The ECHO International Agriculture Conference has a rich history of international workers and visitors attending our conference. We are always delighted to receive guests who bring perspectives from the field to the conference. Please use this page to help you navigate the process of attending this conference. We have divided it into two sections Before you leave and Planning for your arrival
Read below for information on registration, payment, visas, health insurance, and what to pack!
Most visitors to the United States need a visa for entry. Nationals from Visa Waiver Program countries and territories may visit without getting a visa prior to arrival. To find out more about your specific needs for U.S. Visas visit the U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
Please do not register if you do not yet have a visa to come to the United States. We will hold the Early Bird registration fee open for you if you contact the Conference Coordinator [conference@echonet.org] before August 21, 2024 letting us know you are in the process of securing a visa. If the Early Bird registration is no longer on the ECHO website after you receive your visa, please contact the Conference Coordinator Conference@echonet.org and we will give you special instructions in how to register and make your payment.
If you are traveling internationally, you will need international health insurance for your stay. You can buy your international health insurance through ECHO for $45 per person. When you register, add health insurance to your order in addition to your ticket.
Read below for information on how to best travel to the ECHO Conference and what to bring with you!
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 several hours drive from the conference venue including Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Miami (MIA), Tampa (TPA), and Orlando (MCO). These are not recommended as we do not provide transportation to and from these airports. Each of these airports are:
If you book a rental car ahead of time, you can usually get a good price, from $30 / day. You will need car insurance (most major credit cards will have rental insurance built in- check with your bank). If you are able to carpool with other delegates, this is a good way to save money.
The conference registration fee does not include hotel costs. The ECHO International Agriculture Conference encourages guests to take advantage of the reduced–cost hotel rate through the Crowne Plaza Ft. Myers Gulf Coast Hotel, where the conference will be held.
If you are able to room with another attendee, this will lower costs. ECHO does try to match single attendees who are traveling alone with others who are interested in sharing a room. ECHO will only match women with women, and men with men.
ECHO's International Agriculture Conference has a casual dress code. Time will be spent inside and on the farm, so please wear comfortable clothing.
November in Southwest Florida is the beginning of the cold season, and the air conditioning in the hotel is usually even colder. If you are used to more tropical climates, please pack a light sweater or other warm clothing. Average temperatures Highs / Lows in November are 81° / 62°F or 27.2°C / 16.7 °C. We recommend bringing: