WELCOME
Vitality in the Valley: Farm to Factory is an annual Manufacturing Expo that brings together New York State companies across the food, beverage, agriculture, and manufacturing ecosystems.
The event creates meaningful connections between producers, manufacturers, suppliers, and the technical and business resources that help companies grow, scale, and innovate.
Designed to foster collaboration from farm to factory floor, Vitality in the Valley highlights the intersection of agriculture, food and beverage, and advanced manufacturing, offering participants a focused environment to explore partnerships, discover solutions, and strengthen regional supply chains.
Be A Part of the Exclusive Reception – June 2, 2026
In addition to the expo, exhibitors, sponsors, and event partners are invited to an exclusive evening reception on June 2, 2026. This invitation-only event highlights the region’s food and beverage ecosystem through thoughtfully curated pairings from local restaurants, breweries, wineries, and producers.
The reception provides a welcoming environment for early introductions, meaningful conversations, and strategic connections ahead of the expo.
June 2-3, 2026
Location:
Herkimer College
100 Lou Ambers Drive
Herkimer, NY 13350
Lodging Options
The Red Roof Inn
100 Marginal Road,
Herkimer, NY 13350
(315)866-0490
Hampton Inn Utica
172 – 180 N Genesee Street,
Utica, NY 13502
(315)733-1200
We are seeking companies that have something to crow about. Exhibiting at Vitality in the Valley offers a unique opportunity to showcase your products, services, and innovations directly to a highly targeted audience of manufacturers, growers, processors, and ecosystem partners from across New York State.
As an exhibitor, you’ll gain visibility with potential buyers, suppliers, and collaborators while positioning your company as part of the region’s growing manufacturing and food systems network. Exhibitors benefit from dedicated networking time, direct engagement with attendees, and increased brand exposure before, during, and after the event.
We offer a range of sponsorship opportunities for organizations looking to show their support and gain meaningful visibility at Vitality in the Valley. All sponsors receive logo recognition on our website and in email promotions, verbal acknowledgment during the event, and access to our exclusive pre-event reception.
Sponsorship levels range from Bronze to Gold, with higher tiers including speaking opportunities, exhibit space, and enhanced brand exposure. Breakfast and Lunch sponsorships also provide valuable stage time during key networking moments. Sponsoring Vitality in the Valley is a powerful way to connect with industry leaders, elevate your brand, and support the growth of New York State’s food, beverage, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.
Vitality in the Valley 2025
AGENDA
June 2, 2026 - Day One
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3:00 PM
Exhibitor Setup Begins
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5:30 PM
Networking Reception
June 3, 2026 - Day Two
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7:30 AM
Doors Open
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8:00 AM
Registration & Breakfast
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8:30 AM
Event Begins
Welcome Addresses & Sponsors
- Dr. Everton H. Henriques – FuzeHub (MC)
- Cory Albrecht – AIM
- Bill McDonald – Herkimer College
- John Piseck – Herkimer IDA
- Dr. Scott Ferguson – The Institute for Rural Vitality at SUNY Cobleskill
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9:00 AM
Morning Keynote
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9:30 AM
Exhibitor Showcase
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11:00 AM
Panel Breakout
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12:00 PM
Lunch
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12:45 PM
Lunch Speaker
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1:15 PM
Exhibitor Showcase
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3:00 PM
Event Ends
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
On January 9, 2014, Richard A. Ball was nominated as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.
A native New Yorker, Mr. Ball has made a living in agriculture his entire life. His inspiration to become a farmer came from his grandparents, who were lifelong dairy farmers. At 18 years old, Mr. Ball began his own career in agriculture as a farm worker on a vegetable farm. He later became operations manager of that same farm. After 20 years there, in 1993 the opportunity arose to be a farm owner and for the past 30 years, he has been the owner and operator of Schoharie Valley Farms in Schoharie, NY, which consists of 200 acres and produces a wide range of vegetable crops, small fruits and greenhouse crops. The farm serves both retail and wholesale consumers through an onsite farm market and ships to brokers and restaurants in the local area as well as New York City. Read the full bio here.
SPEAKERS & PANELISTS
SPONSORS
PARTNERS
