Here are some frequently asked questions about the NAFDMA Convention in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  Click on the question to see the answer.  Or click here, to see the complete list of questions and answers.  If you have a question that isn't answered here, please email Cathy@WhiteLoafRidge.com or feel free to call the office at 413-529-0386.

I am attending the Convention, what do I need to know?
I am going on a bus tour but not attending the conference, what do I need to know?
Will NAFDMA membership cover more than one person from my farm to attend any part of the Convention?
I'm driving to the Convention.  What's the best way to get to Lancaster, PA?
What time do the buses load on Saturday?  What if I can't get there on time?
Is there a shuttle from the Eden Resort to the Marriott? 
Can I stay at the Marriott if I am only doing the bus tour?
I am going on the pre-conference Bus Tour.  Which nights do I need to make my own hotel reservations and where?
Is there still room on any of the Bus Tours?
What is the weather in Lancaster, Pennsylvania?  What do I wear?
I'm not sure what Workshop I want to go to; can I change it when I get there?
I am taking advantage of the Ultimate Networkers' Package.  The registration form asks for a roommate.  What does this mean?
How do I know if I am registered for the Convention?
How do I get a written receipt for my Convention registration?
What is the Convention cancellation policy? 
If I am doing the Bus Tour.  When should I arrive? 
Do I need to book my own hotel room for the Convention?
Do I have to be a member of NAFDMA to attend the Conference?
What is the rate if I bring my fifteen year old child to the Conference?
Can I get the proceedings without coming to the Conference?
Is the Conference going to be recorded? 
I am driving in and would like to know where I can park and what it costs?
If I bring my young children, is there day care available?
Why does your Convention cost more than my regional Conference?
Can I register and pay for the Conference when I get to the door?
I want to visit the Trade Show, what is the cost?
Why are you asking for email addresses of each participant on the registration form?
What is the cost of membership for 2010?
Where is the Conference Kick-off-Dinner going to be held?

