2026 Agritourism Summit
Cultivating Opportunities Through Collaboration, Innovation and Policy
Summit: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Pre-Summit Farm Tour and Soirée: Wednesday, May 13
The 2026 Agritourism Summit brings together farmers, entrepreneurs, municipal leaders and rural advocates to cultivate new ideas, share best practices and spark lasting collaborations. The once-in-a-lifetime Pre-Summit Farm Tour through the heart of Antrim County celebrates the vibrant intersection of agriculture, tourism and community.
If you’re a Michigan farmer, municipal official, agritourism business or other community leader with an interest in rural entrepreneurship and economic development, this groundbreaking event is for you. The intent is to share information and best practices while cultivating conversation and communication.
~ Discover how agritourism drives economic development while preserving rural character
~ Learn from industry leaders across cideries, distilleries, farm markets and more
~ Network with passionate professionals shaping the future of Michigan’s countryside
May 13: Pre-Summit Farm Tour and Soirée: Experience the Magic of Agritourism
9 a.m.-7:45 p.m., leaving from and returning to Grand Traverse Resort, Acme
Farm Tour through Antrim County: From orchards to craft spirits, the behind-the-scenes, exclusively cultivated Farm Tour showcases the best of Michigan’s rural innovation. Participants will enjoy personal tours and curated samples at these successful agritourism operations:
Farm Tour registration includes round-trip coach transportation from Grand Traverse Resort, lunch at Providence Organic Farm, on-site food and beverage samples, and entry to the Soiree and Networking Event. Participants should plan to wear close-toed shoes. Space limited to 54 individuals.
Evening of May 13: Soirée & Networking Event at Flintfields Park
5 p.m.-7:45 p.m. at Flintfields Park, Williamsburg
Join us for an unforgettable evening at Flintfields Park, the prestigious home of the Traverse City Horse Shows, as we wrap up the pre-summit Farm Tour and celebrate the Agritourism Summit in style. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Grand Prix Arena, this exclusive gathering will feature a live equestrian jumper demonstration—a thrilling showcase of athleticism and grace that captures the spirit of the venue. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated menu of locally sourced food and beverages, highlighting the best of our region’s culinary offerings. This event is open to Summit sponsors, speakers, and participants, providing a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and celebrate agritourism in Michigan. Come for the conversation - stay for the experience.
Soirée registration includes two complimentary drink tickets, food, entertainment, an agritourism expo, and, of course, networking and fun!
May 14: Agritourism Summit: Planting Seeds for a Resilient, Sustainable Agritourism Industry
9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Tower Ballroom, Acme (doors open at 9 a.m.)
The Summit is a day of learning and discussion, keynote speakers and breakout sessions. Content will focus on tools for agritourism businesses, municipalities and entrepreneurs. Participants will be engaging in an amazing line-up of learning, discussion and connections.
- Welcome address from Ben LaCross, President, Michigan Farm Bureau
- Keynote speaker Dr. Tim Boring, Director, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
- Panel discussions featuring local agritourism operators, sharing opportunities and pitfalls of expanding, as well as strategies of working with local officials to facilitate ordinance amendments and compliance
- Morning and afternoon breakout sessions with topics ranging from marketing and financial tools to best practices for farm stays and the basics of the Michigan Right to Farm Act. And, back by popular demand, realistic agritourism scenarios and discussion!
View full agenda at link below. Please review the full descriptions of the breakout sessions before registering.
Agritourism Summit registration also includes coffee in the morning, a lunch featuring local products, and refreshments.
Register to Attend: Join us in May in Traverse City to help cultivate the future of agritourism in Michigan. Choices for registration, complete details and agenda can be found below:
| Early Bird Price | Regular Price | ||
| Full Program: Pre-Summit Farm Tour + Soirée + Agritourism Summit | May 13 & 14 | $225 | $250 |
| Agritourism Summit ONLY | May 14 | $100 | $125 |
| Pre-Summit Farm Tour + Soirée | May 13 | $135 | $150 |
| Agritourism Summit + Soirée | May 13 & 14 | $165 | $175 |
Registrations cancelled on or after May 6 will incur a $75 cancellation fee.
Early registration ends April 1 for all events
A limited number of discounted hotel rooms will be available for Summit registrants at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Booking information will be shared once your registration is complete.
Registration for 2026 Agritourism Summit is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on May 6, 2026.
Accommodations
Michigan State University Extension programs, services events, and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
Contact Information
Businesses and organizations interested in partnerships and/or sponsorships can email berkeyj@msu.edu or visit https://events.anr.msu.edu/2026AgritourismSummitSponsors/.