Who can attend the Forum?

The SAFSF Forum brings together funders, community partners, and thought leaders in sustainable food and agriculture. Below is a detailed breakdown of eligible attendees and ticket types:

Funders (Members and Non-Members)

• Staff, trustees, or donors from organizations using grantmaking or investments as a core strategy to fulfill their mission. This includes government agencies that administer funding programs. 
• All SAFSF Members are considered funders. You must be an active member (completed 2026 renewal or approved as a new member) to purchase the member ticket. If you purchase a member ticket and are not an active SAFSF member, you will automatically be charged the non-member rate. 
• If you work for a philanthropy supporting organization or funder network, please purchase a non-member ticket. 

Field Partners

• As a member benefit, SAFSF members may invite one Field Partner to the Forum. There are limited tickets available; we encourage early registration. Either the Field Partner or the SAFSF Member can initiate registration by filling out a short form [available soon], which will confirm the registrant as a guest of the SAFSF Member. 

Speakers (Funder and Non-Funder): 

• Confirmed presenters, panelists, and moderators who are scheduled to speak at the Forum. Funder speakers receive the discounted member registration rate. All SAFSF Members are considered funders. For non-funder speakers, up to 3 non-funders will be provided free registration for the Forum; beyond that, non-funder speakers can register at a discounted rate. 

Is SAFSF membership required to attend?

No, SAFSF membership is not required to attend the conference. SAFSF members receive discounted registration rates and may attend specific programming for members. If you are a funder and would like to become a member in time for the Forum, please contact [email protected] before April 15th. 

Can I attend if I am not a funder?

The Forum includes speakers and attendees hailing from diverse sectors, including philanthropic, investment, non-profit, public, and private sectors. We value the expertise of everyone in the room and believe that impactful funding begins with partnerships. This year, a limited number of Field Partner tickets are available for the 2026 Forum for guests of SAFSF members. SAFSF member organizations are able to invite one representative from a community/nonprofit organization they are sponsoring to attend the Forum. In years past, we have been able to make Field Partner tickets available to the public, but due to capacity constraints are unable to do so in 2026. To register as a Field Partner, the participant or sponsoring member will complete an online form first [available soon]. Instructions on how to register will follow. 

Can I register as a consultant?

Consultants may attend as an authorized designee of a funding organization. Consultants can register using the same registration type as their affiliated funder (member or non-member) and will pay the corresponding rates. The organization name in registration must be the funding organization, not the consulting name. 

Can I pitch attendees about my project, service, or organization?

To honor a pressure-free experience focused on learning, we invite all Forum attendees to share what they are working on without soliciting funds and with respect for the boundaries of other guests.

Will sessions be live-streamed or recorded? 

No, there is no virtual option for any portion of the conference. Select main stage sessions will be recorded.  

Why do you ask for demographic information? 

We ask for demographic information to help us understand who is attending the Forum and fulfill our commitment to diversity and equity. The insights we gather are used internally in an aggregated, confidential manner and will help us make more informed decisions for structuring future Forums. 

What’s included with the registration fee?

• Exceptional learning and networking 
• Welcome Reception on Monday night with light bites 
• Panels, workshops, and field days on Tuesday and Wednesday 
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Tuesday (if registered for a Learning Dinner), Wednesday breakfast and dinner
• Add On: Get a deeper experience of the region and Gullah Geechee traditions by extending your experience with a Thursday Field Day (additional fee, meals included).

Do you have any restaurant recommendations in the area?

Yes, check out our list of values-aligned restaurants in the area. 

What is the cancellation policy?

All cancellations must be sent via email to [email protected] and meet the following cancellation deadlines: 

• If received on or before April 17: Full refund minus a $150 administration fee 
• If received between April 18 and May 22: 50% refund, minus a $150 administration fee
• If received on or after May 23: No refund available.
• If at any time you are no longer able to attend the Forum, a substitute participant from the same organization may come instead.

Where are we staying? Is there a room block?

After registering for the Forum, you will receive information regarding the hotel location and booking links for the room block in your confirmation email. We ask ALL attendees to avoid posting details about the location of the event at any time to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. 

What is your approach to security at the event?

Our team is committed to creating a conference environment that is attuned to safety and responsive to attendees’ needs. Ahead of and during the Forum, we will share relevant safety information and general resources to help attendees make informed decisions about travel and participation. We maintain high-level response plans for scenarios in consideration of public safety, immigration enforcement presence, and medical emergencies. We ask ALL attendees to avoid posting details about the location of the event at any time. 

How do I get around?

• Arriving and Departing from the Hotel: The hotel does not provide complimentary shuttle service. They recommend using taxis or ride-shares. If you want to arrange a car or shuttle service in advance, they recommend GMB Transportation.
• The hotel is in downtown Savannah, within walking distance of many locations and with easy and accessible ride-share services. 
• You can also use Whova, the conference app to connect with other attendees to split ride-share costs. Information about joining Whova and getting connected can be found in your email. Some instructions are listed below. 

What is Whova, and do I need it?

Yes, you need it. Whova is the conference app, and is required for many aspects of the Forum. Download the app after you register for the Forum. You will use Whova to:

• Register directly for Learning Dinners and Field Days (NEW THIS YEAR)
• Communicate with attendees, speakers, and conference organizers
• View the location of each session 
• Receive important updates about timing, field days, and session changes.

• Engage in discussion threads, ice breakers, live polls, and more 
• Plan some social activities, such as a morning walk, coffee hours, or informal meet-ups with your fellow attendees
• Share your feedback through short session-specific questionnaires 

Already used the Whova app in the past? Double-check that it is installed on your phone, and log in using the same email you used to register for the Forum.

If you need more guidance on how to use Whova to attend the event, please review the Whova User Guides or email [email protected]. 

What’s appropriate Forum attire?

Business casual attire is common at the Forum. Some people choose to wear jeans and a t-shirt, and others wear more formal business attire. Wear what is most comfortable for you. See below regarding attire for Field Days.  

Do Field Days happen rain or shine?

Yes, Field Days will continue regardless of weather. The weather may be very hot in Savannah, Georgia in late June. Be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, a water bottle, and wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable attire that you don’t mind getting dirty. 

How can I sponsor the SAFSF Forum? 

Thank you for asking! You can contact [email protected] to receive more information about sponsorship opportunities.