Market Managers Conference survey Question Title * 1. This survey seeks to gain input concerning how the Farmers Market Federation of NY can best provide information and resources to farmers market managers through conferences and educational programs. Have you attended the Farmers Market Managers’ annual conference? Yes, I go every year Yes, as often as I can Yes, I have been, but infrequently No OK Question Title * 2. The 2017 conference was cancelled because registrations were too low. Did you register to attend this year’s conference? Yes I intended to, but the conference was cancelled before I had a chance No OK Question Title * 3. If you answered YES, what are the reasons you registered for this conference? (Check all that apply.) I thought the session topics were important and timely. I enjoy the networking opportunities to meet and talk with other managers I enjoy the farm tours I was interested to see the new Broome County Regional Farmers Market facility and learning more about that. I just enjoy each year’s conference Other (please specify) OK Question Title * 4. If you answered NO, what was the reason you did not register for the conference? (Check all that apply.) Cost of registration is too high Cost of hotel and travel is too high I do not have a travel budget to cover the cost of conferences Timing of conference is off for me Not interested in the topics Conflict with other commitments Location was too far away for me to travel Other (please specify) OK Question Title * 5. Regarding the length of conference: 3 days is too long, 2 days would be better 3 days is too long, 1 day would be better 3 days is appropriate I have no interest in a conference Other (please specify) OK Question Title * 6. Rather than a stand-alone statewide conference, I would suggest: Online programs and webinars Regional workshops Bi-annual statewide conference Partner with another conference, my suggestion would be: Leave the conference as is – a stand-alone statewide conference Other (please specify) OK Question Title * 7. What time of the year would you prefer conference be held? November/December January February March April Not applicable, as I would not attend a conference OK Question Title * 8. If you have attend the Farmers Market Managers conferences in the past, which aspects of the conference were most useful to you? (Check all that apply.) Session topics and speakers provide ideas that I can take back to my market Talking with other managers around the state makes me feel like I am not operating my market in a vacuum, rather I am a part of a statewide community of market managers. Market managers are so willing to share their experiences, ideas and concerns, that I can get my questions answered, bring home new ideas for my market, or help me solve some of the issues that I am facing in my market. After a long market season, the conference re-energizes me and gets me in the right frame of mind to begin planning for the next season. The farm tours give me insight into all it takes for our producers to grow, harvest, and prepare for the market. I can be a little more empathetic to their points of view now. I see the conference as a part of my career development. I enjoy the camaraderie. Other (please specify) OK Question Title * 9. The conference needs to reflect the needs of managers so that you get the most out of the event. We welcome your suggestions, they could be about any aspect of the annual conference. OK Question Title * 10. What are the biggest and/or emerging challenges you face as a farmers market manager? OK Question Title * 11. Announcements of the conference were posted on the Federation Facebook page, the NYS Farmers Market Managers Group, the Federation list serve, various local food and Cornell Cooperative Extension list serves as well as being sent out on the Federation email list of managers and other publications. Were you aware of the conference? Yes No OK Question Title * 12. How would you prefer to hear about future educational events? Email Facebook Federation list serve Other (please specify) OK DONE