2026 Convention Information Coming Soon!
- Schedule of Events
- Conference Registration/Hotel Information
- Sponsor/Exhibit/Ads
GWA Brand Ambassador Information/Application
- Other Information
2025 GWA Annual Conference
NEW LOCATION! Join us at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, Braselton, GA!
Schedule of Events
All events, times, topics are subject to change throughout the year and planning stages of the conference.
| Thursday, January 23, 2025 | |
| 4:00 PM | GWA Board of Directors Meeting - (This date and time is subject to change) |
| Friday, January 24, 2025 |
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| ALL FUNCTIONS AND TIMES BELOW ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE | |
| ALL FUNCTIONS AND TIMES BELOW ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE |
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| 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Social Responsibility Audit Food Safety Workshop with Katie Odrobina, GFVGA Produce Food Safety Services |
| 10:00 AM | Exhibit Set Up |
| 10:00-10:30 AM | Scholarship Applicant Orientation |
| 10:30-11:00 AM | Selection Committee Orientation |
| 11:00-12:30 PM | Lunch for Scholarship Applicants, Selection Committee, and GWA Board of Directors |
| 12:30 PM | Golf - Register with GWA Office - Shotgun Start |
| 2:00-4:30 PM |
Sip & Splash - A wine tasting and painting event Winery Tour - Tour the Chateau Elan Winery *Must register separately in the form to attend these* |
| 3:00-5:00 PM | Scholarship Applicants and Selection Committee Interviews |
| 6:30 PM | President's Welcome Reception & Seed Spitting Contest |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner, Program, and Scholarship Applicants' Introductions |
| Saturday, January 25, 2025 | |
| 7:00 AM | Educational Seminar - Sausage Biscuits, Coffee, Juiced served. |
| 7:30-9:45 AM |
Presentations: Helping bees help themselves: Prospects for breeding solutions to the varroa problem Securing your Cargo and Reducing Liability Research Update |
|
9:45-10:30 AM |
GWA Annual Business Meeting - Brad Jones, President Presiding |
| 10:30-11:00 AM | Loads Committee - Staff Office |
| 11:00-11:15 AM | Nominating Committee - Staff Office |
| 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM |
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Bob Hochmuth, Multi County Extension Agent, Suwannee Valley Extension, University of Florida |
| 12:15 PM | Lunch Buffet - Scholarship Applicants' Speeches - GWA Live Auction |
| 6:00 PM | Reverse Ticket Raffle/Drawing and Reception |
| 7:00 PM | Banquet, Recognition Dinner, On-Stage Question for Scholarship Applicants, and 2025 GWA Brand Ambassador Award Recipient Announcement |
| Sunday, January 26, 2025 | |
Safe travels home! |
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Click Here for 2025 GWA Mail-In Registration Form
Overflow Hotel (On Property of Chateau Elan): Hampton Inn & Suites Braselton
Sponsor / Exhibit / Advertise
Sponsorship, advertising, and exhibitor opportunities are available for the 2025 GWA Annual Convention.
Sponsorship provides a high value, cost-effective way to your organization. Exhibiting and advertising opportunities are also a great way to connect with attendees. Make a personal network with attendees by reserving your booth space today. With program advertising you can promote your brand in the on-site program booklet. Various sizes and placements are available to fit your desired look and price point.
Connect with your audience to promote your business or product!
Click on the link below to become a sponsor, exhibitor, or reserve ad space TODAY. Email clollis@asginfo.net with any questions!
2025 Sponsor and Exhibitor Opportunities
GWA Brand Ambassador Scholarship Program
DEADLINE TO APPLY: December 2, 2024
The 2025 GWA Brand Ambassador Scholarship is an opportunity for young women, with established residency in Georgia, to advocate for the GA Watermelon industry.
For one whole year, she’ll travel throughout the southeast and Canada to promote and sell Georgia Watermelon. To learn more click here for the 2025 Brand Ambassador Packet and plan to attend the GWA Annual Convention January 24-26, 2025, at Chateau Elan Resort in Braselton, Georgia to compete for the scholarship, all expenses paid.
Elements of the competition include an interview, public speaking, poise, and networking opportunities.
The 2025 GWA Brand Ambassador will:
- Be awarded a $10,000 scholarship.
- Gain online and in person marketing expertise.
- Grow your connections in the ag industry and beyond.
- Have opportunities to be featured in local and national media to promote watermelon.
- Participate in social media promotions and engagements for GWA.
- Travel around the US on behalf of the GA watermelon industry to promotional events at grocery stores, festivals, sporting events, conferences, and more.
- Team up with marketing experts to execute campaigns that promote Georgia Watermelon consumption.
Check out what our current GWA Brand Ambassador is doing on her social channels – www.facebook.com/gawatermelons/ https://www.instagram.com/gawatermelonambassador/
For questions, contact GWA Promotions Coordinator, Charley Lollis- clollis@asginfo.net or call the GWA office at (706) 845-8575.
Watermelon Promotions
Georgia Watermelon Association’s purpose is watermelon promotion from production to consumption. Promotions can vary from our watermelon queens making appearances and talking at functions, to providing informative links about watermelon and the watermelon industry and sharing interesting watermelon recipes with all of our fans.
more information2025 GWA Brand Ambassador
The Georgia Watermelon Brand Ambassador is a trained public relations representative for the watermelon industry both regionally and nationally. Each year she spends the year traveling to throughout Georgia and the United States, talking to people in supermarkets, schools, festivals, athletic events about the nutritional benefits and economical values of watermelon.
more information