Save $100 on your NAFDMA registration till December 15th!

For those of you who intend to take in the entire week at the 2010 NAFDMA convention you'll want to take advantage of the Ultimate Networker Package. At a rate of $1399.00 per person, double occupancy** when paid before December 15, 2009.

It's a savings of $100/person! www.nafdma.com

Guess who's coming to NAFDMA this year?
Kay Hollabaugh!

"I wouldn't miss it - Lancaster is in our "back yard" and is truly one of the most beautiful areas of the country. Attendees will fall in love with rolling hills, amazing farm land, incredible farm markets andPennsylvania Dutch Food and hospitality. We are hoping to bring a couple staff members along since it is so close. I'm very excited to welcome you all toPennsylvania!" Kay Hollabaugh, Hollabaugh Brothers.

Are you coming to NAFDMA let us know!

The Tradeshow has almost sold out. It's going to be amazing. Reconnect with your NAFDMA family at our 25th anniversary convention. Feb. 5-11, 2010 in Lancaster, PA.
www.nafdma.com

Book your flight to NAFDMA 2010

Hey everyone,
Flight prices really dropped this week. I got my ticket to Harrisburg for just over $500.
The price dropped over $300.

I'm flying through Chicago. I've heard that there are 4 flights a day to Harrisburg from Chicago making it very easy to get to this year's convention.

We have an early, early bird special this year
Don't wait! Registrations are starting to come in.

Check out the amazing program at http://www.nafdma.com/Pennsylvania/PA_reg/

Looking forward to catching up in Lancaster!

A Preview of Lancaster, PA!

Early bird registration begins for NAFDMA 2010

Charlie Touchette, Executive Director, NAFDMA and Anne Holcomb, NAFDMA Convention Chair, just returned home from their final 2010 convention planning trip in Lancaster County.

They were working on NAFDMA's 25th Annual Convention. Anne is very excited about the Lancaster convention, "It's the complete package. Learning, culture and fun. On the tour you will see everything from smaller scale operations to large ag tourism destinations like the Colemans."

"The people of Lancaster County have developed an entire industry around visiting farms. There is so much for NAFDMA members to learn."

NAFDMA magic has been helping farm direct and ag tourism businesses succeed for 25 years.

Take advantage of the highly discounted early registration rate ending December 15 for the Ultimate Networkers Package. It INCLUDES LODGING! . Check out the quick link to Registration Details.

Anne and John Holcomb will be there. Will you?

Never been to a NAFDMA convention? This is the year to start.

Haven't been to NAFDMA in a couple of years? It's time to come home, join your NAFDMA family in Lancaster, February 5 -12, 2010.

Farms of Facebook Follow-up . Say that 10 times really fast!

Mark Saunders, president of NAFDMA started a facebook page for his business this year.

Mark shared with us how social marketing has impacted Saunders Farm . . .

"Facebook and other social media sites have become very important for our business. We need to connect with our customers every way we can.

Facebook is a way we connect and build our community.

We used to hear that you needed a website for your business; now you need a social media presence i.e. twitter, facebook, youtube, flickr to get your message out there and to let your customers share their experience of your farm.

Having a presence on Facebook and other sites has helped with our SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and how high your website ranks in searches. "

Mark Saunders is the Director of Fun at Saunders Farm in Munster, Ontario. You can follow him on twitter at http://twitter.com/directoroffun

or visit his farm at http://www.saundersfarm.com/

Mark will be in Lancaster in February at the 2010 NAFDMA convention. Will you?

Using Facebook to promote your farm and your events

Last February at our Savannah convention social marketing was all the BUZZ. The energy and excitement in these sessions was contagious.

Well, in true NAFDMA form it looks like NAFDMA members have turned that buzz into blogs, groups and viral marketing campaigns. It will be interesting to hear from everyone at our 2010 convention to see how these tools have worked for the various farms.

WHO is DOING what?
I've been anxiously following Tulley's Shocktober Fest group on Facebook as it races towards 1000 members. Tulley's gives away free scream passes, polls it's members on what scares them and connects with it's customers answering questions about the event. I'm sure Stuart will have the results of this campaign analysed and evaluated and will be willing to talk about it in Lancaster.

Everytime Saunders' Farm has an event it mysteriously ends up in the calendar in my Blackberry. I know Mark Saunders will tell us how he does that when we see him in Lancaster.

Other NAFDMA members are using Facebook to keep in touch with each other and their customers (fans). Here are a few that I found and if you are a NAFDMA farm on Facebook let us know in the comments below.

Shhh....2010 Convention secret: There will be a Social Marketing Workshop (don't tell Charlie I told you). Details soon at http://www.nafdma.com/

NAFDMA members on FACEBOOK:
Friends of NAFDMA
Description: For those who have become friends, associates and supliers from our yearly NAFDMA meetings. Also, for anybody who is interested in the lives of those who run Agritourism farms and facilities

Vala's Pumpkin Patch - interestingly not created by the Valas.
Description: Someone had to make this group. I know I'm not the only one on here that's been going to Vala's like every year since they were born.

I want to live at Vala's Pumpkin Patch forever
Category: Just for Fun - Fan Clubs
Description: From the Pig-Tucky derby to the Pumpkin eating dragon...we just can't get enough of you Vala's pumpkin patch. One month out of the year just doesn't do it for us. Bring on the kettle corn, carmel apples, and homemade fudge!! No childhood is complete without Vala's memories!!

I Love Uncle Johns Cider Mill
Description: For all those who grew up or still live in the St. Johns area, an ode to the greatest pumpkin patch, cider mill, and family farm there is! As you know, Uncle Johns has the best cider, doughnuts,baked goods and fresh fruit around. And now they are even making wine and have a tasting room!

Ellms Family Farm
Description: fall activitiescorn mazepumpkin patchFamily fun

We Love Red House Farm
Description: Manchester's no 1 farm shop and Tea Rooms
The Greater Manchester Maize Maze, Halloween Spooktacular, All round a great place to visit!

Tate Farms
Description: Family owned Agritourism Pumpkin Farm located outside the Huntsville city limits.

The Jungle Farm
Description: Three season farm - visit us for flowers in the spring, summer strawberries or the fall family pumpkin season.

NAFDMA members on Youtube

NAFDMA members are one creative bunch.

Bonnie and Dick Swank from Swank Farms in California have a new commercial out to advertise their fall season. Enjoy!