Attendee Guide
March 1st through March 4th, 2026
Watch this space or join WhatsApp group for updates!
With the InTents National Farmers Market Conference weekend kicking off now, watch this space for updates. Remember, early registration is today from 2 pm to 4 pm upstairs at the Catamaran (use the stairs to the right of the main lobby entrance, or the elevator down the hall).
After registration, join us at The Firehouse for the no-host* Sunday 3/1 meetup from 4 pm to 6 pm. Take a 10 minute walk along the beach to 722 Grand Ave, San Diego.
Want to post meetups or connect with other attendees? Join the group InTents 2026 on WhatsApp. Feel free to invite other attendees, please do not share with folks not attending the 2026 conference.
Who attends this event?
This 10th annual InTents National Farmers Market Conference will see many returning attendees and plenty of newcomers from throughout the US and Canada and beyond. Current and prospective farmers market managers, municipal groups, nonprofits and policy makers that host or support farmers’ markets will be here. We have a special shorter track for farmers and food vendors again in 2026. Businesses that provide goods and services to farmers market managers and participants connect here.
PRO TIP: First time attendee? Use the green lanyard for your badge
Where does all this happen?
The Conference takes place at the Catamaran Resort Hotel in the Pacific Beach community of San Diego, California. Staying there means being on site for every presentation and panel and many activities. To stay on site Register here. 3999 Mission Blvd, San Diego
Other venues include: The Firehouse for the no-host* Sunday 3/1 meetup from 4 pm to 6 pm after early registration at the Catamaran. Take a 10 minute walk along the beach to 722 Grand Ave, San Diego.
On Tuesday, we’ll take a 12 min walk to the Pacific Beach Farmers Market at 901 Hornblend Street after sessions end at 5 pm. Shop for fresh produce, snacks and gifts at the market, then join us across the street upstairs at PB Shore Club for no-host* Taco Tuesday and a view of the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. 4343 Ocean Blvd.
*No host means attendees purchase food and drinks individually on their own.
Other activities including beach yoga, breakfast, all sessions, the Monday Night Reception from 5 to 7pm and the Wednesday closing reception from 5 to 6 pm take place at the Catamaran.
Where does all this happen?
We’ll be meeting at the Catamaran Resort in the heart of San Diego, California’s Pacific Beach community. Use this link to book Catamaran Resort reservations for the best rate. Meeting rooms, the Resource Lounge and accommodations are all on one site. Groceries, fine dining and burrito stands can be found at the hotel and right next door, no need to drive. Step outside between sessions and you’ll find your feet on the sand.
Where do I find the current schedule?
The 2026 schedule is online here. Click the down arrow symbol for more details. To learn more about our Speakers, use this page and click the + for details about each of them.An abbreviated printed program and signage will be available onsite.
When should I arrive? How long should I stay?
Main sessions start promptly at 8 am on Monday morning, March 2nd and wrap up at 5 pm on Wednesday, March 4th, followed by a closing party. Plan to be here the whole time to take advantage of all of the content and networking available.
Many attendees arrive on the Friday or Saturday before the conference to visit local markets on the weekend. A lot of attendees meet at the Little Italy Mercato, the 6-block market founded 18 years ago and still operated by the Farmers Market Pros. Find it at 660 West Date Street at India. Open 8 am to 2 pm on Saturday.
Other markets we recommend, you’ll want to share a ride share or a rental car for these:
Friday: La Mesa Village Farmers Market (East San Diego Co)
Saturday: Poway Farmers Market (North County)
Sunday: Chula Vista Farmers Market (South Bay) 10 am - 2 pm at 300 Park Way
Sunday: Hillcrest Farmers Market (Uptown)
Wednesday: Use the longer lunch break to share a ride to the Little Italy Mercato midweek market, at the same location as Saturday’s
Early registration and Swap Shop drop offs on-site start at 2 pm on Sunday, March 1st at the Catamaran.
Where should I stay?
Most attendees and speakers will stay on site at the beautiful Catamaran Resort. San Diego in March is a pretty special place, and some attendees bring their families along and enjoy the beach before or after the conference.. For other nearby hotels and short term rentals, the closest areas to search are Mission Beach, Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach.
What should I pack?
There’s no dress code, most folks lean to farmers market business casual. Fruit and vegetable costumes may occur. Like many places in these wacky weather times, San Diego can have a wide range of seasons in a single day. We expect sunny days throughout the conference this year, with temperatures in the high 60’s and 70’s. We’re near the water and that can get chilly at night. Pack layers, a swimsuit for the pool and the beach, and sunscreen. If you have room, add a yoga mat.
What food and drinks are available? Are they included in my registration?
We’ll have light breakfast offerings available Monday through Wednesday mornings, included in your registration. Complimentary appetizers and a drink ticket will be offered at the Monday reception and also at the closing reception on Wednesday.
Lunches and dinners are on your own. We’ll have a mini lunch market on Monday where you can purchase from local farmers market vendors. The hotel has a coffee bar and a restaurant on site and there are grocery stores, taco stands, restaurants and coffee houses nearby. Various meetups available in the evenings happen in casual settings, including the Pacific Beach Farmers Market, which has food and beverage available for purchase.
Is parking extra? How should I get around?
Parking is expensive in Pacific Beach, including at the host hotel. With everything available on site or an easy walk away, we suggest not bringing a car. While San Diego does not have as robust a public transportation system as some cities this size, buses do service Pacific Beach. Rideshares are plentiful.
What’s this I hear about a Swap Shop?
Wildly popular in recent years, the Swap Shop is back, so get ready to show us your swag! Drop off at least 5 - and up to 10 - shopping bags, t-shirts, water bottles or other innovative merch that represents your market at Registration on Sunday and Monday, and you’ll get Market Bucks for each item you contribute.
One t-shirt, shopping bag, apron or other substantial item = 1 Swap Buck / Five keychains, pens or other small item = 1 Swap Buck. You can choose other items at the same rate.
Everyone can shop for other markets’ specialities and vintage InTents goodies and books in the Merch Shop, and can purchase in The Swap Shop with cash and cards in addition to Bucks.
The Swap Shop opens on Tuesday at noon, folks who contribute merchandise get a head start and we have metered access in place to make sure everyone gets a chance to shop.
What are the safety protocols?
With health protocols more routine now, we advise sensible precautions. Please respect attendees who feel more comfortable wearing face masks. If you believe you’ve been exposed to have contracted a contagious illness during the conference, please take care of yourself: stay away from meeting rooms and take advantage of online attendance.
I have more questions.
How can I contact you?
Email us at connect@farmersmarketpros.com! Please understand that responses may be delayed once the conference is underway.