REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This one-day in-person conference provides exposure to new ideas and educational experiences for artisan cheesemakers to advance their cheesemaking and business practices, as well as our industry as a whole. While content focuses on cheesemaking, attendance is open to all, including chefs, mongers, other industry professionals, amateur cheesemakers, and anyone who wants to dive more deeply into the world of cheese. Our 2026 conference theme is storytelling.

Photography Credit: Jessica Sipe
Cheese Credit: Rebecca Velazquez, Barn First Creamery

IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE: This in-person conference not only provides valuable education, but valuable networking opportunities as well. We are not offering a virtual option with our in-person conference at this time, but we are trying to keep registration low to be mindful of travel costs.

DATES/TIMES: Friday, May 1, 2026 – 9:00am-5:00pm (detailed itinerary forthcoming)

LOCATION: Our Artisan Cheesemakers Conference is being graciously hosted by VCC Sponsor The Hub CoWorks, at 67 Merchants Row STE 201, Rutland, VT 05701. (Advance registration required; registrations will not be available at the door.)

PRICING: $125 (with discounts for Vermont Cheese Council members, ACS and cheese guild partners, and Vermont food cooperatives. Scroll down to Guild & Partner discounts for more. VCC members, please be sure to reach out to Claire at claire@vtcheese.com if you can’t find the discount code in your email.)

Presenters & Session Overview

  • The Art of Storytelling with Adam Davidson (Author of The Passion Economy)

    Passion economics, elements of a compelling story, and much more over an intensive, multi-session workshop that provides bookends and a common framework throughout the day.

  • The Art of Tasting with Yvonne Yeoh (Neal’s Yard Dairy, UK)

    Delicious stories and cheeses from the NYD collection, articulating the value of artisan cheese, practical tips for presenting, and more!

  • The Art of Tabling with Emilia D’Albero (Formaticum)

    Trade show and consumer event best practices, understanding independent cheese shops, building relationships and more about putting your best foot forward.

  • Complete session descriptions and a detailed itinerary is forthcoming

GUILD & PARTNER DISCOUNTS:

If you belong to one of these guilds, associations, or co-operatives, please ask your leadership for your discount code or email education@vtcheese.com with proof of membership.

  • Cheese Guilds (20% off): California, Maine, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, Wisconsin (don’t see yours? Reach out to us!)
  • Partners (15% off): Vermont Specialty Food Association, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, Vermont Farm to Plate, Vermont Fresh Network
  • Vermont Food Co-operative Employees (15% off for 2 employees): Brattleboro Food Co-op, Buffalo Mountain Food Co-op, Caledonia Food Co-op, Hunger Mountain Co-op, Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op, Morrisville Food Co-op, Plainfield Food Co-op, Putney Food Co-op, Rutland Area Food Co-op, Springfield Food Co-op, Upper Valley Food Co-op

Are you a VCC Principal or Associate Member who can’t find your discount code in your email? Don’t go without – reach out to Claire at claire@vtcheese.com!

2026 AUTUMN CONFERENCE SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

2026 PLATINUM SEASON SPONSORS