January 31, 2025
Save the Date: The 40th Annual Vermont Tourism Summit – April 28-29, 2025, in Burlington, VT. Are you a farmer with an agritourism business? Or are you considering adding agritourism to your farm to diversify and boost your income? The Vermont Tourism Summit (VTS) is the perfect opportunity to learn, network, and take your agritourism venture to the next level.
Why Attend the Vermont Tourism Summit?
The VTS is a gathering of tourism professionals from across Vermont, and it’s designed to offer valuable insights for anyone involved in tourism—including farmers. Here’s what you’ll gain by attending:
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Expert Advice: Learn how to grow your agritourism business with insights from industry-leading consultants with years of tourism experience.
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Tools and Strategies: Discover cutting-edge tools, technologies, and tactics tailored to enhancing Vermont tourism operations.
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Marketing Tips: Master practical strategies to attract more visitors to your farm and increase your revenue. Whether it’s social media, word-of-mouth marketing, or creating unforgettable guest experiences, there’s something for everyone.
What to Expect at the 2025 Summit
This year’s event is expected to draw over 200 attendees and will feature:
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12 Educational Workshops: Topics for all experience levels, from beginner to intermediate, including sessions on using AI and tapping into international markets.
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Networking Opportunities: Meet and collaborate with tourism professionals from across Vermont, including those in complementary industries like restaurants, museums, and inns. Building partnerships can be key to creating unique marketing opportunities for your farm.
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Fun and Inspiration: Evening receptions, general sessions, and ample chances to share ideas and stories with like-minded individuals.
Why Agritourism Fits Right In
At its core, agritourism is about tourism. That means nearly every session at VTS—whether focused on marketing, guest experience, or collaboration—offers lessons you can apply to your farm. You’ll leave with actionable ideas to help your business thrive.
Scholarships Available for Farmers
We understand that attending a conference can be a financial commitment, so thanks to the generosity of VTS sponsors and attendees, partial scholarships are available for Vermont farmers and others in need of financial assistance. Scholarships range from $50 to $200.
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How to Apply: Fill out the easy scholarship application here. Applications are due by March 3, 2025, and recipients will be notified by mid-March.
Don’t Miss Out!
This is your chance to gain valuable insights, connect with other tourism professionals, and discover new ways to grow your agritourism business. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to take your existing operation to the next level, the Vermont Tourism Summit has something for you. Take advantage of this valuable resource to help your farm thrive in Vermont’s vibrant tourism landscape!
Thank you for reading the Marketing & Agritourism Blog! I’m your host, Selina Rooney, Marketing & Agritourism Specialist at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets. I am a farmer in Morristown, VT and have been expanding and experimenting with agritourism activities on our farm. Stay tuned every month for tips on marketing and incorporating agritourism practices on your farm and be sure to sign up for the Vermont Ag Bulletin so you never miss a post!