Future SEOPA Conferences Announced
BADIN, N.C. - The Southeastern Outdoor Press Association (SEOPA) has confirmed three future sites for its annual fall conferences. In 2010, the group will meet in Huntsville, Ala., followed by Branson, Mo., in 2011 and Johnson City, Tenn., in 2012.
The SEOPA Board of Directors heard formal presentations from bid finalists during its mid-year meeting on April 17, in Punta Gorda, Fla., site of the 2009 conference to be held Oct. 7-10.
SEOPA President Larry Self said, “We’re excited to have three excellent sites lined up so far in advance. This allows our staff and board members plenty of time to develop conference agendas that will make the most of what each area has to offer to the outdoor press.”
North Alabama has hosted SEOPA five times since 1969. Previous sites include Decatur, Sheffield and Guntersville, all of which boast an abundance of outdoors adventures. The Oct. 6-9, 2010 conference in Huntsville will add the convenience of a larger city while still offering excellent outdoor opportunities. Judy Ryals, CEO/President of the Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau said, “We’re thrilled SEOPA has selected Huntsville/Madison County to host their 2010 Annual Convention. We’re looking forward to working closely with the group to provide their members with an outstanding experience. Their quick return to North Alabama is a real testament to the quality of outdoor activities in the region. It will be an honor to host this prestigious event and the group’s world-class professionals.”
People who enjoy traditional outdoor sports often enjoy country music, too, so a conference in Branson, Mo., will be a great fit for SEOPA. The beautiful Chateau on the Lake Resort and Conference Center will serve as SEOPA conference headquarters Oct. 5-8, 2011. This AAA Four-Diamond resort overlooks Table Rock Lake and offers every amenity imaginable. Attendees will enjoy the quiet seclusion of the Chateau and the beauty of the surrounding Ozark Mountains, but they’ll only be a short drive from downtown Branson. Known as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World” and famous for good fishing, boating, hiking and shooting venues, Branson has something for everyone.
Few things say “autumn” and “hospitality” like a visit to East Tennessee in late September. SEOPA members will experience it for themselves when they gather in Johnson City, Tenn., September 26-29, 2012. Brenda Whitson of the Johnson City, Tenn., Convention and Visitors Bureau said, “Johnson City, Tenn., is honored to host the 2012 SEOPA Conference. Members will get the opportunity to experience our new tourism attractions, great fishing and hunting, and the amazing beauty of our area. We are confident many stories will flow as a result.”
SEOPA was founded in 1964 to help outdoor communicators excel in their profession. Membership consists of approximately 320 people who communicate stories of traditional outdoor sports like fishing, hunting, camping and boating via print, broadcast and the Internet, and more than 200 allied corporations who offer products or services to outdoors enthusiasts. SEOPA’s annual conference is a members-only event. For more information, visit www.seopa.org or call Executive Director Lisa Snuggs at 704-984-4700.
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