May 14, 2009 5:00 PM EDT

The Florida Attractions Association Celebrates 60 years at the 2009 Annual Conference

Be among the tourism leaders, attractions, and associate members who will proudly celebrate the 60th year of the Florida Attractions Association at the 2009 Annual Conference & Trade Show, May 27-29 at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. The Annual Conference & Trade Show, themed “Celebrate 60: Reflections & Projections” will provide the stage on which we’ll salute the tradition of excellence of which the Florida Attractions Association was founded in 1949 and we’ll pay tribute to our leadership throughout the past decades.

Conference Registration, Hotel Room Reservations, Trade Show Exhibitor Registration and Silent Auction donation forms all conveniently available at: http://www.floridaattractions.org/2009/annualconference/

This year’s full agenda includes thought-provoking education sessions beginning with the Wednesday afternoon Attraction Members Forum and Associate Members Forum.
If this is your very first time attending the Florida Attractions Association Annual Conference, please arrive early to attend the Chairman’s Reception scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The Conference Launch kicks off our official grand opening of the 2009 Annual Conference “Celebrate 60: Reflections & Projections” and we’ll say hello to some dear friends and special guests.

Supplier Associate members will set up their exhibits earlier on Wednesday in the Trade Show and will be competing during the Opening Night Welcome Reception for the “Best of Show” award which is awarded to the Exhibitor that has made maximum utilization of this year’s conference theme with their own creative and unique display of their exhibit.

An exciting part of the Trade Show which will be previewed on Wednesday night is the ever popular Silent Auction. Keep those bids coming in all throughout the conference and don’t forget to place your final HIGH bids on Friday morning before the sound of the bell. Board members will be busy selling tickets for the Wine Basket drawing so bring extra cash!

For the very first time ever, we have added an optional add-on Event for Wednesday night fun – Chairman Mark McHugh invites you to attend the FUNdraising After Party and dinner.

As a conference attendee, you will have continuous opportunities for networking. We’ve planned a full schedule of education for you Thursday and Friday and we are proud to welcome this year’s keynote speaker, Mr. Charlie Bray, President & CEO of IAAPA. Associate members including our exhibitors should plan to attend all education sessions for additional networking opportunities with Attraction members including CEOs, senior marketing staff, and operations staff.

As you plan to attend the conference this year, you should bring comfortable, casual clothing to enjoy such things as our Annual On-Stage Event and our area attractions.