Hosted by
Sunshine State Vanilla
Welcome to our second annual
Florida Vanilla Symposium
March 14th 2026. From 10am-3pm
Location: Blossom & Brie Farmside Dining, Ft Meyers
For inquiries or questions, please feel free to reach out to Stephanie at
Stephanie@sunshinestatevanilla.com
Join us at this one day event
Everyone is invited! Vanilla Farmer, Orchid Enthusiast, Vanilla Researcher, Homesteader, Rare Plant Hobbiest, Lover of Vanilla, Chef or Baker. Join Us!
Hear from the leading voices shaping the Florida vanilla industry
Learn about Florida's long and interesting history with Vanilla
Shop our vanilla vendors and have the opportunity to purchase rare tropical plants, including some tutor trees
Learn how to receive grants and funding for vanilla farming!
Learn how to successfully grow vanilla orchids from master growers.
Explore Blossom & Brie Farm. Enjoy a chef curated vanilla "farm to table" culinary experience.
Standard Online
Online Access Only
This package is perfect for attendees who prefer to join virtually. Includes lifetime access to all recorded conference sessions.
$99
Early bird price
Available until February 1st 2026
Register by February 1st and save! Includes lifetime access to recordings and full access to all on-site activities.
$199
In Person Registration
Late registration
For those registering after February 1st or until spots sell out. Includes lifetime access to recordings and full access to all on-site activities.
$249
Accommodation Options for Your Symposium Stay
We’ve secured beautiful and convenient accommodations near the Florida Vanilla Conference. Choose from the following options to make your stay exceptional:
Luminary Hotel & Co
Ft Myers Marina
Address: 2200 Edwards Dr.
Ft Myers FL 33901
Distance from Venue: 23 minutes by car
Amenities: Complimentary breakfast, outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi
Sunseeker Resort
curio by Hilton
Address: 5500 Sunseeker Way, Charlotte Harbor, FL
Distance from Venue: 30 minutes by car
Amenities: Complimentary breakfast, outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi
About Blossom & Brie Farm
Located in beautiful Southwest Florida, Blossom & Brie presents a charming farm side experience with outstanding farm fresh cuisine. Chef Wesley Robbins takes great pride in creating us a vanilla inspired menu that is unique and exciting which will compliment our day of vanilla! We look forward to welcoming you to our working farm,. There will be time to wander thru our farm and gardens throughout the event. Looking forward to hosting this great event!
For any questions about the venue please email hello@blossomandbrie.com
Your Host Stephanie Webb
Stephanie Webb knows the botanical industry as a formulator has always known the importance of the farmer and the consumer. Having the knowledge of a niche need in the market and the desire to support domestic farmers has made this project the perfect marriage.
Supporting Florida Farmers is a number one goal and to fulfill the need in the food, flavoring and aromatherapy industry with a premium Vanilla Bean domestically grown means everyone wins.
For inquiries or questions, please feel free to reach out to Stephanie at Stephanie@sunshinestatevanilla.com
MEET THE SPEAKERS
Our esteemed speakers at the Florida Vanilla Conference are leaders in the Florida vanilla industry, bringing their expertise to help attendees learn, grow, and succeed. With years of experience in their fields and a passion for innovation, they’ll guide you through everything from cultivation to market trends.
Jessica Ryals
Agricultural & Food Systems Agent in Collier Co. Florida
Jessica Ryals develops and leads educational programs to support small farms. Her goals are to be a resource for the local food system and organize agricultural support. She will be discussing grants and funding opportunities for vanilla farmers! She is an important resource for small vanilla farmers that are looking to grow. “Funding your Farm.”
Dr Kelly Ablard
Kelly Ablard, PhD, is a certified Conservation Aromatherapist™ with advanced degrees in Biology and Conservation. As Founder and CEO of the nonprofit Airmid Institute
"Vanilla planifolia: The Fragility of a Medicinal and Aromatic Plant at the Crossroads of Conservation and Cultivation"
Vanilla planifolia, a medicinal and aromatic plant of great global significance, exhibits extreme genetic uniformity making it vulnerable to habitat loss, pests, viruses, extreme climatic events, and market volatility. Although cultivated populations are abundant, their fragility in this respect requires nuanced and sustainable management. This includes the integration of virus-free rootstock, disease monitoring, and the protection of natural pollinators and wild V. planifolia populations, which are listed as endangered, and are protected by CITES. Case studies examining these vulnerabilities are increasing, particularly in Florida, Madagascar, and Mexico. Equally important is strengthening the global supply chain through transparency, traceability, value-added approaches, and strong relationships with V. planifolia farmers. At this critical crossroads of conservation and cultivation, the future of V. planifolia relies on informed stewardship and sustainable practices to safeguard this precious medicinal and aromatic plant species for generations to come.
Stephanie Webb CA
Symposium Host, Botanical Formulator & International Sourcing Agent
Stephanie Webb will present the details of our American Vanilla Association. The newly formed Association is dedicated to strengthening and uniting our community. By bringing farmers together, the association provides a strong collective voice, access to shared resources, education, and advocacy on key industry issues. Members will benefit from networking opportunities, training programs, market support, and representation that helps protect their interests and improve long-term sustainability. Through collaboration and shared knowledge, the association is committed to supporting American vanilla farmers.
“Learn about how The American Vanilla Association can support you"
Raleigh Barnes
Third Insight Design and Nursery
Raleigh Barnes is a tropical and subtropical horticulture specialist with over 30 years of experience cultivating plants across Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and Costa Rica. He has a long history and extensive knowledge in growing vanilla. His work in vanilla is grounded in permaculture, agroforestry, organic and native plant systems, and epiphytic cultivation, with a focus on resilient, regenerative landscapes. He is the founder of the Apollo Beach Garden Club, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, where he established a community forest garden integrating tropical food crops and community-based education. Raleigh also owns Third Insight Design and Nursery, specializing in the propagation and preservation of rare and heritage tropical fruit trees, and continues to advance tropical agriculture through research, education, and applied practice."Organic vanilla growing, tudor tree importance and simple clonal propagation"
