The 2026 Conference includes: 

• 8 optional pre-conference intensive workshops on Friday
• 56 concurrent sessions on Saturday and Sunday with over 60 speakers
• Locally-sourced farm meals prepared with ingredients purchased from local & member farms
• Up to 50 agricultural tradeshow exhibitors
• Multiple networking opportunities

Conference highlights include a youth and teen program for ages 6-13, a local farm tour, a silent auction, and the popular ‘Farming is Funny’ Comedy Show. This year’s event also features a Buyer-Grower social, fireside chats, morning yoga for farmers, and book sales with author signings. The renowned Taste of Virginia Expo & Market is a popular space within the Conference to enjoy samples and sales of Virginia food, beverages and handicrafts.

All Conference registrations include breakfast, lunch, and refreshments on Saturday and Sunday, each meal thoughtfully prepared with local ingredients contributed by our own VABF members farms. Pre-Conference attendees are also offered a lunch buffet for an additional cost during registration.

Visit our Agenda page for more information.

Taste of Virginia

Included in the Conference registration and open to the public for free is the Taste of Virginia Expo & Market on Saturday, January 10 from 12-6 PM in the Crystal Ballroom at Hotel Roanoke. Featuring sampling and sales of Virginia-crafted foods, local libations, hand-made goods, herbals, and more. For more details visit the Taste of Virginia page!

Youth Program

The VABF team is working on developing a fun, interactive and educational youth program experience for Saturday and Sunday ticket-holders. The Youth Program is available for children ages 6 – 13 on January 10-11 only. Program fee includes all conference meals and activities. Parents or legal guardians must be present at the conference and with their child during meals. Other stipulations may apply.

Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities

VABF is seeking sponsors of all levels to support the 2026 Conference. Sponsors may select from several packages offering unique opportunities for brand recognition and event participation. Extended details are available on our sponsorship page.

VABF welcomes any individual, business, or non-profit to purchase an exhibitor booth and participate in the trade show. There are up to 50 tables available in the Roanoke ballroom, providing direct access to every attendee. Advance registration is encouraged to secure a preferred spot. Exhibitor tables are available here.

Silent Auction

It’s always a fun experience to bid on unique and useful farm and garden products while donating to VABF! If you have homemade gifts, books, tools, plants or items on your farm that may be valuable to someone else, bring them to the Silent Auction. We are seeking goods, food/drinks, and activities for all types of individuals. For those wishing to contribute, fill out the donation form so our team can coordinate delivery and drop-off. Auction items may be delivered to the hotel on January 9 if you are attending the conference.

Locally Sourced Meals

Each year, our attendees look forward to the amazing locally-sourced meals provided at the conference. We are proud to continue our dedicated tradition of procuring the majority of our Conference food from local member farms. VABF is actively purchasing food and products from local farms.

Meals included with registration:

• Friday: pre-conference lunch (optional, add-on)
• Saturday: breakfast, lunch, daily refreshment breaks, and light appetizers at the Buyer-Grower social
• Sunday: breakfast, lunch, and daily refreshment breaks

We encourage conference-goers to visit downtown Roanoke’s excellent restaurant options for dinner – easily accessible via the pedestrian bridge near the Hotel Roanoke’s entrance. (Reservations are recommended.)

Want to Volunteer? 

VABF relies on the support of volunteers and is seeking qualified individuals to help during all aspects of our annual conference. Join us! We would love to have you! Although volunteers are not compensated for their time or travel, they receive access to the event and meals on the days they are assigned. Volunteers are not required to be present every day of the conference. We accept all volunteers over 18 and a limited number of volunteers ages 15-17. If you have interest in supporting our team, please fill out our brief volunteer application and the Coordinator  will reach out soon.

Scholarships to Attend

VABF is hosting a waiting list for scholarship applicants. If you would like to attend the event and are unable to cover the full cost of registration, you are encouraged to apply for a scholarship. While VABF will make every effort to support the attendance of any interested person, the number of scholarships will be limited and is based on donations and sponsorships received. All applicants will be notified by December 31.