2023 Events

OEFFA (February 2023, Newark, OH)

OEFFA is the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association. They represent the interests of the sustainable, regenerative, and organic farming community in Ohio. They are an organic certified and provide education for small and large farms via both virtual and in-person events. The annual conference is of high value to organic/sustainable/regenerative farmers and the businesses that serve them.

PASA (February 2023, Lancaster, PA)

The annual PASA Sustainable Agriculture conference is home base for the sustainable agriculture community in Pennsylvania and beyond. This conference is traditionally one of the largest sustainable ag events in the USA each year. We have participated since 2016 and have met people from many states in attendance.

Great choice for: Farmers in sustainable, regenerative, organic, and market growing ag; Homesteaders both new and experienced; Specialty foods producers; Holistic Wellness products; Companies who sell to any of the above.

Abilities Expo NY Metro (May 2023, Edison, NJ)

Abilities Expo produces the largest shows for the disability community in North America. The 2023 schedule includes 7 shows in major metro markets in the US. They have also hosted shows previously in Canada. Each show is attended by 3,000 to 10,000 people. These are business-to-consumer (B2C) events that focus on connecting attendees with vendors and that experience is surrounding by a package of education, events, activities, and celebrities. For many years one of our projects has been to manage the content and education program for the Abilities Expo shows. Content in all its forms is a strength of True Leaf co-founder Sarah Galbraith Laucks. She is the current director of content (education and events) for these shows since September 2021. She was also in this role from November 2007 to June 2018. She designs and develops all the content that surrounds the exhibits. This content includes educational workshops, CEU sessions, sports and dance events, service animal demonstrations, all-day activity areas, and meet and greets. She works with a wide variety of individuals and organizations to make this happen – creating experiences that benefit the attendees and the speakers, as well as exhibitors and the show ownership.

This event is a great choice for: Disability businesses and non-profits – both those that produce products and those that provide services.

CHAP Convention (June 2023, York, PA)

CHAP is the Christian Homeschool Association of Pennsylvania. They host one of the largest homeschool conventions in the country. And while the organization is Christian in nature, it is our experience that people of all beliefs can find value at this event. We attended for the first time in June 2023; however, CHAP was a client of Sarah’s from 1992 to 2001 during her time in the sales, marketing & convention services department of the Hilton Harrisburg.

This event is of interest to: Homeschoolers and businesses selling to this market. The convention draws a thousands and is in the top tier of homeschooling events nation-wide.

Maker Faire Wayne County (July 2023, Orrville, OH)

Maker Faires take place all over the world as part of the global Maker movement. The Maker Faire Wayne County 2023 took place on the campus of the University of Akron Orrville. A Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these “makers” to show hobbies, experiments, projects. True Leaf participated in this event to connect with people in Ohio as part of our upcoming relocation to Ohio. Learn more about this movement and find a faire near you at the Maker Faire website.

Homesteaders of America (October 2023, Front Royal, VA)

Homesteaders of America is one of the largest (if not the largest) homesteading events in North America. This outdoor event draws over 5,000 people. If you are looking to learn from the top people in homesteading, as well as discover products that are useful on the homestead and network with many likeminded folks – then this event is worth attending at least once.

Great choice to exhibit at if you: Sell produces used by the homesteading community, market growers, and smaller scale sustainable, regenerative, and organic farmers.

Zonna Energy Conference (October 2023, Berlin, OH)

Zonna Energy is a top supplier of equipment for off-grid solar installations. Each year they host a conference for professional solar installers. With a focus on technical training, industry updates, and hands-on learning, this event is tailored to support those in the installation field. Marc from our team attended via the invite of a colleague. We always value the opportunity like this one where we can see inside a specific industry. Since many of our clients are in the agriculture industries, knowledge about off-grid solar is of value to you. While this conference targets a narrow industry, we list it here as an example of the opportunities that can exist. We always feel it’s a great choice to attend events like this one at least once each year if those opportunities cross your desk. It’s fascinating what you can uncover and learn by getting out of your own circle for a day or two. That type of fresh input can spark regeneration in your own business.