2026 Conference - San Luis Obispo, California
Above image courtesy of Visit SLO
About
The 2026 NARBA Raspberry Blackberry Conference will take place on February 11th-12th in San Luis Obipso, California!
The 2026 Conference will offer premium opportunities to network, learn about latest advancements in research, and hear about emerging technologies in the caneberry industry. We will also offer a farm tour of the Santa Maria berry growing region.
Schedule
The 2025 conference kicked off with an opening reception on Monday, February 3rd and educational sessions began on Tuesday, February 4th. Conference content continued on Wednesday, February 5th and there was an Island of Hawai’i agricultural tour on Thursday, February 6th.
2025 Conference Poster Sessions
The North American Raspberry & Blackberry Association and the North American Strawberry Growers Association are pleased to offer conference participants a way to share their latest research findings. Posters may be submitted by undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and extension educators associated with academic institutions and government agencies (USDA, etc.), and by industry researchers.
Our Host REGION
Our conference will take place in San Luis Obispo (SLO), California. Located at the center of California’s Central Coast, SLO CAL is the premier destination for active families and those looking for adventure. Explore miles of pristine beaches to vast rolling vineyard-covered hills, SLO CAL offers endless opportunities for fun! Framed by the Nine Sisters volcanic peaks and blessed with abundant sunshine, this sunny California town features artisan shops, creekside patios and craft breweries.
Airport: San Luis Obispo (SBP) – there are many other regional airports in the area, we recommend you research the best option, but do not recommend flying into LAX or SFO.
Our Hotel
Off Highway 101, the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Luis Obispo is two miles from Downtown San Luis Obispo and 10 minutes from California Polytechnic State University. It is only 20 minutes from Pismo Beach, and multiple wineries, distilleries, and breweries. Enjoy the indoor pool, fitness center, free made-to-order breakfast, and free evening reception.
There are a limited number of rooms offered at our preferred rate, $175.25 / night before taxes. Book your two room suite early, our rates are only available until sold out! We anticipate high demand and expect rooms to fill up quickly.
Feast and Fire Luau Discount
For the ultimate in a Hawaiian dining experience, the Feast and Fire Luau and Dinner Show is offered on Mondays and Thursdays from 5pm to 8pm. Advanced reservations are advised. The OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa is offering a 20% discount on tickets for the Feast and Fire Luau to our conference attendees, only valid on Thursday, February 6th. The agricultural tour will return to the hotel to allow time for attendees to join this unique experience.
Sponsorship
Sponsors are crucial for keeping registrant fees low, bringing in high quality presenters, and providing a satisfying conference experience for all. We can create value for your company as a sponsor and support your marketing and outreach goals with face-to-face networking opportunities.
We offer many levels of sponsorship support and work to create unique opportunities for our sponsors:
- Increase industry presence and recognition
- Build relationships with growers, industry, and peers
- Provide industry support of research, breeding & production management development
Contact info@raspberryblackberry.com if you are interested in being a 2026 Conference sponsor!
Industry showcase
In conjunction with the main conference, NARBA will also host booths of products and services for caneberry growers and industry. These exhibit spaces will be directly connected to the main conference area and can be visited before, during and after all 2 days of sessions with dedicated times each day. Contact information for all exhibitors will be included in an exhibitor guide that will be provided to all attendees.
This is a tabletop show. Each exhibitor will be provided a single 6′ table, draped and skirted. The $800 fee includes (1) conference registration, all additional company representatives must register separately. Please note that there is limited space for exhibitors and we will fill spaces on a first come, first serve basis.
Contact info@raspberryblackberry.com with questions about the 2026 Industry Showcase.
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
BRONZE Sponsors
berry Sponsors
2026 Conference Registration
Please note that all tickets are inclusive of all educational sessions (Wednesday, February 11th and Thursday, February 12th), the regional berry tour (Thursday, February 12th), daily lunches (11th & 12th) and all refreshment breaks. Guest tickets for the tour and conference meals are available as an attendee ticket add-ons.
Current NARBA members are given a $50 discount on their conference ticket(s).
Not a member? Join NARBA now!
Refund / Cancellation Policy: Cancellation requests must be made in writing to info@raspberryblackberry.com. Cancellation / refund requests submitted by January 14th, 2026 are eligible to receive a 100% refund of their registration fees. Requests made after January 14th, 2026 are eligible for a 50% refund of their registration fees until February 9th, 2026 after which no refunds will be issued.
