Agenda
8:30 a.m. | Registration and Networking
9 a.m. | Welcome and Overview
- Bryan Fluech, Associate Director of Extension, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
9:15 a.m. | The State of Coastal Tourism
- Sarah Anne Rhodes, Regional Tourism Marketing Manager, Explore Georgia, Georgia Department of Economic Development
9:40 a.m. | Destination Leadership: Advocating for Visitor-based Economic Development Across the State
- Jay Markwalter, Executive Director, Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus
10 a.m. | Break
10:15 a.m. | Networking Session 1: The Idea Exchange
11 a.m. | Global Trends, Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Tourism, and how they impact the Georgia Coast
- Cheryl Hargrove, President, Hargrove International, Inc.
11:50 a.m. | Lunch
1 p.m. | Networking with an Expert
2 p.m. | Birding Opportunities in Coastal Georgia
- Melanie Furr, Director of Education, Georgia Audubon
- Abby Sterling, Director of Georgia Bite Shorebird Conservation Initiative
2:25 p.m. | Oysters on the Half Shell: An Update on Georgia Oyster Aquaculture
- Tom Bliss, Director of Shellfish Research Lab, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
2:45 p.m. | Break
3 p.m. | Panel Discussion-Outdoor Recreation in Coastal Georgia
- Lucy Bowie, Georgia Marine Business Association
- Brook Vallaster, Coastal Outdoor Adventures; CARE Certified Guide
- Kyle Sheffield, Georgia Coast Charters; CARE Certified Guide
- Jason Carter, Georgia Department of Natural Resources; Park Manager, Fort McAllister, and Fort Morris
3:50 p.m. | Final Remarks
- Bryan Fluech, Associate Director of Extension, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
4 p.m. | Adjourn
