About Spore to Store

How it started

In March 2025, 132 people gathered at UGA’s Griffin Campus for something that had never happened before in Georgia: a symposium dedicated entirely to mushrooms.

Researchers presented alongside small-farm growers. Enthusiasts swapped foraging stories with commercial cultivators. The free publications from Southern SARE flew off the tables. And by closing time, connections had formed that continue to bear fruit today.

“One of the coolest things was just being able to see all of the growers throughout the State come together.”

— Bethany Harris, Director, UGA Center for Urban Agriculture

Why two days in 2026

The first symposium packed as much as we could into a single day. But the conversations in the hallways and the feedback afterward told us: there’s too much to share, too many connections to make, and too little time to do it in one day.

For 2026, we’re expanding to two full days with three dedicated tracks:

🌱 Producer Track — Practical sessions for growers building businesses, from substrate innovation to food safety to scaling operations.

🔬 Innovation Track — Exploring the cutting edge of fungal technology: mycelium materials, regenerative architecture, biomaterials at scale.

🍄 Enthusiast Track — For everyone falling in love with fungi: foraging, identification, biology, and connecting with Georgia’s mushroom community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in my registration?

Access to all sessions across all three tracks for both days, continental breakfast both mornings, lunch both days, coffee and refreshments, access to the exhibitor hall and Mushroom Market.

Can I attend just one day?

Yes, single-day registration is available at $65. We encourage attending both days to get the full experience.

Is this event beginner-friendly?

Absolutely. While some sessions are geared toward experienced growers, the Enthusiast Track is specifically designed for newcomers. The Mushroom Club of Georgia’s extended workshop on Day 1 is a perfect starting point.

Will sessions be recorded?

We do not currently plan to record sessions. Attending in person is the best way to experience the content and—more importantly—the connections.

What should I bring?

Comfortable shoes, business cards if you’d like to network, a notebook for notes, cash for Mushroom Market purchases (some vendors may accept cards), and questions for our speakers and exhibitors.

Is the venue accessible?

Yes. The UGA Griffin Campus is wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking is available near the main entrance. Contact us in advance if you have specific accessibility needs.

Will there be vegetarian/vegan food options?

Yes. Meals will include vegetarian options. If you have specific dietary requirements, please indicate them during registration.