The 2024 Annual Meeting of the South Carolina Nature-Based Tourism Association (SCNBTA) was a resounding success, bringing together professionals and enthusiasts passionate about fostering tourism through our state’s natural and cultural resources. Held at the Cambria Hotel in Fort Mill, SC, this event was packed with informative sessions, networking opportunities, and outdoor adventures.
Keynote Presentation: “Kings Mountain and Its Role in Our Region’s History”
Bright and early on Thursday morning, Jade Perkins, SCNBTA President, welcomed attendees with a warm introduction. The keynote address by Kat Podmore, Assistant Manager of Kings Mountain State Park, set an inspiring tone for the day.
Kat emphasized the crucial role of state parks as community hubs and tourism jewels, drawing visitors to experience South Carolina’s historical, cultural, and natural treasures. She highlighted the park’s many partnerships, from collaborating with local schools to offer life skills internships to working with the Bethany Fire Department on training and annual events like Halloween Trick-or-Treating.
Kat also shared success stories of programs like the Ultimate Outsider program, which encourages exploration of South Carolina’s lesser-known state parks and areas, and partnerships with the South Carolina Association of Tourism Regions (SCATR), Kings Mountain National Military Park, Crowders Mountain State Park (North Carolina), and other local organizations. She concluded with a powerful reminder of the importance of fostering community connections, especially given that most park visitors are locals.
A Q&A session followed, providing attendees with insights into strategies for community engagement and leveraging partnerships for success.
SCNBTA Business Updates
The business meeting kicked off with updates from SCNBTA committee chairs:
- Mary Ann Keisler, Treasurer: Shared the association’s financial health, including the current budget, and reported that taxes and nonprofit status filings have been submitted. Scholarships for Camp Wildwood 2025 were also announced, continuing SCNBTA’s commitment to youth education in wildlife and natural resource management.
- April Turner, Membership and Website: Reported that nearly 60 members have renewed their membership. April encouraged members to update their online listings and take advantage of opportunities to share events, promotions, and blogs on the association’s website.
- Charlotte Waters, Social Media: Previewed the 2025 social media schedule, which will spotlight members throughout the year.
- Mikaela Owens, Newsletter: Provided a quarterly recap on all email marketing.
- April Turner and Mary Ann Keisler, Trade Shows: Shared information about our 2025 Trade Shows: SEWE February 14-16, 2025; Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic March 28-30, 2025; Environmental Art & Music Festival in Union (April 2025); Everything Outdoor Festival in Simpsonville (November). Keep an eye out for more information on volunteering and representing your business at these events.
- 2025 Calendar: The Board is planning our 2025 workshops, including a webinar with AbleSC, a spring workshop at Magnolia Plantation, and our Annual Meeting in the Fall. Coming next year, the association will be updating committee descriptions and sending out more details on how to volunteer your expertise.
Guest Presenter: Jill Jacobs of Spriggly’s Beescaping
Jill Jacobs from Spriggly’s Beescaping stepped in as our guest speaker and captivated the audience with a presentation on habitat restoration and educational marketing. Spriggly’s, based in Western North Carolina, offers conservation workshops and builds interactive exhibits, such as those featured at the Asheville Museum of Science. Jill shared strategies for combining education with marketing, leaving attendees inspired to bring similar ideas to their own work.
Outdoor Adventures at Anne Springs Close Greenway
After lunch sponsored by the Olde English District Tourism Commission, attendees ventured to Anne Springs Close Greenway for an immersive outdoor experience.
A guided hike highlighted the area’s rich history and ecology, while an optional kayaking excursion on Haigler Lake provided a refreshing conclusion to the day.
The SCNBTA Annual Conference once again proved to be an invaluable platform for learning, collaboration, and connecting with nature. Thank you to all attendees, speakers, and sponsors for making this event a memorable success. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s workshops and Annual Meeting!
A big Thank You to Kaylin Dettman of Visit York County, SC for organizing the event.