Here you will find an overview of the conference and answers to some frequently asked questions. For more details about programming and showcasing see the drop-down menu above.
NOTE: The information here references the 2024 conference. Updated information will be posted here when it becomes available in early 2025.
Our next in-person Gathering will take place October 26-23, 2025 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville in Lisle, IL.
You do not need to live in the Midwest to attend. Anyone interested in making deeper connections with artists, the music industry, and folk community in our region are welcome to attend. More info will be shared as we get closer but for now, feel free to look at info from this past year’s conference and make sure to sign up for our email list to get the latest updates.
We look forward to connecting and seeing you in Lisle!
Volunteering at FARM
Yes! We do need volunteers! In fact, we couldn’t do it without you. More information can be found here: https://www.farmfolk.org/get-involved/volunteer-at-farm/
If you are ready to apply to be a volunteer. Please complete this form: https://forms.gle/BUAbyywaTQZqQAK27
Email volunteer@farmfolk.org with any questions.
Sponsorship and Advertising
Consider a sponsorship to FARM https://www.farmfolk.org/farm-gathering/sponsorship/
Or Advertising in our Program is great way to make yourself known! https://www.farmfolk.org/product/program-ad/
Workshops & Panels
We are working on planning this year’s workshops and panels. If you have ideas of programming you would like to see, please submit your ideas here! To see a list of last year’s workshops, please visit https://www.farmfolk.org/farm-gathering/workshops.
Meals at FARM
FARM add-on meals are offered from Thirty 0 Three Restaurant at the DoubleTree Hotel. The restaurant will be open during the conference but hours vary. The hotel is located in an area with few food options that are walkable, so including meals in your FARM registration is highly recommended. The opportunity to sit and socialize is well worth the extra cost, and the convenience allows people to experience the conference more fully!
FARM will host a complimentary Friday night community meal as part of your conference registration. Saturday dinner and breakfast buffet for Friday, Saturday & Sunday are available à la carte or as a package when you register. Meals are buffet style and include vegetarian options.
Complete Meal Package ($125.00)
Includes Friday breakfast, Saturday breakfast, Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast. Friday dinner is included with all full conference registrations.
Any Single Meal ($40)
Good for any single meal, including Friday breakfast, Saturday breakfast, Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast.
If you already registered and did not include meals with your registration, please email conference@farmfolk.org, and we will add this to your registration.
Flyers and Such
We have been making an effort to reduce the amount of paper waste but we recognize the desire to promote yourself and your showcases. You are welcome to post your signs, posters and showcase schedules no larger than 8.5 x 11 in the following designated areas:
- Anywhere you can find wall space in the Atrium (excluding the workshop rooms and grand ballroom)
- Private Showcase Hallway
You must use painters tape or some other removable adhesive. Some painters tape is available at Registration desk.
Display Tables
DISPLAY TABLES are provided without charge, in the Atrium and other conference areas. Feel free to set out your press kits, cards, flyers, stickers or whatever merchandise you’d like to share for FREE. Please be economical with the space and leave some for the rest of the attendees.
GENERAL REGISTRATION INFO
2024 Full Conference Rates (includes Friday community dinner):
- $200 through May 31
- $225 June 1 – August 31
- $300 September 1 – Conference*
2024 Single Day Rates:
- $100 in advance
- $150 on site
CANCELLATION POLICY
Due to the ongoing COVID concerns, we are currently offering full refunds for cancellations up to October 1. After October 1, we will refund 50% of your registration. This is subject to change.
Discounts & Other Info
*FAI members will receive a $20 discount on their full conference registration.
All those who apply for an Official Showcase will get $25 off registration after June 1.
First-time DJs and Presenters are eligible for a discount. Please contact Ellen Stanley via conference@farmfolk.org
HOTEL INFO
Our host hotel for 2024 is DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville
Address: 3003 Corporate W Dr, Lisle, IL 60532
Phone: (630) 505-0900
Our discounted room rate is: $99
RESERVE A ROOM HERE using Group Code: CFM
If you have trouble with the registration form please contact the hotel and reference Group Code: CFM
The discounted rate will apply to reservations made before October 3, 2024.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
Amtrak and Metra commuter trains stop at the Naperville station, just 3.5 miles from the hotel.
To connect with other attendees about sharing rides to/from the airport, train or bus station, please use our Whova app.
Showcase At FARM
From Official Showcases right on down to jamming in the hallways, artists have great opportunities to be heard at FARM. In recent years, we’ve achieved an amazingly low 5 to 1 ratio of artists to presenters/venues. It’s rare to find a music conference of any sort that offers this kind of exposure to talent buyers.
Click on the following links for details:
MENTOR SESSIONS
Mentors are experienced individuals who are volunteering to meet with you and let you pick their brains for 15 minutes or so. This year the schedules will be set by the individual mentors. Sign-up sheets will be on a table near the registration desk.
The Drop Zone
All weekend long, the Dropzone is a room or area lined with boxes assigned to Venues or Radio stations for you to drop your CDs and/or One Sheets. The labels will indicate what each presenter or DJ is accepting. i.e. “CDs only” or “Anything you got”. Please honor these guidelines and only drop what they request.
Complete this form to reserve your box. https://forms.gle/RC1qvL9BB2aVaPTV6
Future Conference Dates
2028 FARM Gathering | Oct 19 – 22 | Minneapolis, MN