Add-Ons

Tours are not included in any of the above registrations and are a separate cost

• DiSC Assessment for Management Excellence Training– Participants who are planning to attend the Management Excellence Training are strongly encouraged to purchase a DiSC Personality Assessment. You’ll receive a link to complete your assessment ahead of the conference, which takes about 30 minutes, and your individual results are a valuable part of the training. Find out more about the assessment at https://www.discprofile.com/what-is-disc
• Monday NACDE Tour- Deeply Rooted Farm Tour: Discover Delaware Agriculture

  Join us for a unique, immersive farm tour inspired by the powerful documentary Deeply Rooted: Family Farming in Delaware.  This experience takes you to the very farms and landscapes highlighted in the film that will be shown on Tuesday night of the Region Meeting, offering a firsthand look at the people, practices, and challenges shaping modern agriculture.

  Although small in size, Delaware stands as an agricultural powerhouse. Farming is the state’s number one industry, contributing over $8 billion annually and ranking first in the nation for agricultural value sold per acre. As we travel through Kent County, you’ll see how agriculture defines both the land and the communities who steward it.

  Our tour will highlight Delaware’s most important agricultural sectors. Along the way, you’ll also see vast fields of corn and soybeans, the backbone crops that support the region, as well as specialty crops like potatoes, lima beans (where Delaware leads the nation), and pumpkins. You’ll visit operations central to the poultry industry, which accounts for roughly three-quarters of the state’s farm economy with Delaware’s Sussex County region (the birthplace of the U.S. broiler chicken industry) remaining the nation’s top producer today.

  A key theme of the tour is the enduring legacy of family farming. Nearly 90% of Delaware’s farms are family-owned, and agriculture covers about 40% of the state’s land. You’ll hear directly from farmers whose land has been preserved for future generations through forward-thinking programs like the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Program, which has protected over 160,000 acres of farmland.

  The tour explores the realities of farming today. Farmers are navigating rapidly changing economic conditions, including rising costs and shifting commodity prices. In response, many are embracing innovation—such as precision agriculture and AI-driven tools. Sustainability is another major focus, with ongoing efforts to protect water quality and reduce nutrient runoff into the nearby Delaware and Chesapeake Bays. 

  We will, also, see and hear about the conservation efforts of Delaware Wildlands Inc., who has preserved over 31,000 acres of land in Delaware, including coastal areas, for future generations to enjoy. 

  Throughout the journey, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how tradition and innovation coexist on today’s farms—and how the stories from Deeply Rooted continue to unfold in real life.

• Wednesday Tour- Delaware Agriculture & Food System Tour (with an Ice Cream Finale!)
  

  Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at how agriculture, education, and community support come together in Delaware’s food system. This guided tour will highlight innovative farming, food security efforts, and the people working to strengthen our region’s agricultural future.

  Our first stop is the Delaware Food Bank Farm, an inspiring model of agriculture serving a greater purpose. Here, crops are grown specifically to support hunger-relief efforts throughout the state. Participants will see how the farm produces fresh, nutritious food for Delaware families while also providing volunteer and educational opportunities that connect people to the land.

  Next, we’ll visit the University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, where participants will learn how research, education, and hands-on training are shaping the next generation of farmers, scientists, and environmental stewards. Faculty and staff will share insights into current agricultural research and how the university partners with farmers and communities across the state. 

  We’ll wrap up the tour on a sweet note with a stop for locally made ice cream, offering a chance to relax, reflect on the day, and enjoy one of agriculture’s most delicious products. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the farmers, educators, and organizations working together to nourish our communities.

  Come curious, leave inspired—and bring your appetite! 

Meal Options for Guests

We have included meals in the registration prices but are available a la carte for guests.  If your registration options include one or more meals, you will be asked to enter your meal choices for each registration at checkout:

• Monday Dinner 
• Tuesday Lunch 
• Tuesday Networking Event- Light hors d’oeuvres
• Wednesday Box Lunch
• Thursday Lunch