SALEM — Local experts and national leaders will speak at a conference hosted by Oregon State University Extension Service focused on developing agritourism and ecotourism.

The Agri-Eco Tourism Conference is scheduled for Thursday, March 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem, 5090 Center St. NE Salem, Ore. Admission is $15 per person, and includes lunch.

“This annual conference is a place to learn from the experts and network with peers within one day,” said Mary Stewart, agriculture business development and marketing lead for OSU Extension in Marion County.

Keynote sessions will feature Toby Bloom, national program manager for tourism and interpretive services with the U.S. Forest Service in Washington, D.C., and Stephanie Larson, director of the University of California Cooperative Extension-Sonoma County.

Bloom’s presentation, titled “Strengthening Outdoor Economies in Rural Communities,” will explain how the Forest Service works with local partners to attract tourism and improve the quality of life for residents. She will also highlight financial programs and business services available to assist communities, and emerging initiatives through the USDA.

Larson will cover opportunities to enhance local agritourism, combining traditional farm, ranch and dairy operations with adventures or experiences for the public. Examples might include milking cows, making bread or U-pick fruit.

Attendees can pre-register online at Eventbrite, or contact Audrey Comerford at 503-588-5301. On-site registration will also be accepted the day of the event.