I am attending the Convention, what do I need to know?  Take advantage of the discounted rates by signing up before January 6, 2010.  Registration rates go up after January 6, 2010.  You can save lots of money by signing up for the Ultimate Networkers' Package. It includes seven nights lodging and hotel accommodations are made for you at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square in Lancaster. You can save even more money by signing up for this package by December 15, 2009.
I am going on a bus tour but not attending the conference, what do I need to know?  The bus tour will be based in Lancaster and surrounding areas and depart from the Marriott each day.  You will need to book your hotel room at the Eden Resort & Suites if you are not an Ultimate Networker.  Eden Resort and Suites provides shuttle service for you from the Eden Resort to the Marriott each morning and then again in the evening.  You may also drive your own vehicle to the Marriott and park it for a rate of $3.00.  Please see the "Travel Pages" for more details.
Will NAFDMA Membership cover more than one person from my farm to attend any part of the Convention?  Yes!  Membership is for your farm or business. After your Convention membership fee is paid, as many folks as you would like from your farm or business can participate in the convention at the membership rates.
I'm driving to to the Convention.  What's the best way to get to Lancaster, PA?  http://www.mapquest.com/directions/, the address for the Marriott is 25 South Queen Street, Lancaster, PA; the address for the Eden Resort is 222 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA.  Please visit our Travel Page for more helpful information.
What time do the buses load on Saturday?  What if I can't make it there on time?  Everyone needs to plan to board their bus at 7:00 a.m.  We are running 6 or more buses.  They will be going in different directions and have different first stop destinations, so we are not able to accommodate anyone who is late to the bus loading?  Please make your travel plans accordingly.
Is there a shuttle from the Eden Resort to the Marriott?  For those doing the Bus Tour only; NAFDMA and Eden Resort are working closely to shuttle you each morning to your bus, which departs from the Marriott at Penn Square.  For those who choose the Three-day Conference Package, and those who need just one or two hotel nights, the Eden Resort and Suites will provide free shuttles to and from the Convention Center for your convenience on an ongoing basis. You also have the option to drive your own vehicle back and forth. Parking is free at Eden Resort and Suites, and daily parking is just $3 for Convention attendees at the Penn Square Parking Garage connected with the Convention Center.   
Can I stay at the Marriott if I am only doing the bus tour?  We ask that if you are not able to attend the entire Convention that you book your room at the Eden Resorts & Suites; the Headquarters Hotel will first be filled with Ultimate Networkers. These are the attendees who are attending the entire 7-day convention run. They are making guest room commitments for a full week, with arrival Friday, February 5, and departure Friday, February 12. NAFDMA manages reservations arrangements directly with the Marriott by providing our rooming list of Ultimate Networkers. The Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square will not accept reservations into the NAFDMA room block aside from those made through the NAFDMA office.
I am going on the pre-conference Bus Tour.  Which nights do I need to make my own hotel reservations and where?  If you are an Ultimate Networker, you do not need to make any hotel reservations, the NAFDMA office will take care of this for you.  All others including pre-conference bus tour will need to make their hotel reservations at Eden Resort & Suites www.edenresort.com.  We suggest that if you are doing bus tour that you book your room for Friday, February 5th as the buses will be leaving early on Saturday morning from the Marriott at Penn Square and we will be unable to wait for late arrivals. 
Is there still room on any of the Bus Tours?  Seats will be filled on a first paid, first served basis.  We strongly recommend that your register early for the tour of your choice.  If you register before the January 6 pre-registration cut-off date, then we will honor your Bus Tour choice.  After January 6, we reserve the right to place registrants on a second tour choice.  If you register after January 6 deadline and would like to be on the Bus Tour and all Bus Tours are full, please contact Cathy McKay at the NAFDMA office 413-529-0386 and she will put you on a cancellation list.  See our Bus Tour pages for more information.
What is the weather in Lancaster, Pennsylvania?  What do I wear?  Click Here for the latest up-to-date Lancaster, PA weather forecast.
I'm not sure what Workshop I want to go to; can I change it when I get there?  NO. Due to the growing popularity of our workshops, you must pre-register for Workshops.  On-site registration will be available only for a limited selection of Workshops.  Take the time to review the Workshop descriptions when they are posted to help you make your decision.
I am taking advantage of the Ultimate Networkers' Package.  The registration form asks for a roommate.  What does this mean?  The Ultimate Networkers' Package is quoted as double occupancy at the hotel.  You have the option of paying single occupancy upcharge if you wish.  Otherwise, list the person who you would like to room with.  If you are traveling alone, you might wish to contact someone you have met during a previous NAFDMA event.  If you do not know anyone to request and you prefer not to pay the single upcharge, don't worry, we will assign you an appropriate roommate.   
How do I know if I am registered for the Convention?  If you pre-registered for the conference by January 6, you will be sent a confirmation email.  If you pay by check, your canceled check is your receipt.  If you pay by credit card, it will be listed on your bank statement. 
How do I get a written receipt for my Convention registration?  Please call or email Cathy McKay at the NAFDMA office.  413-529-0386 or Cathy@WhiteLoafRidge.com.  You may also visit the registration desk at the Conference and one can be issued to you on the spot.
What is the Convention cancellation policy?  Cancellation Policy:  A full refund of registration fees will be made if written cancellation notice is provided before January 6, 2010.  A 50% refund will be made if written notice is provided before January 21, 2010.  NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN AFTER JANUARY 22, 2010.
If I am doing the Bus Tour.  When should I arrive?   We suggest that if you are doing bus tour that you book your room for Friday, February 5th as the buses will be leaving early on Saturday morning from the Marriott at Penn Square and we will be unable to wait for late arrivals.     
Do I need to book my own hotel room for the Convention?  If you registered as an Ultimate Networker, YOU DO NOT NEED TO BOOK YOUR OWN ROOM, the NAFDMA office will take care of this for you.  If you opted to register using the Al la carte menu then you will need to book your room at the Eden Resort & Suites www.edenresort.com
Do I have to be a member of NAFDMA to attend the Conference?  Yes, you can join on the same form you use to register for the convention.
What is the rate if I bring my fifteen year old child to the Conference?  All rates are quoted for children 14 years of age or older.  Please contact the NAFDMA office for special children's rates.  413-529-0386.
Can I get the proceedings without coming to the Conference?  All NAFDMA members (Connection or Convention) will receive a copy of the proceedings, either as a bound copy or a pdf.
Is the Conference going to be recorded?  Yes, all sessions will be audio recorded, so if your enjoyed your session or want to hear a session that you missed, you will be able to download these sessions to your MP3 player, IPod, or computer.  Please visit the registration desk at the conference for more information.  
I am driving in and would like to know where I can park and what it costs?  If you are staying at the Eden Resorts & Suites - parking is free!  A shuttle will be available to get you back and forth to the Marriott.  If you prefer to drive yourself to the Marriott then you will be able to park for a mere $3.00 per vehicle per day.  All guests staying at the Marriott will pay $3.00 to park per vehicle per night. 
If I bring my young children, is there day care available?  Childcare is not offered by the convention.  You are responsible for the care and arrangements for your children.
Why does your Convention cost more than my regional Conference?  The fees we charge cover the cost of bringing you premier speakers and information on farm direct marketing and including meals and special amenities. The 2010 NAFDMA Convention is not underwritten by any government agency grants. NAFDMA has established a business-to-business peer exchange with a proven track record at providing outstanding return-on-investement. Our longtime attendees tell us their farm income has increased as a result of attending a NAFDMA convention.  More than 75 percent said that income had increased by more than $5,000.  More than 40 percent said that income had increased by more than $20,000.  As you can see, the convention is a great value that can really help boost farm income.  Please come for your first time and see the NAFDMA magic for yourself.
Can I register and pay for the Conference when I get to the door?  Yes, but only for Participation Day and Innovation Day.  Advanced registration is required for workshops and bus tour. 
I want to visit the Trade Show, what is the cost?  $75.00 before January 6th, $100.00 after January 6th.  Registration includes Trade Show preview admission on Monday evening, entry to trade show all day on Tuesday, Celebrate Excellance Contests, Exhibitor's Demo and Presentation Stage.  You must also pay the NAFDMA membership fee.
Why are you asking for email addresses of each participant on the registration form?  The NAFDMA office uses email to communicate details of the convention with registrants. Also, bus tour guides and some workshop presenters reach out to their passengers and workshop attendees to help you prepare for the convention before you leave home.
What is the cost of membership for 2010?  Convention Membership for 2010 is $225.00.
Where is the Conference Kick-off-Dinner going to be held?  In the trade show hall.

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