Farm businesses interested in ideas and information on direct marketing, agri-tourism, customer service and social media should plan to take in one of two workshops offered by the Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture.
The workshops will feature international speakers and agricultural marketing experts Lani Medina Weigert and Pomai Weigert as they describe marketing ideas and concepts that can help producers market their whole farm. Lani and Pomai, a mother and daughter from Hawaii, are the presenters at a full day workshop (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) scheduled for February 21 at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, and a morning workshop (9 a.m. – 12 noon) to be held at Slemon Park Inn on February 22.
This is the first time the Weigerts are presenting workshops in Canada. They bring a wealth of information to their presentations. Lani is a co-owner of Ali’i Kula Lavender, and has over 30 years of experience in tour and hospitality marketing. She understands how to market and evoke a connection with her customers through marketing a lifestyle rather than a single product. She is the president of the Hawaii AgriTourism Association. Pomai is the marketing and community relations coordinator for the farm. She will be delivering the website and social media training segments of the workshop.
Ali’i Kula Lavender is Hawaii’s premier lavender farm. In addition to growing over 45 varieties of lavender, the farm features a line of lavender products, culinary luncheons, garden teas, narrated garden tours, a gift shop and wreath-making events. The farm’s business model is a value-centered philosophy rather than profit-centered. “It is our social responsibility to offer an experience that allows people to reconnect to the land, to each other and to themselves,” said Weigert.
The workshops will include information on the following:
· expanding revenue opportunities beyond the season for less;
· why customer service is a key to growing the business;
· learning how to turn e-commerce and social media into vital marketing tools; and
· grassroots marketing – learning to collaborate for profits.
The cost to attend the workshop is $30 per person (lunch included) for the day-long workshop, and $10 per person for the morning session. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required and accepted on a first-come basis. Register by contacting the Agriculture Information Desk at 1-866-PEI-FARM or 368-4145.