Convention Dates: January 8th-13th, 2027
The 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention is heading to Charlotte, North Carolina! If you want the inside scoop when it comes to policies and perspectives that will impact your farm or agribusiness in 2027, don’t miss the 108th consecutive American Farm Bureau Federation Convention. Join us January 8-13, 2027, to participate in workshops to advance your leadership skills, gain insights into the trends impacting food production, and much more. Charlotte, North Carolina offers a mix of big-city energy and Southern charm. From the Uptown skyline to lively neighborhoods like NoDa and South End, there’s plenty to explore. Local favorites like Famous Toastery, Deean’s Italian Steakhouse, and Carolina’s Oyster Bar add to the experience. Enjoy everything from Southern comfort food to the thrill of Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Summit Planners and AAA Corporate Travel will assist members in registering, reserving the convention hotel package (including the AFBF registration, Indiana reception and the number of nights you wish to stay at the Omni Charlotte Hotel and optional events and tours). AAA Corporate Travel will be an available option for members who would like assistance booking airfare. For more information about booking travel with AAA, you can click here to scroll to the Airfare section of this page. Start planning your trip today by completing the registration form listed below.
Before you register, please have the following information for yourself and each guest:
- A credit card for full payment before submitting your registration.
- Each guest’s name and date of birth.
- A mobile phone number and a unique email address for each person.
- State Membership Number – New requirement for 2027: Find your number on your membership card, the Indiana Farm Bureau app, or by calling (800) 327-6287 for customer service.
- Your check-in and check-out dates at the Omni Charlotte Hotel.
- The name and phone number of an emergency contact.
Review the agenda, events and tours with your guests before starting registration so you can confirm your selections together:
- 2027 AFBF Convention Tentative Agenda
- Sunday events
- Saturday tours and details
- Tuesday tours and details
- Indiana members will stay at the Omni Charlotte Hotel. See the Charlotte amenities.
Next Steps
- Registration Opens: 10/1/2026
- Register: All attendees need to register online. The orange “Register Now” button will take you to the webpage. Please review the bulleted items above in the invitation to make sure you have all the information needed to register yourself and guests. Registration may take 5 to 10 minutes to fill out.
- We recommend checking with your guests if they have any preference on the Sunday Events, Saturday Tours or Tuesday Tours before you begin the registration.
- Confirm Registration Email: Please review this email for any necessary updates to your registration information.
- Airfare: If you do request air assistance, AAA Travel will assist you with your flight options. For more details on next steps with AAA Travel refer to the “Airfare” section on the Convention Page: 2027 AFBF Airfare Details for INFB Members
- November 9th, 2026: Last day to cancel without $25 per person penalty.
- December 11th, 2026: Hotel Registration cut-off date. Rooms are on a request basis and subject to availability.
- December 14th, 2026: Last day to cancel ticketed events/tours without penalty.
- Three weeks prior to departure: Final “Before you go” email will be sent from Summit Planners to summarize all of your confirmed reservations made with Summit and AAA Corporate Travel.
- January 8th, 2027: AFBF 2027 Convention officially begins
Airport Options
For your convenience, guests will fly into Charlotte Douglass International Airport(CLT).
Please refer to the map above to view the proximity of the airport to the hotel and convention center.
Extended Dates
If you plan to request extra hotel nights beyond the official convention dates, please confirm availability with Summit Planners before finalizing your airfare with AAA Travel. This ensures your travel dates align with your confirmed hotel reservation.
Convention Package
Convention officially begins on Friday, January 8th and ends on Wednesday, January 13, 2027.
Hotel Check-In time is 4:00 PM and Check-out is 11:00 AM
1. Accommodations for requested number of nights at the Omni Charlotte Hotel.
2. Hotel Taxes
3. AFBF Registration Fee ($259.00 per member or $518.00 per non-member) and Summit Registration Management Fee ($50.00 per person)
4. Ticket to the Indiana Farm Bureau reception** on Saturday 1/9 @ 5:30 PM | Location: Willow Birch Room at the Omni Charlotte Hotel ($41.00 per person)
Nightly Rates with Taxes at the Omni Charlotte Hotel
Single or Double Occupancy: $288.00 | Triple Occupancy: $312.00 | Quad Occupancy: $336.00
*Note: Children 17 years and younger are not charged the AFBF registration fee. Children ages 12–17 must be registered; children under 12 do not need a convention badge. Include any children traveling with you in the hotel and event portions of your registration.
