Dig Deep, Rise Together: For Our Farm & Food Future
Tuesday, March 24 – Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Northfield Inn, Springfield, IL
Pre-registration closes March 20, 2026. Limited scholarships are available for eligible participants (more information below; scholarship deadline is March 10.)
This new two-day event is a gathering for farmers and food leaders who want to have a real say in Illinois’ farm and food future. You will have the opportunity to sharpen your leadership, think strategically, and build power together, from the ground up, for a farm and food system that works for everyone who grows, eats, and depends on it. You’ll leave ready to lead, connected to others, and prepared to make a lasting difference.
The conference agenda will be announced soon!
Registration Fees:
Participants may choose to participate in the full two-day conference, only the first day of the conference, or purchase standalone tickets to only attend the Root for Each Other Dinner and Farm & Food Advocacy Day. Limited scholarships are available for eligible participants (more info below).
Full Conference + Dinner + Advocacy Day Registration, March 24-25: $100
This includes the full two-day conference: Day 1 Digging Deep Workshops+ Root For Each Other Dinner and Day 2 Rise Together Legislative Breakfast + Farm & Food Advocacy Day. Valued at $250 | Special inaugural rate $100
Dig Deep Day 1 Conference Only Registration, March 24: $50
For guests joining us only for Day 1 Digging Deep Workshops. Valued at $150 | Special inaugural rate $50
Root For Each Other Dinner Only, March 24 Evening: $50
For guests joining us only for dinner, not attending the conference. Valued at $100 | Special inaugural rate $50
Food & Farm Advocacy Day Only, March 25: $10
For guests joining us only for Farm & Food Advocacy Day + Rise Together Legislative Breakfast on March 25. Registration includes breakfast and lunch.
Costs for registration, travel, or childcare should not be a barrier to participation in this new two-day event.
Conference Details
When and Where:
March 24th from 9am – 4pm: Dig Deep Conference Day 1 will take place at the Northfield Inn & Suites, Springfield, IL.
March 24th in the evening: Root for Each Other Dinner will take place at the Marian Banquet Hall, Riverton, IL
March 25th at 9am: Farm & Food Advocacy Day Legislative Breakfast at the Illinois State Library, followed by educating lawmakers at the Capitol
Lodging & Travel:
Conference accommodations may be made under the conference hotel block with Northfield Inn & Suites for a discounted rate of $135 / night.
You can use this link to reserve a room in our hotel block at the conference venue, Northfield Inn in Springfield. Book early; rooms will fill up quickly.
If you will be arriving early (Monday), please reach out for information on a smaller block of rooms available. Email Kelly@ilstewards.org
Travel via charter bus between Northfield Inn, Illinois State Library, and the Capitol Building will be provided on Wednesday March 25.
Scholarships to support your participation:
With generous support from sponsors to launch this policy and systems change-focused conference, limited scholarships are available. Deeply discounted registration scholarships are available to participants who identify as a Farmer, Food System Leader (food hub, farmers market, chef, etc), Grassroots Food System Advocate or current ISA Member.
To apply for the scholarship registration, select the option below for: Scholarship for Full Conference + Dinner + Advocacy Day Registration ($0).
Travel Scholarships to Overcome Barriers to Participate
Apply by March 10th
In addition to the Registration Scholarship, limited funds are available to help eligible participants overcome barriers to participation, including support to offset the costs for travel, childcare, farm sitting, or hotel accommodations. Scholarships may not cover all needs requests; assistance will be prioritized for farmers and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Funds are available to support:
To apply for the Overcoming Barriers Scholarship, select the checkboxes at the bottom of the form describing the assistance you need, and please note which is the greatest barrier to your participation.
If you have questions about eligibility for scholarships, please email kelly@ilstewards.org.
Registration Instructions
Please complete the registration form below. Submit one form per attendee for the conference.
Full Conference registration (the first option) includes all conference events; no additional tickets need to be purchased.
Multiple Dinner tickets may be purchased; please also provide guests’ names below.
ISA aims to ensure this event reflects the diversity of the farm and food movement in Illinois. Thank you for responding to the demographic questions below to help us measure representation and guide our efforts to strengthen it.
