COMPLETE CONFERENCE DETAILS
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Following registration at the hotel on Wednesday, attendees took buses to the Mission San Luis Living History Site and National Historic Landmark, located near downtown Tallahassee. There, they were given tours of the site, followed by a ‘Welcome to Tallahassee’ banquet. After a brief welcome by Lee Daniel, Executive Director of Visit Tallahassee, the attendees were treated to a keynote speech, ‘The Future of the Printed Page’ by Derek Dunn-Rankin, Owner and Publisher of Sun Coast Media Group.
At each FOWA Conference, the FOWA Excellence-in-Craft (EIC) winners are announced. This coveted competition is between members who submit their work for judging in multiple categories. Entries are judged by independent industry-related communications professionals from around the country.
Not only did FOWA honor its outgoing President, Ralph Allen with a special plaque holding a custom-engraved Buck knife from Buck Knives, but Ron Presley was awarded the Horace Carter Award for outstanding service to FOWA. Rodney Smith, longtime FOWA member and founder of Anglers for Conservation, received Bass Pro Shop’s Pass-it-On Award represented by a plaque and a $300 check.
The ‘Best from Conference Award’ was presented to Sue Cocking of the Miami Herald for ‘A Tale of Two Rivers’. This award, which includes a $500 check, is sponsored by the previous year’s Conference host to encourage stories about their location. This year’s award was presented on behalf of the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau. Thanks to all the FOWA members who entered this important competition.
