
2023 CONFERENCE INFO
This year’s in-person Gathering will take place October 19-22, 2023 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 about this year’s conference is below.
We look forward to seeing you in Lisle!
2023 REGISTRATION
2023 Rates (includes Friday dinner):
- $175 through May 31
- $200 June 1 – August 31
- $250 September 1 – Conference*
CANCELLATION POLICY
Due to the COVID uncertainty, 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
2023 HOTEL INFORMATION
Our host hotel for 2023 & 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 September 28, 2023.
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.
2023 KEYNOTE SPEAKER
We’re so excited to announce this year’s keynote speaker Robbie Fulks! Clever, insightful and irreverent, Robbie Fulks is a founding father of the alt-country scene and an icon in roots music. One of the most gifted songwriters of his generation and deeply rooted in the musical traditions that built an entire genre, Fulks’ adventurous spirit and eclectic persona have defined a critically-acclaimed 30-year career that has included 15 solo albums, 2 Grammy® nominations, and a mountain of respect from some of the industry’s most revered personnel. Although he worked as a Music Row songwriter in Nashville in the 1990s, he has spent most of his expansive career based in the Chicago area – from his time in Greg Cahill’s award-winning bluegrass band Special Consensus to his years teaching at the Old Town School of Folk Music to his storied solo alt-country career recording with Bloodshot, Geffen and Yep Roc Records.
Fulks is now getting ready to release his new album Bluegrass Vacation on Compass Records (April 7), featuring bluegrass all-stars Sam Bush, Sierra Hull, Ronnie McCoury, Tim O’Brien Alison Brown and Jerry Douglas. He is also working on a book about why songs are made and how they’re used over time and across Western cultures.
For more about Robbie Fulks, visit http://www.robbiefulks.com/
2023 OFFICIAL SHOWCASE INFO
Official Showcase Submissions will open on March 20. More information can be found here: https://www.farmfolk.org/official
2023 PERFORMANCE LANE
PERFORMANCE LANE locations and times are yet to be determined. These are 10-minute unplugged performances assigned in order of sign-up.
You can sign up when you register, and you will be get a follow-up email to sign up for your time.
2023 PRIVATE SHOWCASES
The private showcase area is always an exciting and inviting place to be!! Private Showcases will run from 10:30pm to 2:30am each night of the conference (Thur, Fri, Sat).
More info here: https://www.farmfolk.org/farm-gathering/private/
2023 VOLUNTEER INFO
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.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
View the 2022 Conference Schedule for reference. https://www.farmfolk.org/farm-gathering/schedule/
2023 SPONSORSHIP + 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/
2023 WORKSHOPS & PANELS
See the 2022 schedule here for reference: https://www.farmfolk.org/farm-gathering/workshops/
2023 MEALS
Friday night dinner is included with your registration.* We are working with the hotel to provide the safest no-contact services and dining experience based on the strictest COVID guidelines in place at conference time. We will provide ToGo boxes for those who would like to take their dinner back to their rooms or outdoors (weather permitting).
Saturday dinner and breakfast buffet for Friday, Saturday & Sunday are available a la carte.
The opportunity to sit and socialize is well worth the extra cost. A VERY limited number will be available to purchase on-site.
If you did not include meals with your registration please email conference@farmfolk.org and we will add this to your registration (preferred).
* Some exceptions associated with discount codes
ATTENDEE LIST
This is where you’ll find the regularly updated attendee list closer to the conference.
ALL ACCESS NAME BADGES
ALL ACCESS NAME BADGES are required for entrance to any of the in-person conference events and are provided to all who have pre-registered. Walk-up registrations are welcome however, some meal options may be limited. If someone would like to attend only the evening showcases, we offer Taste of FARM for only $20 per night. ALL PERFORMERS MUST HAVE THE ALL ACCESS CREDENTIALS if you’re performing at any time over the weekend.
REGISTRATION/INFORMATION DESK
REGISTRATION / INFORMATION desk opens at noon on Thursday and 9:00 am on Friday & Saturday. It is located just inside the Atrium. There will be a volunteer available at or near the registration desk to answer questions.
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.
MENTOR SESSIONS
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.
OPEN MICS
We have several open mic opportunities at the conference. Drop your name in the bowl or bowls near registration for a chance to perform. All names will be drawn at the beginning of the open mic. If you’re not in attendance, another name will be drawn. Official & DJ showcase artists are excluded from performing in the open mics.
FLYERS & 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.
THE DROP ZONE
Located in the Spruce Room (access via Regency Ball room -aka our dining room), all weekend long, the Dropzone is a room 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
INSTRUMENT STORAGE
INSTRUMENT STORAGE is available in the Rosewood Room (the Woods). Check at the registration desk for hours and information.
JAMMING & SONG CIRCLES
JAMMING and SONG CIRCLES are encouraged throughout the conference. as long as the volume doesn’t interfere with conference or other hotel activities. The common areas in the lobby (until 10pm) and conference levels, conference rooms when not in use, are all available for impromptu jams and song swaps. .
MORE HAPPENINGS
Check out this page for other cool things happening. https://www.farmfolk.org/special-events-at-farm/