2010 Alabama Governor’s Conference on Tourism

August 12, 2010

Montgomery, Ala. — Alabama tourism officials will unveil a web application for “smart phones” and a beach commercial featuring singer Taylor Hicks during the annual industry convention beginning Sunday in Montgomery. In addition, gubernatorial nominees Dr. Robert Bentley and Ron Sparks will address delegates during a candidates forum, and the group will honor Dr. David Bronner with a lifetime achievement award for his role in establishing the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

On Sunday, August 15 the Alabama Tourism Department will unveil a new beach television ad featuring American Idol Taylor Hicks. The ad is designed to invite tourists back to the beaches. Tourism will also unveil the Year of Alabama Music logo and a new mobile phone app during the opening general session.

Monday, August 16, Dr. David Bronner will receive tourism’s Lifetime Achievement Award following his speech at 9:45 a.m. Tourism director Lee Sentell will present the award to Bronner for his accomplishments in helping to increase tourism in the state from a $1.8 billion industry to a $9.6 billion industry. Bronner is responsible for the development of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, a renowned collection of 26 championship golf courses at 11 sites that has put Alabama at the top of the list of golf destinations worldwide. He is also responsible for the resort hotels along the golf trail as well as the spa trail. 

Guest speakers for the sessions include Roger Dow, President and CEO, U.S. Travel Association; Dr. David Bronner, CEO Retirement Systems of Alabama; Gubernatorial candidates Dr. Robert Bentley and Ron Sparks, and tourism director Lee Sentell. Herb Malone, president and CEO, Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau will provide a session on recovering from the Gulf Coast oil crisis.

The conference is designed to bring together industry representatives for professional development and meetings to discuss tourism in the state. This year’s session topics include the Gulf Coast Oil Crisis, promoting destinations, social media, working with the Alabama Tourism Department, and Maintaining Museums in Alabama.

Tuesday, August 17 WSFA’s Tonya Terry and WAKA’s Jeff Sanders will present the awards at the banquet along with tourism director Lee Sentell. Terry is the morning anchor for Today in Alabama and Sanders is the anchor for WAKA’s Noon and 5:00 p.m. newcasts.

Awards to honor the best in the industry will be presented in 13 categories during the tourism department awards banquet Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Awards are presented for Attraction of the Year, Event of the Year, Media Advocate, Government Advocate, Tourism Industry Employee of the Year, Welcome Center of the Year, Organization of the Year, Executive of the Year, Alabama Tourism Department Employee of the Year, Partnership of the Year, Rising Star, Theme Campaign and the Governor’s Tourism Award.

For more information on the daily conference sessions visit http://algovernorsconference.com and visit www.alabama.travel for more press releases. 

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