Georgia Governor's Tourism Conference
FAQs
On behalf of Explore Georgia, we're delighted that you will be attending the Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference and look forward to seeing you. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Where is the conference being held?
When does the conference begin?
What are the Professional Development Network Sessions?
Are evening events included in the conference registration?
Can I get copies of the speaker presentations?
What can I do to ensure a positive experience in the sessions?
What if I cannot attend? Can I get a refund?
If I cannot attend, can I send someone in my place? Do I need to let you know before the conference?
I’m paying by check. Where do I send it?
Where is the conference being held?
All conference sessions and the Welcome Reception will be held at the Jekyll Island Convention Center on Jekyll Island, Georgia, located at 75 North Beachview Drive, Jekyll Island, GA 31527.
What is the dress code?
Business casual attire is appropriate for all conference events on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. Tuesday’s Governor’s Luncheon is business attire.
When does the conference begin?
The conference begins at 1 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2023. Please remember that noon – 1 p.m. is the busiest time for the registration desk, so allow extra time. Registered partner attendees are encouraged to attend the Professional Development Network sessions on Monday morning from 9-11 a.m.
What are the Professional Development Network Sessions?
These are interactive, working sessions intended to foster an environment of collaboration among Georgia tourism industry partners. There will be three concurrent sessions with different focus areas: marketing, research, and visitor services. Each session will be guided by Explore Georgia staff to encourage dialogue among the participants about relevant topics and trends. Sessions will be held on Monday morning, 9-11 a.m.
NOTE: We ask that sponsor and vendor attendees refrain from attending the PDN sessions. Thanks for your understanding!
Are evening events included in the conference registration?
In the past, we’ve had sponsored evening events. Based on your feedback, we know that you want to have time to spend with colleagues, business partners, and to explore the host city. This year, we will start the conference with a welcome reception on Monday; afterward, you will be free to explore Jekyll, St. Simons & Brunswick on both Monday and Tuesday nights.
I was thinking about arriving early and attending the Georgia Tourism Foundation Event. What is included in the $150 ticket price?
The Georgia Tourism Foundation board of directors is hosting the second annual pre-conference evening event! This fundraiser includes hors d’oeuvres, open bar, and local entertainment. The event will be held in the beautiful Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum.
Can I get copies of the speaker presentations?
The handouts and presentations that are shared by our speakers will be available post-conference on our website for your reference.
What can I do to ensure a positive experience in the sessions?
- Be on time.
- Provide speakers with your undivided attention.
- Set your phone to silent prior to entering a session or meal function.
- Bring something to take notes on. The conference will not provide notebooks.
- Turn off all laptop and tablet devices unless taking session notes.
What if I cannot attend? Can I get a refund?
If an attendee must cancel on or before August 10, a refund will be issued minus a $50 processing fee. We regret that refunds cannot be made after August 10.
If I cannot attend, can I send someone in my place? Do I need to let you know before the conference?
Substitutions are allowed within the same organization. Substitutions can be made prior to the conference or onsite at the registration desk.
I’m paying by check. Where do I send it?
Send it to the Georgia Tourism Foundation, 75 5th Street NW, Suite 1200, Atlanta, GA 30308. If you need a W9, please contact Julie Musselman at jmusselman@georgia.org.
When can sponsors set up?
Early set up is available on Sunday, September 10 from 1-5 p.m. Regular set up begins on Monday, September 11 at 9 a.m. You must be completely set up no later 12:30 p.m. on Monday; the conference begins at 1 p.m. that day.
When can sponsors break down?
Sponsors may begin breaking down booths on Wednesday, September 13, no earlier than 10:45 a.m. or once the morning break concludes.