The Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference will bring more than 500 tourism professionals to Savannah Aug. 30-Sept. 2. This is the first time the annual conference has been hosted in Savannah.
 
“We specifically bid on hosting the 2015 conference because we wanted folks from around the state, many who probably have not visited Savannah for years, to see how much we are changing,” said Joseph Marinelli, Visit Savannah president. “From the new hotels and many new restaurants to the retail facelift happening on Broughton Street, our guests will surely be impressed.”
 
The conference will take place at the Hyatt Regency and will feature presentations about marketing trends, technological initiatives and other topics important to Georgia’s tourism industry. Guest speakers include Gov. Nathan Deal, Peter Yesawich, vice chairman of MMGY Global, representatives from the City of Savannah and the Georgia Department of Economic Development and more. An opening reception will be held on the Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion on Monday, Aug. 31, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. For a full list of sessions, visit www.georgiagtc.com/agenda.
 
“This conference is the Georgia tourism industry’s once-a-year opportunity to get together and learn about the latest techniques in tourism marketing and technology while learning best practices from peers,” said Julie Musselman, GACVB executive director. “The conference planning committee is thrilled to hold this important event in Savannah for the very first time this year.”
 
Walk-up registrations will be accepted starting Monday, Aug. 31 at 8:30 a.m. Members of the tourism industry can attend for registration prices listed on the conference website, www.GeorgiaGTC.com.
 
For more information, contact Taylor Castillejo at 912.644.6429 or [email protected].