RICHMOND, Va. — New and established specialty food and beverage producers are invited to learn how to grow or break into the business at the Virginia’s Finest Educational Conference, March 11–12, in Richmond. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services presents this conference for producers of specialty items such as snack foods, sauces, drink mixers, jams, candy, baked goods and even pet treats.
A new feature of this popular conference is The Tasting Ticket. Each ticket provides one registration to the conference, a tasting table in the vendor area, professional photography of the vendor’s products and the opportunity to sample products to specialty food buyers. Space is limited to the first 15 vendors who register for the conference. Registration for The Tasting Ticket is $300.
The 2019 Virginia’s Finest Educational Conference features keynote speakers Jim Roman, founder and CEO of Association Leadership Institute and JJ White, chief engagement officer at Dale Carnegie as they will engage attendees with presentations on strategic growth and driving sales for small business. Other sessions include presentations on business start-up and scaling, food safety, marketing, breaking into specialty food trade events and a power pitch session with specialty food and beverage buyers.
Conference registration is $189. Discounted hotel accommodations at the Omni Richmond are available until Jan. 24.
For more information or to register, go to vafinest.com and click on Virginia’s Finest Educational Conference.
— Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services