2022 Conference Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Links: Hybrid Experience | Registration | Pricing | COVID-19 Safety Policies | Community Standards

HYBRID CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE

WHAT IS A HYBRID CONFERENCE?

Join us online, in person, or both! Your conference registration gives you access to it all!

After the 2021 virtual conference ended, many attendees told us they loved the convenience of the virtual format, but missed the hallway conversations, so the 2022 hybrid conference will offer the best of both worlds.

On Saturday, February 12, we will host a fully virtual day of conference complete with three workshop sessions, a keynote address, our membership meeting, a farm bill discussion, and an open mic night, which will allow you to engage and learn live from anywhere with an internet connection.

On February 17-19, the conference will look much like conferences in years past, with a trade show, full-day Food and Farm School classes, workshop sessions, lunches, and a second keynote address, along with additional opportunities for networking, community building, and celebrating together.

Socio will again host our virtual programming and recordings, including the in-person workshops, so you can still access all the learning even if you cannot make the trip. The Socio phone app will also be your primary tool for navigating the in-person portion of the conference. The easy-to-use Socio app and online event platform allow you to access the schedule, maps, and other important information at your fingertips, network with other attendees using your custom profile, play games to score points and win prizes, and watch recordings of keynote sessions and workshops through March 31.

HOW DO I ACCESS THE CONFERENCE APP?

You can find links to download both the mobile and web apps here. You can access the conference through a webpage (or “web app”—no download required), download the mobile app through iTunes, or download the mobile app through Google Play.

DO I HAVE TO WATCH OR ATTEND LIVE?

Yes and no. To get the full experience, attending live will connect you with attendees and allow you to ask our speakers questions directly. However, on-demand replay will be available for most sessions until March 31.

The events on Saturday, February 12 will take place exclusively online. To access a Video Stream, 15 minutes before the session, you’ll see a blue “Join Live Stream” button appear. Tap this button to launch the stream. Workshop, keynote, and Farm Bill Forecast recordings will be posted to the conference app and online event platform afterwards. Recordings of the members’ meeting and open mic night will not be available.

The events on Thursday, February 17 through Saturday, February 19 will be held at the Dayton Convention Center. Dayton sessions will not be available to watch live online, but all workshops, keynotes, and Food and Farm School classes will be recorded and recordings will be posted to the conference app and online event platform. Recordings of the community conversations and networking, Heartland FarmLink Mixer, and chapter meet ups will not be available.

After a session is over, you can access the recording by clicking on the white “View Recording” button and entering the password in the session description. Please allow a few days for recordings to be added to the app; we appreciate your patience as we load new content!

Food and Farm School registrants will have access to a recording of their Food and Farm School workshop, but not the rest of conference, unless they registered for both.

CAN I WATCH ON MY PHONE OR OTHER DEVICE?

Yes, you can join our event with the easy to use Socio mobile and web apps on your tablet, phone, or desktop computer. Read OEFFA’s guide to the conference mobile and web app for easy-to-follow instructions. You can also explore Socio’s App Help Center.

For the best experience, we recommend using BOTH the mobile app for conference on-the-go AND the web version on your computer or tablet for streaming Zoom sessions.

The web app is simply a webpage (no download required) which allows you to enjoy conference through a tab in your browser. Socio suggests using Chrome with the web app for the best performance; OEFFA staff have found it also works well on Firefox.

If you’re using the mobile app, remember to “refresh” it from time to time (using the circular arrow) for the latest updates. In order to download the mobile app, your phone must meet the minimum system requirements: iOS 11 for iPhone and 5.0 for Android. If you’re concerned because you have an older phone, check under Settings in your phone; the operating system will generally be listed as Version.

OEFFA conference online sessions will be held on Zoom. Be sure to have both Zoom and the conference app available on your preferred computer, phone, or other device. New to Zoom? Check out OEFFA’s conference Zoom guide.

WHAT CAN I DO IF I’M NOT SEEING THE LATEST INFORMATION IN THE APP?

If you’re not seeing video links, workshop handouts, or your conference app is not displaying the latest information, you may be experiencing cache problems. Try refreshing your app or web page (click on the circular arrow at the top), or clearing your browsing data. Each device and browser is different, but you may be able to find this by clicking on three dots in the upper right of your browser window. Click on History and then choose Clear.

You might also try using the web app in “incognito” or “private” mode instead. Each device and browser is different, but you may be able to find this by clicking on three dots in the upper right of your browser window. Click on “new incognito window.”

If all else fails, try closing your app and then reopening it, or try turning your device off and on again.

HOW DO I GET HELP IF I NEED IT?

We first recommend checking our frequently asked questions, conference app guide, and conference Zoom guide pages for answers. If that doesn’t answer your question, please visit the Help Desk within the conference app, visit the registration desk at the Dayton Convention Center, or contact Renee Hunt at (614) 947-1642 or renee@oeffa.org. If you have a question about your registration, contact Scott Lawski at (614) 947-1611 or scott@oeffa.org.