**Note: Anyone attending the Indiana reception will need to purchase a ticket, including children.
Events – Saturday, January 9th
Date: Saturday, January 9, 2027 at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Willow Birch Room at the Omni Charlotte Hotel
Optional Events – Sunday, January 10th
Date: Sunday, January 10, 2027 at 8:00 a.m.
Location: Charlotte Convention Center, Crown Ballroom
Individual Ticket: $104.00
All are welcome to this breakfast supporting the efforts of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. All attendees will receive a copy of the 2027 Foundation Book of the Year in addition to learning about exciting new updates from the Foundation.
Date: Sunday, January 10, 2027 at 12 p.m.
Location: Charlotte Convention Center, Crown Ballroom
Individual Ticket: $104.00
Enjoy a plated lunch as county, state and national Farm Bureau leaders gather at the AFBF Leadership Luncheon to celebrate the power of grassroots leadership and to explore innovative leadership insights. All are welcome!
Optional Tours – Saturday, January 9th
You can review more details about each tour in the orange link below.
Tour 2: Champions of Speed: Behind the Scenes of NASCAR
INFB Online Registration Cost: $130/ticket Lunch included
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 9, 2027
This tour takes you behind the scenes at Hendrick Motorsports, NASCAR’s winningest team, where you’ll walk through the race shops and see the departments responsible for building championship-winning cars. After lunch at the exclusive Speedway Club, you’ll tour Charlotte Motor Speedway, a legendary 1.5-mile track that has hosted top racing series since 1960, complete with a lap around the track and a stop in victory lane.
Tour 4: Blue Ridge Agritourism & Artisan Flavors
INFB Online Registration Cost: $140/ticket Lunch included
8:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.
Saturday, January 9, 2027
Experience the best of North Carolina agritourism with visits to three unique destinations in the scenic foothills! Explore Looking Glass Creamery to discover the art of handcrafted cheesemaking and learn how local agriculture supports family farms and rural communities. Follow by visits to Tryon International Equestrian Center and Overmountain Vineyards, where you’ll experience world-class equestrian sport, sustainable farming, handcrafted wines, and beautiful mountain scenery.
Tour 5: The Biltmore Estate Experience
INFB Online Registration Cost: $155/ticket Lunch NOT included
7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 9, 2027
This tour brings you to the historic Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately owned home, where you’ll take in breathtaking architecture, magnificent gardens, and mountain scenery. Since 1895, Biltmore has combined rich history, gracious hospitality, and a lasting commitment to preservation and self-sufficiency, offering a memorable glimpse into one of North Carolina’s most treasured destinations.
Tour 6: Growing North Carolina: Nursery & Family Farm Tour
INFB Online Registration Cost: $104/ticket Lunch included
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 9th, 2027
This tour visits Baucom’s Nursery, a family-owned business now in its 79th year and third generation, supplying annuals, shrubs, roses, and seasonal plants to garden centers and landscapers across the region. Next, discover The Farm at Brusharbor, where the Porter family has grown a small cattle operation founded in 1972 into a thriving, multigenerational agricultural legacy rooted in innovation and land stewardship. Please note this tour may include walking and loading into smaller passenger vans.
Tour 8: Faith, Family & Farming
INFB Online Registration Cost: $104/ticket Lunch included
8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 9, 2027
Discover two inspiring stories rooted in North Carolina’s history, faith, and agricultural heritage! Visit the Billy Graham Library to learn about Billy Graham’s journey from a farm boy in rural North Carolina to a globally influential Christian evangelist through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences. Then explore The Farm at Brusharbor, where a family legacy of farming continues through innovation, stewardship, and a commitment to keeping future generations connected to North Carolina agriculture.
Tour 9: Vineyards, Farms & North Carolina Wine Country
INFB Online Registration Cost: $207/ticket Lunch included
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 9, 2027
Explore the rich agricultural and winemaking traditions of North Carolina with visits to three unique family-run destinations! Visit Patterson Farm to learn about generations of farming, seasonal crops, and the connection between agriculture and agritourism. Then tour Childress Vineyards and Cauble Creek Vineyard to learn about winemaking, North Carolina’s growing wine industry, and the family traditions rooted in the land.
