Annual Convention

2025 GWA Annual Convention

January 24 – 26, 2025 
Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, Braselton, Georgia 

 

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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 
  ALL FUNCTIONS AND TIMES BELOW ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
ALL FUNCTIONS AND TIMES BELOW ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
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
Dr. Krispn Given, Agriculture Specialist in the Department of Entomology, Purdue University

Securing your Cargo and Reducing Liability
Dr. Fred Whitford, Clinical Engagement Professor and Director of Purdue Pesticide Programs, Purdue University

Research Update
Dr. Gilbert Miller, Extension Vegetable Specialist for the Edisto Research and Education Center in Blackville, South Carolina

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!

Registration Information

Early Bird Online registration opens on October 11, 2024 for the 2025 GWA Conference. 

Click Here for ONLINE REGISTRATION 

Click Here for 2025 GWA Mail-In Registration Form

Hotel Information

Save The Date For Webssite

To book your hotel, call the Reservations Department at 678-425-0900 or register via a web link provided here: Chateau Elan Resort

Special group rates of $229 per night are available to conference attendees.  The Resort will continue to accept reservations, at the group rate, after the cut-off date of January 6, 2025, on a space available basis.

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 feature 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

Graphic For Website

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.

Other Information

2024 GWA Conference - PHOTOS