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2023 SCNBTA Annual Meeting
November 2, 2023
Partnerships/Advancement/Value/Education
Please join us on Thursday, November 2, 2023 for the South Carolina Nature-Based Tourism Association (SCNBTA) annual meeting and networking event at South Cove County Park in Seneca, SC. The day begins with registration and a continental breakfast at 9:00 a.m. At 9:30 a.m. we will begin with a guest speaker presentation, followed by the business meeting and a catered lunch. After lunch, participants will be shuttled to Lake Jocassee for an educational boat tour with Jocassee Lake Tours for the afternoon. More information regarding registration, the conference program, and lodging is detailed below.
The SCNBTA Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for the day before the event at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. The Board meeting will be held at the Lofts on Townville, located at 123 N. Townville Street in Seneca, SC. This meeting is open to all members.
Registration: All attendees are required to register. The early bird registration rate is $75.00 and ends on October 13, 2023. The regular registration fee is $85.00. Additional conference registrants from the same organization are eligible for a reduced rate of $65.00 per registration. The event registration deadline is Wednesday, October 25, 2023. The registration fee covers the meeting sessions and field study boat excursion, continental breakfast, and lunch.
Questions
Please contact April Turner by email or phone: april.turner@scseagrant.org or (843) 991-3192.
Conference Venue and Lodging: The event will be held at the South Cove County Park in Seneca, SC (1099 South Cove Road). A room block has been set up and available until Sunday, October 15, 2023, at the Fairfield Inn and Suites Seneca located at 800 Bypass 123, Seneca, SC, 29678. To book online, click here.
Guest Speaker
Unveiling the Past: Exploring the Western Frontier of South Carolina in the Late 1700s and Early 1800s
Bryn Harmer, Manager, Oconee State Park
Join us as we embark on a fascinating journey back in time to learn about the captivating history of the western frontier in South Carolina during the late 1700s and early 1800s. In this informative and engaging presentation, we will explore the historical significance of Oconee Station State Historic Site and surrounding areas, shedding light on the untamed wilderness that once defined the region.
Field Study
Participants will depart from South Cove County Park at 11:50 a.m. and be shuttled to Devils Fork State Park for the only naturalist-led tour of Lake Jocassee and the Jocassee Gorges with Jocassee Lake Tours. The boat tour is from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Boat Tour of Lake Jocassee and Jocassee Gorges – Every tour of Lake Jocassee is uniquely special. We just never know what we’re going to see! It could be flowers blooming, a bald eagle soaring overhead, or multitudes of butterflies puddling on a rock. Some things, though, we can count on. Do you like waterfalls? Lake Jocassee has waterfalls. Do you favor wild mountain rivers? Pristine wilderness rivers flow into and provide the cold, pure waters of Lake Jocassee. Enjoy fall’s color explosion, winter’s solitude and abundant waterfowl (starring the ethereal loon), and spring’s rebirth of nature. You’ll never know what to expect, and you’ll never be disappointed.
A special THANK YOU to Visit Oconee SC, Lake Hartwell Country, Oconee County Parks, Recreation, & Tourism, SCATR, the City of Seneca, and Jocassee Lake Tours for helping sponsor this year’s event.
AGENDA
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. SCNBTA Board of Directors Meeting
6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Group Dinner
Thursday, November 2, 2023
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Conference Sign-In and Continental Breakfast – sponsored by Lake Hartwell Country
9:30 – 9:40 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
April Turner, SCNBTA Past President
9:40 – 10:40 a.m. Unveiling the Past: Exploring the Western Frontier of South Carolina in the Late 1700s and Early 1800s
Bryn Harmer, Oconee State Park Manager
10:40 – 11:25 a.m. SCNBTA Business Meeting
11:25-11:50 a.m. Lunch – sponsored by the City of Seneca
11:50 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Shuttle to Devils Fork State Park
12:30 – 3:30 p.m. Field Study: Boat Tour of Lake Jocassee and the Jocassee Gorges
3:30 – 4:00 p.m. Return Shuttle to South Cove County Park