Tour 10: Field of Progress: Grain, Orchards & Family Farms
INFB Online Registration Cost: $104/ticket Lunch included
7:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 9, 2027
This tour explores Shelby, North Carolina’s agricultural heritage, starting with ASR Grain Company’s large-scale grain marketing operation and Wilson Farm’s modern grain production and innovative straw re-baling system. Next, visit Walnut Farm, a diversified operation known for hay and row crops, custom farming services, and its iconic red barn venue surrounded by antique equipment and historic log barns. The day wraps up at Knob Creek Orchards, where the Baker family has offered farm-to-table apple growing and seasonal harvest experiences since 1958.
Tour 11: From Our Grass to Your Glass: North Carolina Dairy Trail
INFB Online Registration Cost: $104/ticket Lunch included
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 9, 2027
Take a behind-the-scenes look at three unique dairy farms showcasing the traditions and innovations shaping North Carolina’s dairy industry! Visit Underwood Family Farms to learn about small-scale dairy production, milk bottling, and direct-to-consumer farming, then tour Beam Dairy Farm to see how technology and animal care come together in a modern, multi-generational operation. Finish at Riverbend Creamery, where grass-fed Jersey cows, sustainable practices, and farm-to-table production bring the “From Our Grass, To Your Glass” philosophy to life.
Tour 12: Racing Heritage & Rural Traditions
INFB Online Registration Cost: $104/ticket Lunch included
8:00 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Saturday, January 9, 2027
Explore three unique North Carolina destinations that celebrate racing, community, and family farming! Visit the Petty Museum to dive into the legendary Petty family’s racing history and NASCAR legacy, then experience the welcoming and inclusive programs at Victory Junction, where children with complex medical needs can enjoy camp experiences at no cost to their families. Finish at Whitaker Farms Garden, Nursery and Bakery to enjoy seasonal produce, beautiful plants, fresh baked goods, and fun pick-your-own farm experiences.
Optional Tours – Tuesday, January 12th
You can review more details about each tour in the blue link below.
Tour 1: Innovation in Agriculture: From Research to the Farm
INFB Online Registration Cost: $104/ticket Lunch included
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 12th, 2027
Join us for an inspiring tour featuring two leading destinations in agricultural innovation! Visit Syngenta for a behind-the-scenes look at cutting-edge research, crop protection, and sustainable farming solutions. Followed by a visit to the North Carolina A&T State University Farm, where you’ll explore modern farming practices, livestock and crop production, and innovative technologies shaping the future of agriculture.
Tour 3: Racing Legends & Victory Lane Experience
INFB Online Registration Cost: $155/ticket Lunch included
9:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 12th, 2027
Experience the excitement and history of NASCAR at two iconic Charlotte-area destinations! Explore the Hendrick Motorsports Museum and Heritage Center to discover the story of Hendrick Motorsports, Rick Hendrick’s legacy, and a remarkable collection of rare and high-performance vehicles. Followed by a visit to Charlotte Motor Speedway, where you’ll enjoy lunch, tour the legendary track, take a lap around the racetrack, and make a stop in Victory Lane.
Tour 4.5: Blue Ridge Agritourism & Artisan Flavors
INFB Online Registration Cost: $140/ticket Lunch included
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 12th, 2027
Experience the best of North Carolina agritourism with visits to three unique destinations in the scenic foothills! Explore Looking Glass Creamery to discover the art of handcrafted cheesemaking and learn how local agriculture supports family farms and rural communities. Followed by visits to Tryon International Equestrian Center and Overmountain Vineyards, where you’ll experience world-class equestrian sport, sustainable farming, handcrafted wines, and beautiful mountain scenery.
Tour 5.5: The Biltmore Estate Experience
INFB Online Registration Cost: $155/ticket Lunch NOT included
7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 12th, 2027
This tour brings you to the historic Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately owned home, where you’ll take in breathtaking architecture, magnificent gardens, and mountain scenery. Since 1895, Biltmore has combined rich history, gracious hospitality, and a lasting commitment to preservation and self-sufficiency, offering a memorable glimpse into one of North Carolina’s most treasured destinations.
Tour 7.5: Farm Fresh Innovation: Sustainable Agriculture and Greenhouse
INFB Online Registration Cost: $104/ticket Lunch included
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 12th, 2027
Discover the innovation, heritage, and sustainability behind three unique North Carolina agricultural destinations! Tour Lineberger’s Maple Springs Farm to learn how a fourth-generation family farm combines ecological practices with modern agriculture, then explore Low Meadows Estate and its story of farmland preservation and rural entrepreneurship. Finish with a behind-the-scenes look at Metrolina Greenhouses, where cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices come together to produce millions of plants each year.