REGISTRATION

WHAT’S THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER?

Meal registration ends January 26, 2022. Registration to attend the conference live ends February 10, 2022. In-person registration will be available onsite at the Dayton Convention Center. Recording-only access to the conference will be available for purchase post-event. Recordings will be available until March 31.

CAN MORE THAN ONE PERSON WATCH WITH A SINGLE REGISTRATION?

Technically, yes. But, when you register yourself and others, you provide OEFFA with essential financial support and you get karmically-approved access to dozens of hours of educational video sessions and the Socio virtual conference environment.

If you want to organize a viewing for a group, contact Renee Hunt at (614) 947-1642 or renee@oeffa.org to let us know what you are planning, and we can find a very reasonable rate to get you all in.

WHAT DOES MY REGISTRATION INCLUDE?

General registration includes workshop sessions I-VII, 2 keynote lectures, the exhibit hall, and many special events, including the Farm Bill Forecast, Open Mic Night, Community Conversations and Networking, and the Exhibit Hall Social. Registration for the Food and Farm School classes, Organic System Plan Help-Shop for Transitioning Producers, and Friday and Saturday lunches must be purchased separately.

WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY REGISTRATION?

Visit the registration desk at the Dayton Convention Center or contact Scott Lawski at (614) 947-1611 or scott@oeffa.org.

PRICING

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The recommended registration price for members is $180. This is the price OEFFA needs to charge those who can afford it so we can offer this event, but we know not everyone can pay full price. Therefore, OEFFA is offering a sliding scale for conference registration to our members. Members who can’t afford the full registration price of $180 can pay what they can, from as little as $90.

The Organic System Plan Help-Shop for Transitioning Producers costs $25 and includes lunch (when you register by January 26). All other Food and Farm School classes start at $90 and include lunch (when you register by January 26). Friday and Saturday lunches are available for $21 each (when you register by January 26). If you can’t afford conference registration and meals, then take advantage of the sliding scale to pay a little less for registration and join us for lunch! Food and Farm School registration and Friday and Saturday lunches are not included in general registration and must be purchased separately.

OEFFA members are invited to attend the Members’ Meeting on February 12 and the Heartland FarmLink Mixer on February 18 at no cost. All other conference events require paid registration.

We are also offering a NOFA-NY Conference Special. OEFFA members have the chance to attend the Northeast Organic Farm Association-New York annual winter conference online January 18-23 at a great discount. For $250, you can attend both the OEFFA and NOFA-NY conferences. And, like the OEFFA conference, if you can’t attend all the sessions live, you can watch the videos. NOFA-NY recordings will be available though March 1.

IS THERE A STUDENT RATE?

Yes. Full-time students can register for $70 (member rate) or $105 (non-member rate).

CAN I REGISTER FOR A SINGLE WORKSHOP OR ONLY ONE DAY?

No, but our sliding scale pricing provides a lot of flexibility. With conference extending over four days, we wanted to keep things simple this year, both for our registrants and for our staff who have to manage attendee access to different parts of the hybrid conference event. If you only plan to attend for one day or a few specific sessions, we encourage you to use the sliding scale to pay what you think is appropriate for the level of access you plan to use.

ARE THERE SCHOLARSHIPS?

We want everyone to be able to attend the OEFFA conference and are delighted to offer scholarship opportunities for persons of color, beginning farmers, and specialty crop growers.

If you cannot afford the sliding scale price and don’t qualify for one of the scholarships or opportunities, please contact Renee Hunt at (614) 947-1642 or renee@oeffa.org.

ARE THERE REFUNDS?

Because conference sessions will be available online through March 31, registration refunds will not be given. Transfer of registration to another person must be done by February 13, 2022.

OEFFA reserves the right to revoke conference platform access if community standards (see below) are broken. No refunds will be given to attendees who are removed from the conference platform or from the Dayton Convention Center for violation of these standards.

COVID-19 SAFETY POLICIES

WHAT ARE OEFFA’S POLICIES ON MASKS, VACCINATION, AND COVID-19 TESTING?

Because COVID-19 remains a persistent and unpredictable public health threat, OEFFA is committed to creating the lowest possible risk environment for all our conference guests. We know that COVID-19’s continued presence in our lives has created a lot of exhaustion, frustration, and conflict. The OEFFA community has always been a welcoming one that generously supports all of its members in their efforts to change our food system. This year we need the spirit of that community more than ever, so we ask that everyone take special care this year to take responsibility for the wellbeing of everyone at the conference. Please be kind, please respect the rules, and please respect our hard-working staff who are doing their best to make this event safe and enjoyable for everyone.

To this end, all attendees will be required to wear a proper-fitting mask indoors, except while eating or drinking. If you do not have a proper-fitting mask, OEFFA will provide masks free of charge at the registration desk.

If you feel that you need a medical exemption to the mask requirement, please contact Milo Petruziello at milo@oeffa.org before conference begins. We will process requests on a case-by-case basis and require a letter from your physician. If you do not have a medical exemption and are unwilling to wear a mask, we ask that you please stay home and attend the conference online.

