TRAVERSE CITY — Michigan State University Extension has opened registration for its 2026 Agritourism Summit, set for 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 14 in Acme at the Grand Traverse Resort.
According to MSU Extension, the summit will focus on “Cultivating Opportunities Through Collaboration, Innovation and Policy” and will bring together farmers, entrepreneurs, municipal officials and rural advocates to explore trends in agritourism, share best practices and build connections that support Michigan’s rural economy.
A pre-summit farm tour will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 13 across agritourism establishments in Antrim and Grand Traverse counties, followed by a welcome soirée at Flintfields Horse Park.
Organizers said the pre-summit tour is limited to 54 participants and will include behind-the-scenes experiences and tastings at King Orchards Home Farm, Cellar 1914, Ethanology Distillery & Spirit House, Providence Organic Farm Market & Café, Short’s Brewing’s Elk Rapids Pull Barn and Flintfields Horse Park.
Tour registration includes round-trip transportation from Grand Traverse Resort, lunch at Providence Organic Farm, locally crafted food and beverage samples and entry to the evening soirée.
The soirée and networking event, scheduled for 5 to 7:45 p.m. May 13 at Flintfields Horse Park, will feature locally sourced food and beverages, a menu by James Beard Best Chef Midwest Jimmy Schmidt, two complimentary drink tickets, live equestrian jumper demonstrations, an agritourism expo and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
The May 14 summit, held in the Tower Ballroom at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, will include a welcome address from Michigan Farm Bureau President Ben LaCross, a keynote from Dr. Tim Boring, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, panel discussions with Michigan agritourism operators and morning and afternoon breakout sessions.
Breakout sessions will cover marketing, finance, farm stays, zoning and ordinance strategy, Michigan Right to Farm Act basics and realistic agritourism scenarios. Coffee, a locally sourced lunch and refreshments are included.
Registration prices vary by program. The full program, which includes the farm tour, soirée and summit, costs $225 through April 1 and $250 after April 1. Summit-only registration costs $100 through April 1 and $125 after April 1.
The pre-summit farm tour and soirée cost $135 through April 1 and $150 after April 1. The agritourism summit and soirée package costs $165 through April 1 and $175 after April 1.
Current partners and sponsors include Chateau Chantal, Clearesult, Michigan State University Extension, National Cherry Festival, Promote Michigan, Taste the Local Difference, Traverse City Tourism, Venture North and Yen Yoga.
Businesses and organizations interested in partnerships or sponsorships can email berkeyj@msu.edu or visit the summit’s sponsorship page.
For more information, including the full agenda and speaker details, click here.