2010 Annual Conference and Tradeshow

      185 attractions industry professionals attended the Annual Conference and Trade Show in Saint Augustine May 26 - 28 breaking an attendance record. Themed, "Seeking New Treasures" the conference offered attendees many opportunities for networking, education and the sharing of best practices among peers. The opening day included an exciting conference launch attended by Florida Representative Proctor followed by a scavenger hunt and putting contest at the World Golf Hall of Fame. Dinner was enjoyed by all in a beautiful setting overlooking the lake in front of the World Golf Hall of Fame with dancing and karaoke entertainment as a backdrop.
      Conference participants enjoyed Thursday morning informational sessions including an industry outlook briefing by Eileen Farrow of VISIT FLORIDA and government advocacy training led by Karen Moore of Moore Consulting Group. Thursday afternoon included an important session on crisis management facilitated by Elaine McLaughlin, Lori Pennington-Gray, Ph.D. and Amy Elliot Reedy. This was followed by the much anticipated presentation by Frank Alcock, Ph.D. who discussed the Deepwater Horizon incident and its implications for offshore drilling in Florida.
      On Thursday evening, conference attendees enjoyed a guided trolley tour from the resort to the Fountain of Youth in downtown St. Augustine where guests toured the historic attraction, sipped water from the fountain of youth and enjoyed a delicious catered meal under a tent on the beautiful grounds overlooking the beautiful sunset over the water.
      Friday morning's session on social media with panelists Steve Berlin and Elena Prostova with Miles Media was a popular one as was the Best Attractions, Best Practices sessions.
      The conference concluded with an upbeat finale that included poignant remarks from Mark McHugh and a surprise visit from his family and staff who drove from Orlando to watch him pass the gavel to new Chairman of the Board Andrew Hertz. Guests then enjoyed a touching slide show filled with images from the 3 day event!