit of history and lovely architecture, the retail shops will have plenty offer to for the shopper and casual observer alike. There are several dining options available to delight any palate. And don't forget the chocolate, it will be St. Valentine's Day after all. Go to our Williamsburg page to learn more.

Participation Day At-a-Glance