2018 FARMA Conference Review
The 2018 FARMA Conference was a great event, full of inspirational speakers, fascinating case studies, a great range of trade show exhibitors and networking events.
See below for 2018 conference highlights.
Details of the 2019 Annual Conference will be available shortly.
The Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort, North Lincolnshire
25-27 February 2018
Conference Highlights
- Sunday night informal networking buffet at the nearby Pink Pig with Gin tasting
- Four amazing retail tours visited award winning retailers including the opportunity to spend the full day at Cannon Hall Farm a farm diversification success story.
- Trade exhibition, meet key industry suppliers, opportunity to build contacts and learn new skills
- Entertaining after dinner speaker on Monday night
NEW - Click here to download the 2018 Conference Brochure
Conference Agenda
Sunday 25 February
7pm Networking Dinner
The coaches departed at 7pm for the award winning Pink Pig who hosted the first night evening meal, a buffet of delicious local produce. An opportunity to relax, renew old acquaintances and meet new members.
Monday 26 February
Farm Retail Tours
Four coaches each had dedicated facilitator to ensure all attendees had an informative day on the road.
Tour 1 - RETAILING WITH PERSONALITY (Uncle Henry's, Doddington Hall, Welbeck, Hardy's)
Tour 2 - DIVERSIFICATION (Drewtons, The Pink Pig, William's Den, The Balloon Tree)
Tour 3 - FOOD RETAILING BEST IN CLASS (Hinchliff's, Blacker Hall, Cannon Hall, Farmer Copley's)
Tour 4 - CANNON HALL FARM (Farm Shop, Farm Park, Restaurant, Events Venue. A full day exploring this diversification success story)
Download the Farm Shop Tour Guide Brochure
7pm FARMA Celebration Night
Drinks reception in the trade show area was followed by delicious three course dinner. Former head of Bishop Burton College and charity fundraiser Howard Petch was a superb after dinner speaker.
Tuesday 27 February
Conference and Trade Event.
- Trade Exhibition with the latest products and services from our valued Associate members, some of the sector's leading suppliers.
Conference Day Programme Tue 27th
Main Conference Room
09.30 – 09.35 Conference Welcome - Susie Emmett
09.35 – 09.40 FARMA welcome - Milly Stokes
09.40 – 10.10 Growing people to full potential to differentiate yourself - Andrew Thornton
10.10 – 10.40 DeliciouslYorkshire & Shepherds Purse - Judy Bell OBE
10.40 – 11.20 Break tea/coffee served in the trade show
11.20 – 11.50 Driving online sales at Tulleys Farm - Stuart Beare
11.50 – 12.20 Cannon Hall – Facebook Live & more - Nicky Hyde
12.20 – 12.50 Farmer Copleys branding & social media - Heather Copley
12.50 – 13.00 Panel Debate Q&A Social media marketing
13.00 – 14.20 Lunch served in the trade show
14.20 – 14.50 Amazon current initiatives in the food market - James Bate
14.50 – 15.10 Panel Debate Q&A with James Bate, Andrew Thornton & Judy Bell
15.10 – 15.40 The experience business - James Sinclair
15.40 - 15.50 Closing remarks - Susie Emmett
15.50 – 16.30 Tea/Coffee final chance to visit the trade show stands
Farm Shop Manager’s & Catering Manager's Workshops
11.20 – 12.10 How to run a really fabulously successful coffee shop - Harriet Forster
12.10 – 13.00 Golden Rules of running a Highly profitable food retail business - Ian Kelsall
Farmers’ Market Workshop
11.20 – 11.50 Merchandising Farmers Market stalls - Ian Kelsall
11.50 – 12.20 Farmers Market Certification - NSF
12.20 – 13.00 What markets need from FARMA - debate
For Speaker Biographies click here
Trade Show
Exhibitors in the Trade Show are each dedicated to the farm retail sector to provide you with the contacts and support you need in the challenges ahead.
Conference Day Main Sponsor