North American Strawberry Growers Association

February 16 - 19, in Nashville, Tennessee, America’s Music City.

Doubletree Hotel Nashville, Nashville, Tennessee

With world renowned experts covering a wide range of topics, breakout sessions focused on special interests, and the combined memberships of NABGA and NASGA, this promises to be 2005’s premier event for berry growers and their suppliers. Take a look at the details inside.

The Conference exhibit area adds to the learning experience and networking possibilities. Bigger and better than ever in 2005, there will be products and services to help make your job easier. Topping it off will be an optional tour on Saturday offering so much that you will think of it as a “must” and not an option.

If a meeting in February sounds like the perfect opportunity to turn your business trip into a family vacation, take advantage of the hotel’s extended stay offer to arrive early for the Conference or stay once the meeting is over.

Nashville is full of fun for everyone.
Listed by Travel Writer Everett Potter as a top “affordable city getaway.”
Named America’s Friendliest City by Travel and Leisure magazine.
Selected Fourth Best American City for Holiday Travel and Culture.
Why, Nashville’s airport is even officially known as Berry Field Nashville!

The program includes something for every interest and every stage of grower experience.
There is so much quality education and growth opportunity that you’ll just have to
read this entire brochure to learn about everything.

More About the Conference

Program

Click here for a PDF file of the final Program

Tour -- Saturday, February 19

Our buses will depart from the hotel promptly at 8:30 am.

Bradley’s Kountry Acres -- Our first stop is Bradley’s Kountry Acres, a 200-acre farm near Cottontown, Tennessee. Mike and Cathy Bradley have blackberries, including a new patch of Apache, plus they grow strawberries on both matted row and plastic. They also have greenhouse production and other farm market crops that are sold direct and wholesale. In 2004 the USDA’s Foreign Service National Orientation chose this family farm for a Fall visit by people from 24 foreign countries as an example of a farm that is surviving and successful because of diversification.

Valley Home Farm -- Next will be the Potts family's Valley Home Farm in Wartrace, Tennessee. We'll have a hearty buffet lunch in the onsite restaurant, before taking a look at the 1853 southern mansion and the extensive farming operation. In addition to strawberries on plastic, there is a farm market and an impressive use of value added marketing.

Jack Daniel’s Distillery -- Before heading back to the hotel, there will be a stop at the famed Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, for a tour and a step back in history. Through the years, much has been said about Jack Daniel and the whiskey he created. Guides will share the complete story. We should return to Nashville by 5:00 pm.

Product Tasting -- Thursday, February 17

Our “A Taste of the Berry Fields” on Thursday evening, sponsored by the NABGA Research Foundation, will open your eyes to new opportunities for berry marketing and open your tastebuds to berry delights. Your ticket purchases will benefit Brambles research. You can also support this event by supplying berry products for sampling. For more information contact Debby Weschler at 919-542-3687.

Silent Auction -- Throughout the Conference

The NASGA Research Foundation’s Silent Auction at the conference is a fun way to support the research fund. Bidding is spirited and the final half hour is a Conference highpoint. Registrants are asked to offer new (or nearly new) artwork, clothing, food, equipment, crafts, business supplies, books, product samples, antiques, or other intriguing items for the auction. To make a donation or for information call Robin at 814-238-3364.

Exhibit Area -- Throughout the Conference

Our exhibit area is an extension of the Conference learning experience and
networking opportunity. Throughout the Conference companies interested
in having a featured role exhibit their products and provide attendees information
on the latest in technology and services. For information about becoming an exhibitor contact Jeanmarie Kline at 717-979-6979.

Hotel and Travel Information

Hotel Reservations

The Doubletree Hotel Nashville
315 4th Avenue North
Nashville, Tennessee 37219
www.nashville.doubletree.com

The deadline to reserve a room in the Berry Conference group block is Friday, January 14. We cannot guarantee room availability after that date and you will pay the hotel’s standard room rates. Making your reservation promptly also insures that our block gets credit for your room, reducing overall meeting costs.

Call: 800-222-8733 or 615-244-8200
The Doubletree Hotel is part of the Hilton HHonors program.

To Insure Receipt of Group Rate, Please Reference

North American Strawberry Growers

Our Outstanding Group Room Rate

$99 per night for single or double + tax (currently 14.5% )

Other Hotel Information:

As a courtesy, the hotel will extend the group rate three days prior and three days following our group block, based on availability. If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice, you will be assessed for one night plus tax.

Our host hotel is situated in the heart of downtown ''Music City USA'' and just 10 minutes from the Nashville International Airport. There is no complimentary shuttle service to and from the Airport. Major rental car services are available and estimated taxi fare is $18 each way per person. For those arriving by car, the charge for valet parking is only $12 per day. Self-parking is $18 daily.

Guestroom amenities include high-speed internet access, in-room coffee, iron and ironing board, and many more comfort features such as the new Sweet Dream Bed by Doubletree in each room. Wi-Fi internet access is available in the lobby and meeting room levels of the hotel. Other hotel features include: an onsite Starbucks cafe, a new ''315'' restaurant, a fully equipped fitness facility, and an indoor/outdoor pool.

Nashville's Climate

In February, Nashville’s average daily high temperature is 51°F and low is 30°F.

FOR MORE ABOUT NASHVILLE ACTIVITIES AND SIGHTS GO TO:

http://www.opry.com or http://www.nashvillecvb.com