39th annual Governor's Conference on Tourism starts this weekend

Have you waited until the last minute to register for the 39th Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism? This IS the last minute! Early Bird registration for the event ends tomorrow. Don’t miss your chance to save your spot for $30 off the price at the door.

 

Why should you go? There are the great speakers -- such as award-winning author Ira Blumenthal, Emmy-winning documentarian Larry Foley, famed photographer Art Meripol, esteemed economist Jeff Collins and renowned generational dynamic expert Seth Mattison. There are the fantastic networking opportunities afforded at the conference’s evening functions, which include the Club 1832 gathering Sunday night, “Tips and Tales” Monday night and the Governor’s Reception before the Henry Awards Tuesday night.

 

And here’s something to sweeten the pot. Monday night at the Tourism Development Foundation Auction, you can take home one of several incredible items – including the following:

 

• Original Arkansas photography on canvas, including images of the Old Mill, Whitaker Point, the Little Rock skyline and more by A. C. “Chuck” Haralson

 

• An original watercolor painting of Davies Cabin at Petit Jean Mountain by Bryan Kellar

 

• A framed lithograph of the Arkansas Traveler print of Edward Payson Washbourne

 

• A framed graphic photography image of Cotter Bridge by Grav Weldon

 

• Two nights in a two bedroom cabin atop Mount Magazine

 

• A Putt and Pamper two night golf and massage package at the Arlington Hotel

 

• A two night stay in a cabin along the Buffalo National River

 

• The VIP Getaway Package from the 1886 Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs.

 

• Crescent Hotel - VIP getaway package

 

• Two round trip tickets on Seaport Airlines

 

• A Sony 46” Bravia HDTV

 

• Japanese maples straight from Garvan Woodland Gardens

 

• A 10 person Lake Hamilton cruise and overnight stay package with a lakeside cookout and entertainment by Dennis Farmer

 

• Four season passes to Magic Springs

 

• A nearly $2000 Harbor cottage getaway package at Mountain Harbor Resort

 

• Glassware from famed Pine Bluff artist James Hayes

 

• A Civil War motorcycle tour and lunch with R&R Motorcycles

 

• A four hour Arkansas River cruise with food and beverages for 10 people

 

• A .45 caliber custom worked Nighthawk handgun

 

• And… a VIP 18 hole golf match with Governor Mike Beebe and Chief of Staff Morril Harriman

Stick around for the whole conference, and hear the soulful sounds of The Brenda and Ellis Band. This dynamic group provides the soundtrack for good times and great dancing at our Afterglow Tuesday night.

 

There are still rooms available – and if you haven’t reserved yours already, you are in luck. Rooms are open at the Austin Hotel, Embassy Suites, the Arlington Hotel and several other participating properties.

 

The 39th Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism runs March 3-5 at the Hot Springs Convention Center.