Sponsorship: 2026 Agritourism Summit
May 13-14, 2026
Antrim County and Traverse City
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 pre-summit Farm Tour will travel through the heart of Antrim County for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that celebrates the vibrant intersection of agriculture, tourism, and community.
THE SUMMIT INCLUDES:
May 13: Pre-Summit Farm Tour — Experience the magic of agritourism through visits to orchards, cideries, distilleries, and farm markets, concluding with a Soirée & Networking event at the Traverse City Horse Show at Flintfield’s Park.
Agritourism Summit Soirée & Networking Event - Come for the conversation. Stay for the experience.
Your sponsorship includes an unforgettable evening at Flintfields Park, the prestigious home of the Traverse City Horse Shows, as we 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.
May 14: Agritourism Summit — A full day of learning, keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking focused on tools and strategies for agritourism businesses and communities. Your sponsorship helps strengthen Michigan’s rural economy by supporting innovation and collaboration at the intersection of agriculture and tourism.
*Please see sponsorship packet for specific information on complimentary Soiree tickets available based on your sponsorship level
What is agritourism?
Agritourism encompasses entertainment and leisure experiences that contribute to a healthy lifestyle, strong family values and quality of life. Agritourism also focuses
on finding the best route to encourage rural and regional economic development while preserving the landscape of each location. Agritourism cultivates strong local communities by connecting the tradition and heritage of area’s inhabitants with the best options for economic growth.
Who is agritourism?
Breweries - Christmas Tree Farms - Cideries - Corn Mazes - Creameries - Distilleries - Farm Markets - Farm Stay - Farm-to-Table Restaurants - Festivals & Events - Harvest Dinner - Hayrides - Living History Farms - Maple Sugaring - Meaderies - Pumpkin Patches - U-Pick Orchards & Farms - Wineries
Opportunities and Challenges
Agritourism is a proven benefit for small farm viability. Agritourism can be a positive revenue tool or intensive and destructive of rural character. Agritourism may produce
conflicts between local residents and farm-based enterprises in agricultural districts. Local government can address agritourism opportunities and protection of health, welfare and safety of local residents through balanced local zoning. Agritourism can be a positive revenue tool or intensive and destructive of rural character. These trends are colliding and threatening the economy and culture of rural Michigan.
The 2026 Agritourism Summit is an excellent opportunity to showcase your organization and its support and commitment to Michigan farmers and rural communities. Your generous support will help bring educations sessions and allow for critical networking with industry stakeholders.
can choose one of the following sponsorships:
$1,000 - Plant Sponsor
$2,500 - Grow Sponsor
$3,500 - Harvest Sponsor
Registration for 2026 Agritourism Summit is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on May 12, 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
If you’re interested in more information about these opportunities or have any questions, please contact Jennifer Berkey at berkeyj@msu.edu.