Q. Are room and board included in the registration fee?

A. No, the registration fee does not include the cost of room and board. We recommend you make accommodations at the Atlanta Marriott Buckhead (the hotel). This is where the event will be held and they are offering a discounted group rate of $163/night plus tax. Some meals will be provided throughout the conference and are included in the registration costs.

Q. When is the last day I can reserve my hotel room at the group rate at the Atlanta Marriott Buckhead?

A. Last day to reserve your hotel reservation at the group rate is August 21, 2023. After this date, the hotel will offer rooms based on availability and may not honor this negotiated rate.

Q. What is the hotel's credit/debit card policy?

A. The hotel accepts credit and debit cards with security chips as payment and deposits. Payment cards will be authorized for the full amount of your stay plus an incidental hold at check in.

Q. What time is check-in and does the hotel offer early check-in?

A. The hotel guaranteed check-in time is 4:00 pm but they offer early check-in based on room availability.

Q. Is the hotel and venue handicap accessible?

A. Yes, please refer to the hotel website for further accessibility details.

Q. Can I cancel my registration?

A. To completely cancel your registration, please contact [email protected] by August 31, 2023. Registrations will be canceled and a refund less a $25 processing fee. Registration cancellation after August 31, 2023 will be forfeited the full registration fee. All registration cancellation requests must be in writing.

Q. What are the closest Atlanta attractions to the hotel?

A. Lenox Square is right across the road from the conference location. Lenox Square is an upscale shopping center with numerous different dining options.

30 Best Things to Do in Atlanta + Tips from a Local | U.S. News Travel (usnews.com)

Q. How many people can attend from one organization?

A. Only one person from your grant team is required to attend the Gathering. We encourage the person most engaged in the day-to-day activities of the project be selected as this year's attendee.

Q. Who should attend the Gathering from our team?

A. The person most engaged in the day-to-day activities of the project should be selected as this year's Gathering attendee.

Q. I have already budgeted two people to attend, can the additional person still attend?

A. Due to capacity limitations, only one person can attend. Please work with your Regional Far to School Specialist if you need to revise your budget to reflect this change.

Q. Where can I find more information on budget changes?

A. Please contact your Regional Far to School Specialist for more information here.

Q. If we pay out of pocket, can we send another person to attend?

A. The capacity at the event venue is limited. Therefore, one person from each grantee organization should attend. If you have further questions about attendance, please contact your Regional Far to School Specialist to discuss your specific situation.

Q. How can I access the full list of workshops, presentations and trainings?

A. For further information on workshops, presentations and trainings, please visit the Agenda listed on the registration website.

Q. Who are the presenters?

A. For further information on presenters, please visit the Agenda listed on the event website.

Q. What other resources are available to me?

A.. Farm to School Program Website

Q. Is transportation included in the registration fee?

A. No, transportation is not included in the registration fee.

Q. Is there a shuttle service to and from the airport?

A. No, while the hotel does not provide a shuttle service, there are several convenient ways to travel to and from the airport. The airport's ground transportation site offers details and various options.

The hotel is located just two blocks from the Lenox Station on Atlanta's MARTA Gold line. For the cost of a $2 Breeze card and $5 round trip ($2.50 each way), you can ride the Gold line directly to and from the airport. The ride generally takes 30-45 minutes. Visit the MARTA website for tips and detailed information.

Taxi rides typically cost around $40 each way. The ride by taxi is roughly 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.

Q. Where can I park at the hotel?

A. The hotel offers convenient self parking for $35/night. Please contact the hotel for further information

Q. How much is the registration fee?

A. Please see the registration fee list below

Q. What does the fee include?

A. The fee includes conference materials and catered breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the conference. Attendees will have free time in the evening to explore Atlanta. Evening meals are not included in the registration.

Q. Why are there different fees?

A. Fees differ due to conference attendee type.

Q. How do I register?

A. Please register using the link https://events.espinc-usa.com/farmtoschool2023/

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please reach out to your Regional Farm to School Specialist. USDA Farm to School Staff  

Q. When is the deadline to register?

A. The deadline to register for the Grantee Gathering is  September 6. If you miss this deadline, please contact [email protected]

Q. What payment types are acceptable?

A. Payments can be made via credit cards, check, ACH/electronic check or wire transfer. Contact ESP directly for questions regarding payment options. Email: [email protected]

Q. Where will the site visits take place?

A. Please see the Agenda and Site Visits pages on the event website.

Q. Will transportation to the site visits be provided?

A. Yes transportation to and from the sites will be provided. Please see the Agenda for the scheduled site visit times.

Q. Can I select which site to visit?

A. You can choose your site visit location during registration. If your site of choice is filled, you will be placed on a waitlist and assigned to another location with available space.

Q. Can I change my site visit location?

A. No, once a site visit selection is made during registration, there will be no change to your itinerary.