The South Carolina Nature-Based Tourism Association (SCNBTA) welcomed members, partners, and outdoor industry leaders to its 2025 Annual Conference on November 13–14 at Bells Marina & Resort in Eutawville, S.C. Set along the peaceful shoreline of Lake Marion, this year’s gathering offered two days of learning, collaboration, and outdoor exploration—all centered on the future of nature-based tourism in South Carolina.
From thought-provoking keynote discussions to hands-on field experiences, the conference brought together business owners, organizations, and outdoor enthusiasts united by a common goal: to strengthen and sustain the state’s growing outdoor industry.
Palmetto Trail Nature Walk
A hallmark of the SCNBTA conference is the opportunity to get outside—and this year did not disappoint with two excursions.
On Thursday afternoon, participants carpooled from Bells Marina to a nearby section of the Palmetto Trail at the Santee Cooper Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Naturalist Kristina Wheeler of Charleston County Parks led the guided walk. The walk provided an opportunity to connect with the local flora and fauna, learn about the natural environment, and appreciate the beauty of the forest surrounding Lake Marion.
Evening Dinner & Campfire Social
The group gathered at Armando’s Mexican Restaurant for an informal networking dinner, where participants had the chance to get to know fellow professionals, exchange ideas, and continue conversations sparked earlier in the day. The relaxed setting encouraged cross-industry discussions and new partnerships, all over good food and easy conversation.
Afterward, attendees returned to Bells Marina for a Campfire Social with even more opportunities to connect. With s’mores and a lakeside campfire as the backdrop, guests deepened relationships, shared stories, and expanded their professional networks in a comfortable, low-pressure environment. It was the perfect way to foster collaboration ahead of the next day’s sessions. The group even got a preview of the next day’s battlefield talk.
Day two began with conference sign-in and a continental breakfast/coffee — a comfortable, friendly start that gave attendees time to mingle before the program officially began. Jade Perkins, outgoing President of SCNBTA, welcomed everyone with opening remarks and brief introductions.
Inspiring Guest Speakers
From Globe-Trotter to Lake Living
Jud Yaski, co-owner of Bells Marina & Resort and co-founder of Destination-Earth.org, shared the story of his and partner Dao Chai’s journey from international adventure travel to revitalizing a historic South Carolina fish camp into a vibrant, lake-side hospitality retreat. Their talk offered insight into creating authentic, community-minded tourism rooted in natural beauty, local culture, and sustainable practices.
Nature at Work: Dr. Susan Johnson on Health, Business, and Tourism
Dr. Susan Johnson, founder and CEO of Nature at Work, presented on how integrating nature into workplaces, tourism, and community planning can promote health, well-being, and economic vitality. Her session emphasized opportunities for outfitters, municipalities, and tourism professionals to collaborate for stronger, healthier communities rooted in nature.
SCNBTA Business Meeting
After a short break, the conference shifted to the SCNBTA Business Meeting – an opportunity for members to discuss organizational matters, initiatives, and plans for the association.
The new slate of officers was accepted: Charlotte Waters – President, Micah Decker – Vice President, Mikaela Owens- Secretary, and Mary Ann Keisler – Treasurer. Click here to learn more about them!
Lunch & Sponsor Acknowledgment
Attendees enjoyed a lunch sponsored by Santee Cooper Country. Over lunch, people continued networking, sharing ideas, reflecting on the morning sessions, and building connections for future collaboration.
Exploring Eutaw Springs Battlefield
During the Annual Conference at Bell’s Marina in Eutawville, attendees participated in a guided tour of the Eutaw Springs Battleground Site, led by S.C. Society Sons of the American Revolution member Douglas Doster, with support from Rick Wise, Director of the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust. As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, participants gained a deeper understanding of the Battle of Eutaw Springs—fought on September 8, 1781—and how the landscape shaped military strategy, while reflecting on the Patriot sacrifices made at one of South Carolina’s significant Revolutionary War sites.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners
A special thank-you goes to Bells Marina & Resort for hosting this year’s conference and Santee Cooper Country for sponsoring lunch. Their support helped make this annual gathering possible.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 SCNBTA Annual Conference reinforced a powerful truth: when South Carolina’s outdoor industry works together, we all move forward. Attendees returned home with new partnerships, practical tools, and a shared commitment to supporting nature-based tourism statewide.
Your involvement is vital to continuing this momentum. Join us at our upcoming events — Eudora Wildlife Safari Park (April 1–2, 2026) and the Annual Meeting in Great Falls (November 12–13, 2026) — and consider deepening your engagement by joining a committee, presenting at a future event, or opening your business as a host site!
Together, we can strengthen South Carolina’s outdoor economy and elevate the experiences that make our state extraordinary.