7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

>Club Ballroom

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8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

Preserving Heritage Through Creative Marketing Efforts

In this session you will begin to immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of the Gullah Geechee people and learn how the St Simons African American Heritage Coalition found unique ways to preserve their heritage through creative marketing efforts. 

Speaker: Helen Ladson, Harrington School

>Club Ballroom

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9:20 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.

Communication Without Confrontation

Stop treating people the way you want to be treated.  Maintain positive conflict resolution by treating others the way they want to be treated. During this interactive and upbeat session, you will have fun laughing and learning about two key components in reducing defensiveness. 

Speaker: Vincent Ivan Phipps M.A., CSP, Communication VIP

>Club Ballroom

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10:20 a.m. - 10:35 a.m.

Break

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10:35 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.

Creating a Visitor Experience-Part 1

In order to increase visitor traffic, you have to think outside the box. Learn how these RVICs made some bold, exciting changes to their center to create a visitor experience. 

Speakers: Stacy Brown, Woodstock Visitor Center, Toni Seals-Johnson, Augusta & Co.-Augusta CVB, Nicole Kirksey, Americus Welcome Center

>Club Ballroom

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11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

What's New in Georgia

Become familiar with the new attractions and accommodations throughout the state.

Speakers: Jessica Godbee, GDEcD, Briana Coakley, GDEcD

>Club Ballroom

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12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Awards Luncheon

>Grand Dining Room

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1:30 p.m. - 2:20 p.m. 

Creating a Visitor Experience-Part 2

RVICs will share information on how  they implemented special promotions, events, and displays to build awareness for their visitor center. 

Speakers: Sharon Dupont, Villa Rica Welcome Center, Millie Perez, Lake Lanier CVB, Kyle Bennett, Woodstock Visitor Center

>Club Ballroom

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2:25 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. 

Secrets to the New ExploreGeorgia.org

Get insider tips and learn how to use the new and improved ExploreGeorgia.org to drive more traffic to your destinations with free listings. 

Speakers: Lindsay Isaacs, GDEcD, Lori Hennessy, GDEcD

>Club Ballroom

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3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

FAM Tours

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6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Evening Event

>Morgan Center

7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. 

Continental Breakfast

>Club Ballroom

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8:30 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.

Georgia Q

How well do you know Georgia? RVICs will battle it out for the chance to be crowned Best of the Best!

>Club Ballroom

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9:25 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Social Media

Speaker: Marcie  Kicklighter, Golden Isles CVB

>Club Ballroom

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10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

2020 Host Presentation​

>Club Ballroom

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10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Break

​

10:30 a.m.

Silent Auction ends

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10:45 a.m. - 11:35 a.m.

Georgia Tourism Update

There have been some exciting changes within the Tourism Division. Attendees will learn more about our next steps and receive an update on the Visitor Information Center program.

Speakers: Cheryl Hargrove, GDEcD, Brittney Gray, GDEcD

>Club Ballroom

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11:35 a.m. 

Lunch and Adjourn