Every year the Aquaponic Association has contracted with a major big city hotel to accommodate the conference. That’s the model for just about every conference right? So you may be asking why change? For the 2019 AA Conference Putting Out Fruits, we will be going down on the farm. We are so very excited to have a beautifully refreshing change of pace through partnering with Kentucky State University, located in Frankfurt KY for this year’s conference. The Conference center is a quick 10 minute drive from the Capital Plaza hotel and other KSU aquaculture facilities that we will be touring on Friday. Named the Center for Sustainability of Farms and Families, the 12,000 sq ft conference facility was opened in 2010 with a focus on serving the community through education, farm shows, research, demonstration and agriculture/aquaculture workshops. The conference venue offers breathtaking views of over 300 acres of organic agriculture land that is utilized by this land grant university to raise goats and sheep, paw paw trees, research hemp, fruit and nut trees, biofuels, agroforestry and so much more. Being an education facility they are well outfitted for presentations, with projection and audio equipment, recording capabilities and internet service. What I love about the venue is that the space is perfect to enjoy the conference program, connect with other participants, network with vendors and at the same time easily enjoy the open space, with sunlight through floor to ceiling windows, and fresh air on the expansive patio. The conference space will bring everyone together in one large room for opening presentation, keynote address and the board meeting on Sunday. The rooms will be transformed into three smaller spaces for breakout sessions focused on Commercial and Community Aquaponics, Home, Hobby and Hands on Activities, as well as School, STEM and Research.  Vendor spaces along the entryway and adjoining hallway will offer an opportunity to meet industry leaders, see the latest and greatest products, learn about education opportunities, and meet the folks who serve this growing aquaponics market. September is the perfect time of year to enjoy a little time in the country, with a slower pace, cooler temperatures, and the beautiful colors of fields and forests bursting with abundance. We will also be enjoying a farm to table dinner at the conference center Saturday evening with foods harvested from the aquaculture facility and right from the farm (more on that later)...Looking forward to seeing familiar friends and meeting new people who are all excited about aquaponics. Space is limited, so get your TICKETS now!Tawnya SawyerBoard Member & Conference PlannerAquaponics Association