The ECHO® International Agriculture Conference

Why Attend?

Welcome to the 31st annual ECHO International Agriculture Conference! The plenary speakers, breakout sessions and workshops provide opportunities for learning with others devoted to eradicating hunger and improving lives through agriculture, clean water, and community development. Speakers share their agricultural challenges and successes, personal experiences, and transferrable principles for improving the lives of millions facing food insecurity daily. The highlight is networking with like-minded practitioners, researchers, and educators. The conference is from November 12-14 in Fort Myers, Florida. An optional one-day post-conference workshop at the ECHO Global Farm on November 10 will cover Korean Natural Farming (KNF). Come celebrate more than 30 years of networking and learning together.

What to expect from this year's conference:

  • World-class keynote speakers
  • Interactive afternoon workshops on ECHO’s Global Farm
  • Evening Breakout Sessions sharing innovative techniques and approaches

Who Should Attend?

This conference will especially benefit current or aspiring international agricultural development workers. At this conference, you will get to network with professionals who share your context and your passions!

  • Short-term or career missionaries
  • National community leaders and farmers
  • Leaders of development/relief-oriented organizations
  • University undergraduate, graduate students and professors
  • International project volunteers (e.g. Peace Corps)
When
Tuesday - Thursday November 12-14, 2024
Where
Fort Myers, Florida ECHO Global Farm & Crowne Plaza Fort Myers Gulf Coast Hotel
Register For The Conference
31st Annual Event
Tabitha Kapic photo
Tabitha Kapic

Director of Innovation

The Chalmers Center
Allan Hruska Ph.D. photo
Allan Hruska Ph.D.

Professor

University of Michigan
Katrina Koehler, Ph.D. photo
Katrina Koehler, Ph.D.

Professor and Researcher

Houghton University / Los Alamos National Laboratory
Erwin Kinsey photo
Erwin Kinsey

Director

ECHO East Africa
Lupita Vazquez Reyes photo
Lupita Vazquez Reyes

Community Gardens and Outreach Manager

Cultivate Abundance
Rev. Miguel Estrada photo
Rev. Miguel Estrada

Director

Misión Peniel
Robert Morris photo
Robert Morris

Senior Manager for Program Innovation

HOPE International
Milmer Martínez Vergara photo
Milmer Martínez Vergara

International Programs Vice President

Plant With Purpose
Join the Event Registration fees do not include lodging.

International Guests: Please do not register if you do not yet have a visa to come to the United States. 

For visa applicants, scholarships, and student discounts please email conference@echonet.org for further instructions.

One-Day Pass

$ 150

Lodging not included.

Buy A Day Pass

Attend Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday

  • Morning Plenary Sessions Yes
  • Lunch Yes
  • Afternoon Workshops Yes
  • Evening SessionsYes

Conference Registration

$ 425

Lodging not included.

Register Today!
  • Morning Plenary Sessions Yes
  • Lunches Yes
  • Afternoon Workshops Yes
  • Evening SessionsYes
  • Conference ResourcesYes
  • Closing CelebrationYes

Spouse Registration

$ 250

Lodging not included.

Join your spouse for the full conference experience!

  • Morning Plenary Sessions Yes
  • Lunches Yes
  • Afternoon Workshops Yes
  • Evening SessionsYes
  • Conference ResourcesYes
  • Closing CelebrationYes
Transportation & Lodging

Conveniently located near the ECHO Global Farm, the Crowne Plaza Ft. Myers Gulf Coast Hotel hosts morning plenary sessions and evening breakout sessions. Lunch (provided by ECHO) and afternoon workshops take place at the ECHO Global Farm. Transportation between the hotel and the farm is also provided by ECHO.

Please note that the conference registration fee does not include your hotel stay, and you will need to book your room directly through the hotel. To book a reservation for the ECHO Conference at the Crowne Plaza Ft. Myers Gulf Coast please follow the booking link, enter your dates or call reservations at 855-639-8440 and ask for ECHO Conference group rate or mention group code ECH.

Crowne Plaza Ft. Myers Gulf Coast Hotel

9931 Interstate Commerce Drive

Call 855-639-8440 and mention the code "ECH" to get the event rate

Transportation is provided from the Crowne Plaza Gulf Coast Hotel to and from ECHO's Global Farm each day. If you have your own vehicle, you are welcome to drive yourself.

Directions To The Farm
Book Online

Arrival By Car

The conference hotel is located at the Alico Road exit (128) on I-75.

Directions To The Hotel

Arrival by Plane

The hotel offers complimentary transportation to and from the Fort Myers airport. We highly recommend that you book all travel to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW).

There are several large international airports within 2-4 hours drive from the conference including Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Miami (MIA), Tampa (TPA), and Orlando (MCO). We do not recommend flying into these airports unless you can arrange your own transportation to Fort Myers, as we are unable to assist with airport transportation to these airports. You may be able to share a ride with another delegate.

Important Information for International Travelers
Food & Drink

Breakfast

If you are a paying guest at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers Gulf Coast Hotel, breakfast is included.

Lunch

Lunch is provided each day at the ECHO® Global Farm.

Dinner

Thursday's evening conference celebration is included in your conference registration Please plan to make your own dinner arrangements on Tuesday and Wednesday evening.

There are many restaurants within a short complementary shuttle ride or walking distance of the conference hotel. Below we have provided some resources if you are looking for a place to eat:

Gulf Coast Town Center Directory


The resources and networking opportunities that make the ECHO International Agriculture Conference unique are available year-round through ECHOcommunity.org

Join Today

Attendee Profile List

Let other attendees know who you are, where you work, and projects and interests. Find and connect with other delegates who may be working in your geographic or interest area.

Community Board

Connect with other delegates through discussion of important topics. Ask and respond to questions, and connect with Conference administrators.

Virtual Meet

Connect one-on-one with a delegate through the Virtual Meet option. Suggest a meeting with someone who you want to get to know more and directly connect through the app.

Utilize the Community Board and Attendee Profile and identify people that you want to follow up with.

For all other devices you can access the event from any web browser.