2026 Gather to Grow
Forest Farming Conference
"Rooted In and Branching Out"
October 23 - 25th, 2026 | The Inn at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
The Appalachian Forest Farmer Coalition is excited to welcome the community together again to share knowledge and celebrate this fall in Blacksburg, Virginia!
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August 2026:
2026 Speaker Announcement is Live!
Calling all Sponsors and Exhibitors
$299 Adult Registration
$199 Student Registration (Limited)
$149 Youth Registration (with Adult)
About the 2026 Gather to grow Conference
The 2nd Gather to Grow multi-day Forest Farming conference will be held in Blacksburg, Virginia on October 23-25, 2026 and feature learning and networking with the community at the heartwood of forest farming in Appalachia and beyond.
The conference will be held at the Inn at Virginia Tech & Skelton Conference Center on campus and will feature learning, networking, and growing with the community surrounding forest farming of botanicals, mushrooms, syrups, and decorative products in Appalachia. Keynote speakers, an industry panel, regional meet-ups, producer stories, and an expanded expo are all things to look forward to.
2026 KEYNOTES & SPEAKERS
Author of Feed Us with Trees, Creator of the Local Food Report (featured on CAI - Cape and Islands NPR Station)
Conference Speakers
The Appalachian Forest Farmer Coalition and conference planning team are thrilled to share the list of speakers and sessions to date!
Whether you are a seasoned woodland grower, an educator, a researcher, an industry representative, or just beginning a forest farming journey, this conference program brings together voices from across the Appalachians and beyond to share insights on conservation, cultivation, market trends, history, ecology, and community.
Keep an eye on this conference webpage for updates and more information as we are adding more speakers and topics, and finalizing pre-conference opportunities, in the coming weeks. Accommodation, camping information, and new sponsors have recently been added.
Conference Sponsorship
Sponsor the 2026 Gather to Grow Forest Farming Conference! All sponsors receive recognition throughout the event promotions and benefit from digital and in-person opportunities.
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See the information package for more details.
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Want a table at the Gather to Grow Expo on Sat & Sun? Most sponsorship packages include an exhibitor table as well as conference registration (Fri - Sun including meals).
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An absentee sponsorship option is available if you wish to sponsor and send table materials for the Expo.
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Contributions of physical items (books, gear, products, etc.) for conference attendees or raffle are welcome.
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Contact the planning team at info@appalachianforestfarmers.org with questions.
Many thanks to our Sponsors to date!
Exhibiting at the Gather to Grow Expo
Branch out and grow with us at the Gather to Grow Expo!
Exhibitor fees are $200 and are included in many Sponsorship packages. Expo spaces include one 6 foot long rectangular table and are available for set up Friday evening, and must be taken down by Sunday noon. Please note that conference registration is not included in the exhibitor fees.
Contact info@appalachianforestfarmers.org with questions.
Scholarship Opportunities
Thank you to our scholarship sponsors
Rural Action and The Barnes-Berry Family Trust
The Scholarship Application remains open. Limited scholarships remain for beginning farmers of Appalachian counties of OH, KY & TN.
The conference planning team is seeking sponsorship funding for additional scholarships. If you've already submitted a request for scholarship, your time stamped submission will remain in queue for consideration if additional funds become available.
Scholarship recipients will receive one regular conference registration including some meals ($299 Value) and two nights hotel accommodation on October 23rd and 24th, 2026. Travel is currently not covered but may be considered for those in need if funds become available.
Conference Accommodations and Travel
Room blocks are available at the Inn at Virginia Tech (conference venue), the Residence Inn Blacksburg, and Hyatt Place Blacksburg for Friday and Saturday nights (October 23-24th, 2026). Local Camping options below. Please book accommodation directly with the hotels with the group rate links.
The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
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$132 per night single occupancy
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901 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States, 24061
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Phone: 540-2318000
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Reservation Link: https://be.synxis.com/?adult=1&arrive=2026-10-23&chain=5388&child=0¤cy=USD&depart=2026-10-25&group=GATA1026&hotel=32532&level=hotel&locale=en-US&productcurrency=USD&rooms=1
Camping Options
Visit www.recreation.gov/ to find campsites in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest near Blacksburg.
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Claytor Lake State Park (30 mins from venue)
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Eggleston Springs Campground (20 mins from venue)
Residence Inn Blacksburg
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$122 per night
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850 Prices Fork Road | Blacksburg, VA, 24060
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Phone: 540-750-4400
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Group Name: Gather to Grow
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Reservation Link: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1774983505671&key=GRP&app=resvlink
Hyatt Place Blacksburg / University
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$122 per night
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650 University City Blvd | Blacksburg, VA, 24060
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Phone: 540-552-7500
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Group Name: Gather to Grow
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Reservation Link: https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/CLTZB/G-GRDV
Travel Information
Reasonable prices and access by trains, planes, and automobiles make for a highly accessible event!
Driving Directions to The Inn at Virginia Tech & Skelton Conference Center
901 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States, 24061
From Interstate 81, take Exit 118-B onto U.S. 460 West to Blacksburg. Follow the signs for Blacksburg/Virginia Tech. To reach the Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center, continue on U.S. 460 for 8.5 miles to the Prices Fork Road exit for “Downtown.” Merge onto Prices Fork Road and continue for approximately 0.5 miles. Turn right on Inn Lane and you’re there!
The Forest Farming Field Extravaganza will be held on Friday October 23, 2026 and will take place throughout Virginia Tech’s main campus. Check-in for this event will be at the Skelton Conference Center. Visit https://www.vt.edu/maps.html to explore campus maps.
The main conference events will begin with the Friday evening reception and continue through Sunday October 25, 2026 at 12:00pm at the Skelton Center. For more information please visit The Skelton Center’s website: https://www.innatvirginiatech.com/
2026 gather to grow Conference media
Download from gallery below.
2024 Gather to Grow Conference
A Conference to Honor the Past and Shape the Future of Forest Farming
Watch videos, find program, media and more at the 2024 Gather to Grow Conference page.