Tour 8.5: Faith, Family & Farming
INFB Online Registration Cost: $104/ticket Lunch included
8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 12th, 2027
Discover two inspiring stories rooted in North Carolina’s history, faith, and agricultural heritage! Visit the Billy Graham Library to learn about Billy Graham’s journey from a farm boy in rural North Carolina to a globally influential Christian evangelist through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences. Then explore The Farm at Brusharbor, where a family legacy of farming continues through innovation, stewardship, and a commitment to keeping future generations connected to North Carolina agriculture.
Tour 9.5: Vineyards, Farms & North Carolina Wine Country
INFB Online Registration Cost: $207/ticket Lunch included
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 12th, 2027
Explore the rich agricultural and winemaking traditions of North Carolina with visits to three unique family-run destinations! Visit Patterson Farm to learn about generations of farming, seasonal crops, and the connection between agriculture and agritourism. Then tour Childress Vineyards and Cauble Creek Vineyard to learn about winemaking, North Carolina’s growing wine industry, and the family traditions rooted in the land.
Tour 10.5: Fields of Progress: Grain, Orchards & Family Farms
INFB Online Registration Cost: $104/ticket Lunch included
7:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 12th, 2027
Take a closer look at the people, technology, and traditions shaping agriculture in Cleveland County! Visit ASR Grain Company and Wilson Farm to learn how modern farming, grain logistics, and innovative equipment help local producers grow and move their crops efficiently. Then explore Walnut Farm’s diverse farming operation and historic farm setting before visiting Knob Creek Orchards to experience generations of apple growing and the region’s farm-to-table traditions.
Tour 11.5: From Our Grass to Your Glass: North Carolina Dairy Trail
INFB Online Registration Cost: $104/ticket Lunch included
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 12th, 2027
Take a behind-the-scenes look at three unique dairy farms showcasing the traditions and innovations shaping North Carolina’s dairy industry! Visit Underwood Family Farms to learn about small-scale dairy production, milk bottling, and direct-to-consumer farming, then tour Beam Dairy Farm to see how technology and animal care come together in a modern, multi-generational operation. Finish at Riverbend Creamery, where grass-fed Jersey cows, sustainable practices, and farm-to-table production bring the “From Our Grass, To Your Glass” philosophy to life.
Tour 12.5: Racing Heritage & Rural Traditions
INFB Online Registration Cost: $104/ticket Lunch included
8:00 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Tuesday, January 12th, 2027
Explore three unique North Carolina destinations that celebrate racing, community, and family farming! Visit the Petty Museum to dive into the legendary Petty family’s racing history and NASCAR legacy, then experience the welcoming and inclusive programs at Victory Junction, where children with complex medical needs can enjoy camp experiences at no cost to their families. Finish at Whitaker Farms Garden, Nursery and Bakery to enjoy seasonal produce, beautiful plants, fresh baked goods, and fun pick-your-own farm experiences.
Saturday and Tuesday Tour Times & Availability:
All tours begin between to 7:15 AM and 9:45 AM and end between 3:30 and 5:15 PM.
If you plan to arrive on Saturday, January 9th you will not be presented Saturday tour options during registration. If you plan to depart on or prior to Tuesday, January 12th you will not be presented Tuesday tour options during registration.
Saturday and Tuesday Tour Disclaimers
- Full ticket price applies to children age 2 and above.
- As certain tours will take place on working farms and ranches or in historic buildings, participants with mobility limitations are encouraged to let American Farm Bureau Federation staff know of specific accommodations that may be needed. Accommodations may include selecting a tour suited to the participant’s specific need.
- Lunch will be provided on selected tours. Participants with food allergies are encouraged to let American Farm Bureau Federation staff know upon registration.
- All tours require walking and climbing steps. Closed toe shoes are required.
- Certain tours may require significant travel time.
- American Farm Bureau Federation and/or North Carolina Farm Bureau reserves the right to cancel any tour due to unsafe travel conditions, including conditions caused by inclement weather, acts of God, fire, flood, riot, national emergency, or similar cause beyond the control of American Farm Bureau Federation or North Carolina Farm Bureau. In the event of such cancellation, reservation fees will not be refunded.
- Cancellation Deadline for Tours is Monday, Dec 14th. Refunds will not be given after this deadline.
- North Carolina tours may be added, edited or cancelled after registration. In event of cancellation by NCFB or AFBF (other than Force Majeure situation), full refunds will not be provided.
