The 2008 Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Awards Banquet is scheduled for August 10-12 in Birmingham. The conference brings together industry representatives for professional development and meetings to discuss tourism in the state. The conference concludes with a black-tie awards ceremony that honors the best in Alabama tourism in 13 categories.
Awards are presented for Attraction of the Year, Event of the Year, Media Advocate, Government Advocate, Tourism Employee of the Year, Welcome Center of the Year, Organization of the Year, Executive of the Year, Alabama Tourism Department Employee of the Year, and Partnership of the Year along with the Hall of Fame Award, Governor’s Award and Director’s Award.
WHAT: 2008 Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Awards Banquet.
WHEN: August 10-12, 2008 - Conference
August 12, 2008, 7:00 p.m. Awards Banquet
WHERE: Wynfrey Hotel, Birmingham
WHO: Governor Bob Riley and First Lady Patsy Riley (Awards Banquet)
Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell
Legislative dignitaries
Alabama Travel Council
Leaders from area Convention and Visitors Bureaus
Chamber of Commerce representatives
Regional Tourism Organizations
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:
August 10—
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. “Tourism Education 101” Speaker: Lee Sentell, Director, Alabama Tourism Department
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. “National Sports Marketing” Speaker: Tim Schneider, President, Schneider
Publishing, Sports Travel Magazine
2:15 –4:15 p.m. Opening General Session: “Alabama, Show Us Your Stuff”
Regional presentations showcasing the things to see and do in Sweet Home Alabama!
August 11—
12:45 – 2:30 p.m. General Session: Alabama Tourism Department Annual Update,
Advisory Board Meeting and Alabama’s International Market.
August 12—
10:15 – 11:45 a.m. General Session Nancy Covert, Dale Carnegie Trainer
“Communicate to Lead” and “Motivate Through Recognition”
12:00: - 1:15 p.m. AACVB Luncheon Master of Ceremonies, Debbie Wilson, President AACVB
Presentation of 2008 Tourism Industry Scholarship Award Winners
For more information please contact Alabama Tourism Department Communication Director, Edith Parten (334)242-4537, edith.parten@tourism.alabama.gov.