Additionally, if you are experiencing a fever or any other signs of illness, please either take a COVID-19 test to ensure that you are negative before attending the in-person conference, or choose to stay home and attend the conference online. For all other conference guests, COVID-19 testing before the event is encouraged, but not required.

WHAT OTHER MEASURES WILL OEFFA BE IMPLEMENTING AT THE CONFERENCE TO REDUCE THE SPREAD OF COVID-19?

The Dayton Convention Center will disinfect the facility prior to OEFFA’s arrival, and has upgraded its elevator ventilation and installed a UV light that disinfects the escalator handrail on each loop. Ongoing cleaning will take place and sanitizer will be available throughout the facility. Workshop rooms will be set up to maintain social distancing between speakers and participants. Participants should expect that sound quality may require speakers to remove their masks when presenting. We will also create space between seating in the dining room and other spaces.

By attending conference, you are accepting the risk associated with exposure to COVID-19 at a public event. While we are taking steps to create the safest possible environment, event organizers are not responsible for accidents, injury, or illness that results from your participation in this conference.

WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?

Due to the virtual nature of this event, no refunds will be given. Conference recordings will be available online through March 31. Transfer of registration to another person must be done by February 13, 2022.

Additionally, all registrants must comply with OEFFA’s Community Standards. OEFFA reserves the right to revoke access to the conference venue and the online platform if community standards are broken or COVID-19 policies are not followed. No refunds will be given to attendees who are removed from the online conference platform or Dayton Convention Center for violation of these standards.

WHAT HAPPENS IF COVID CASES INCREASE OR DECREASE?

OEFFA will continue to monitor the pandemic along with recommendations from national and local public health officials about the appropriate measures to take to keep people safe and limit the spread of COVID-19. Any changes to our guidelines will be communicated to our community and registered attendees as soon as possible.

HOW DO I FIND A COVID-19 TEST?

OEFFA encourages you to test for COVID-19 before attending conference, but it is not required. Every home in the U.S. is now eligible to order four free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests, which usually ship in 7-12 days. Complete this form to request your free tests.

If you need a COVID-⁠19 test now, are looking for another type of COVID-⁠19 test, or need more than four tests, please explore these resources. Individuals covered by a health insurance plan who purchase an over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic test that has been authorized, cleared, or approved by the Food and Drug Administration can have those test costs reimbursed by their insurance.

COMMUNITY STANDARDS

WHAT ARE THE CONDUCT REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATING IN CONFERENCE?

All are welcome here. OEFFA values diversity within our organization and at our annual conference. Like in ecological agriculture, diversity plays an important role in cultivating symbiotic and sustainable relationships between both plants and humans. A community that embraces everyone regardless of race, nationality, creed, political belief, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or ability braves the harshest season and bears the sweetest fruit. We ask that all conference participants:

Be kind. All participants are encouraged to connect with other attendees, post to discussion boards, use the app’s chat feature, engage in breakout sessions, and get the most out of what the online conference platform has to offer. Spam and offensive, divisive, or profane language are not permitted, and will be removed. Furthermore, degrading comments about things like race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender, or identify will not be tolerated, nor will bullying or slanderous messages or posts about other attendees, staff, volunteers, speakers, sponsors, or exhibitors. For the safety of others, particularly those most vulnerable in our community, all attendees must follow OEFFA’s COVID-19 safety policies.

Be ethical. Attendees must respect the intellectual property of speakers by refraining from any unauthorized sharing of their materials. The recording, copying, and distribution of a speaker’s presentation or other content without their express consent is strictly prohibited. Likewise, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors shall not violate any copyrights with respect to the writings, music, or other material they use during the conference, and assume sole liability and responsibility for the use and display of all copyrighted materials at the conference, and shall obtain any and all necessary licenses therefore. OEFFA takes no responsibility for the unauthorized sharing of copyrighted material.

Be you. Allowing others to login to the Socio conference platform during or after the event with your credentials is forbidden. OEFFA relies on conference revenue to fund our work and we need everyone who attends to register through proper channels. We offer scholarships, reduced rate volunteer opportunities, and a sliding scale registration fee to make the conference as accessible as possible. If you have a friend, family member, or colleague who does not qualify for a scholarship and cannot afford to attend the conference, please have them reach out to us directly so we can try to work something out rather than allowing them to use your registration credentials.

Be patient. This hybrid event model is new to all of us, including OEFFA staff, speakers, and exhibitors. Technical issues may arise, and we ask that you be gracious while we navigate this new landscape. We thank you in advance for your understanding.

OEFFA staff, volunteers, speakers, attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors are expected to honor these standards. OEFFA reserves the right to revoke access to the conference venue and the online conference platform if community standards are broken or COVID-19 safety policies are not followed. No refunds will be given to attendees who are removed from the online conference platform or Dayton Convention Center for violation of these standards.