BURLINGTON, Vt. — Vermont recently was chosen as the site for the First International Workshop on Agritourism.
The conference is slated for Oct. 27-29, 2020, at the Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain Hotel in downtown Burlington. Between 250 and 350 researchers, academics, agricultural producers and agritourism and tourism industry professionals from around the world are expected to attend.
The Vermont conference builds on the success and momentum of the First World Congress on Agritourism held in Bolzano, Italy, last November, and hosted by Eurac Research, a private research center with headquarters in northern Italy.
The three-day program, co-sponsored by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension and Eurac Research, will feature presentations and hands-on workshops by U.S. and international speakers; a poster session; a farm-to-table dinner and field trips to farms, vineyards and other agritourism sites. Pre- and post-conference educational tours will showcase outstanding agritourism destinations in Vermont, neighboring states, Ontario and Quebec.
“We are honored that Vermont was selected to host this conference where participants from around the world will share the latest developments in agritourism research, outreach and best practices,” says Dr. Lisa Chase, UVM Extension professor and conference co-chair. “It will also provide international recognition for Vermont’s leadership in the field of agritourism.”
Chase and the Vermont Planning Committee will work closely with Eurac Research and the International Steering Committee to develop the educational program and field trips and secure funding for sponsorships and scholarships. Members of the Vermont Farm to Plate Network’s Agritourism Task Force and other state and local agricultural groups also will be involved in the conference planning and logistics.
A call for proposals for oral and poster presentations will be made in November. To join the mailing list for conference information or to learn about sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities, go to www.agritourismworkshop.com.
–UVM Extension
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