VFN 22nd Annual Forum Dinner at Shelburne Farms (August 5th): A celebration of the best of Vermont food, an opportunity to connect with 400 enthusiastic diners, recognition in related media campaigns, and a way to contribute to our year’s largest fundraiser. If you can’t be there in person, you can also consider contributing to our popular Silent Auction.
Celebration of Vermont Wine & Ice Cider (last week in March): A coordinated marketing effort for VFN restaurant members hosting events or specials that feature Vermont wines and ice cider in the last week of March. This supports our Vermont Wine project to sell more Vermont wines through Vermont restaurants.
Vermont Vineyard Tours (Summer 2018): Vermont vineyards are hosting restaurant staff for special tours this summer. Sign up to participate and learn more about our wine growing region!
Open Farm Week (August 13th - 19th): Farm-hosted activities across Vermont, promoted through the DigInVT platform. 2018 sign ups have just been announced.
Regional Conversations (All Year): Part of the strength of a network is the chance to, well, network. We’re working with members throughout the state to host regional conversations. These can be informal coffee hours or more structured professional development events, depending on each region’s interest. Check here if you would be interested in either hosting or helping plan an event in your region this year.
Member Menu Fundraisers (All Year): Support VFN through donations tied to menu items (for example, $1 from every burger special purchased in the month of August). We will work with you to advertise the promotion, encourage customers to participate, and recognize your support.
DigInVT Content (All Year): Sign up to learn more about how to use the new DigInVT agricultural & culinary tourism tool - we’ll show you how to manage your place listing, design trails for exploring your region, submit events for the calendar, and suggest e-newsletter content. There will also be marketing webinars for VFN members and opportunities to participate in specific marketing campaigns.
Conference Mini-Grants (recently launched): This is a new program involving an application process to send members to appropriate conferences - helping our members connect with chefs, farmers, and others working in the food system beyond Vermont. Then bring those connections back home.
Membership Committee (stay tuned): A project for the VFN Board this year is to build a better structure for members to share ideas that can help shape future priorities. We’re at the planning stage now, but sign up here if you might be interested in serving in whatever structure emerges later this year.