Airfare
1. Register first. Submit your online convention registration before booking airfare, whether you book through AAA Corporate Travel or on your own. If you requested hotel nights outside January 8–13, wait until Chris Fenner confirms their availability before finalizing your flights.
2. Choose how to book your airfare.
- If INFB is paying your travel expenses, please plan to use AAA Corporate Travel. Otherwise, you may use AAA or book your own flights. Consider the hotel’s 4:00 PM check-in and 11:00 AM check-out times when choosing flights.
- AAA Corporate Travel Air Assistance: After you register, call AAA at 844-696-6370 and identify yourself as attending the “INFB CDO CONFERENCE”. You may also email AAA at MEETINGSAIR@ACA.AAA.COM to work with an agent. Agents are available Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM, to review flight options and take payment.
- Payment and service fees: You will pay AAA directly by phone when confirming your flight schedule. AAA adds a $30 fee per ticket to your airfare total. Urgent assistance during a weekend, holiday or after hours (6:01 PM–8:00 AM) carries a $20 after-hours fee.
- Itinerary for Confirmed Schedule: AAA will email your Flight Itinerary within 24 business hours of confirming a schedule with payment. Summit Planners will be copied on the confirmation email.
- Three Weeks Before Departure: Summit Planners will email a “Before you go” email to recap your agenda and it will include your flight itinerary also.
- During Travel: AAA will be tracking your flights to assist if travel conditions impact flight schedules with delays or cancelations. If you need assistance from AAA while traveling call AAA at 844-696-6370.
2. When contacting AAA, you should be prepared to share this information with the agent to book you flight as well as any guests traveling with you:
- Your name EXACTLY as it appears on your Real ID driver’s license (include middle initial or name if on your license).
- Date of birth
- Airport you prefer to depart from for Charlotte.
- Departure date and time you want to arrive in Charlotte. Provide flexible travel windows, if possible, to optimize fare options.
- Return date for your return flight back to Indiana
- Preferred airline if you have one
- Any Known Traveler Numbers, loyalty reward numbers, or any specific requests you need such as ADA assistance to help with seating and benefits.
Transfers
The Hotel does not have an airport shuttle. Below we’ve outlined options for airport transportation for you to consider between the Charlotte Douglass International Airport and your hotel—Omni Charlotte Hotel.
Hotel Address: 132 E. Trade St. Charlotte, NC 28202
AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION One-Way Estimated Costs (tip is not included in estimates):
Charlotte Douglass International Airport (CLT)
Taxi Service Estimate: $35-$50
Uber/Lyft Estimate: $25-$45
Charlotte Airport Taxi, Shuttle and Rideshare Information – Click here.
Rideshare Information: Uber and Lyft are available at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Upon arrival, passengers should collect their luggage and follow airport signage directing them to the designated Rideshare Pickup Zone on the lower level (Arrivals). Passengers should use the Uber or Lyft app to request a ride and proceed to the designated pickup area indicated in the app.
Download the Uber app. Find out more information about Uber at Charlotte: Click here.
Download the Lyft app. Find out more information about Lyft at Charlotte: Click here.
Late Booking & Cancellation Policy – Convention Reservations
We encourage you to review the full Terms and Conditions link for the trip. Below is a condensed version that highlights important details about payment and cancelation.
Reservations: After submitting your payment and online registration, your reservation for group nights* will be confirmed. If you requested additional nights, Chris Fenner from INFB will follow up with you via email with pricing (subject to availability) for the additional nights. Terms and Conditions.
*Group nights are at the Omni Charlotte Hotel check-in beginning 1/8 and check-out ending 1/13/2027.
Convention Reservation Deadlines:
November 9, 2026: Last day to cancel without a $25 per-person cancellation fee. Beginning November 10, the $25 fee may apply in addition to any nonrefundable hotel, Convention registration, event or tour charges.
December 11, 2026: The cut-off date for reservations is December 11th, 2026. After December 11th, hotel rooms are on a request basis and are subject to availability. To avoid a one-night cancelation penalty (plus tax and fees) rooms must be canceled at least 72 hours before the convention start date (1/8/2027).
December 14, 2026: The cancelation deadline for ticketed events and tours is December 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM. No refunds for these arrangements will be given after 5:00 PM starting December 14, 2026.
Contact Summit Planners: If Travelers need to make updates to a registration, have questions or cancel trip arrangements confirmed with Summit Planners, please contact Summit Planners by emailing IFB_NatConvention@spmeetings.com or reach out to Tori, Molly or Nick at Summit Planners at 574-968-4301.