FAQ
I am an existing PFI member or I just bought a PFI membership. How do I receive my member discount?
You need to log in through PFI’s member portal in order to see the correct ticket prices for your membership. You must use the email address associated with your PFI membership to log in. If you have never logged in to the member portal, you need to follow the reset password link to create one.
I’m considering a membership with Practical Farmers. How do I know which level is right for me?
PFI’s Individual level membership covers a single individual for $50 annually; the Access level membership is the same but discounted to $25 for current students, beginning or retired farmers, and anyone on a fixed income. The $75 Farm and Household membership extends member benefits, such as the discounts to our events, to all members of the household or employees of the farm; the Lifetime membership extends the same coverage but for a single payment. The Organization membership is for non-farming organizations and extends member benefits for up to five employees of the organization. Visit our member benefits page to learn more about membership benefits and levels.
You must first complete the transaction for your membership purchase, and then log in to receive your member discount to the conference.
As a member, can I bring my friend or family member who is a non-member, and can they receive my member discount?
If you have a Farm and Household or Lifetime membership, you can register people to attend under your ticket only if they live in your household or are employed on your farm.
As an Individual or Access member, only you can receive your member discounted ticket.
You may call the office at ( if you’d like to upgrade to a Farm & Household membership and then register household or farm members under your membership.
I paid for a conference registration but I am unable to come. Can I request a refund?
Requests for a refund will be honored prior to our pre-registration deadline of January 2, minus an $8 processing fee. No refunds will be given after this date.
My friend is speaking at the conference. Do I have to pay to come watch their session?
Only ticketed attendees are permitted to watch sessions. We offer single-day passes for those who only wish to attend one day.
Do I need to register to visit the exhibitor hall? I don’t want to attend any sessions.
Only ticketed attendees are permitted to visit the exhibit hall.
Is parking free or is there a cost?
Unfortunately, the nearby lots, garages and street parking require payment. More info about nearby parking is on the logistics page. If you find a place to park free in Des Moines, check if you can get to the conference using the Dart Bus – Google Maps or Apple Maps are quite useful for navigating the bus system.
I have an electric vehicle. Are there charging stations nearby?
There are EV Charging stations located on the 1st and 3rd floor of the 5th and Keo Parking Garage. If you are staying at the Hilton, there is a charging station located near the front entrance lobby.
Where can I download a copy of the annual conference brochure that was mailed out?
You can download the brochure on our website. If you’d like a copy mailed to you, or multiple copies to share with friends, email your request with your mailing address to info@practicalfarmers.org or call us at (515) 232-5661.
I tried to book a room at the Hilton for the night before (or after) the conference and am not getting the block rate. What am I doing wrong?
Due to the arrangement of the hotel block, PFI is adding room nights up to 3 days before or after the conference on an as-needed basis with the Hilton. If you would like to book in that window, please contact Katie Aupperle at the PFI office: (515) 232-5661 or katie.aupperle(at)practicalfarmers(dot)org. She’ll get you sorted ASAP!
I tried calling the Hilton and wasn’t able to access the block rate even when I told them it was with the Practical Farmers of Iowa block. I’d prefer to book over the phone instead of using the link. Where can I call?
Sounds like you probably reached a corporate reservation line or third-party affiliate, which doesn’t handle the block rates. Use this number to reach the Hilton Downtown directly: (515) 241-1456.
What time should I arrive?
Did you register for a short course or the Midwest Meat Summit? If so, they both begin on Thursday, Jan. 9 at 1:30 p.m.; you can arrive as early as 12:30 p.m. to check-in. If you are attending the Midwest Meat Summit, you can also visit with exhibitors. Note that we are not serving Thursday lunch for attendees – the nearest option is the Park Street Kitchen inside the Hilton, a 30-second walk in the skywalk.
If you are only attending the annual conference on Friday and Saturday, you can arrive as early as Friday Jan. 10 at 11 a.m. to check in and visit with exhibitors, and grab lunch at the conference if you purchased a Friday lunch ticket. The first breakout session begins at 12:30 p.m.
Who can I ask about dietary requests or allergies that I was not able to explain or ask about on my registration?
We may be able to accommodate some requests beyond what was listed on registration. Please call the PFI office at (515) 232-5661 and ask to speak with Katie Aupperle about a dietary request. In some cases, for example, a severe corn allergy, it may make more sense for us to set up an exception for you to bring your own food into the conference.