Annual Convention

2026 GWA Annual Convention

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2026 GWA Annual Convention

 King and Prince Resort St.Simons, GA!

Schedule of Events

All events, times, topics are subject to change throughout the year and planning stages of the conference.
Thursday, January 22, 2026 
4:00 PM GWA Board of Directors Meeting - (This date and time is subject to change)
Friday, January 23, 2026
  ALL FUNCTIONS AND TIMES BELOW ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
ALL FUNCTIONS AND TIMES BELOW ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Golf - Register with GWA Office - Shotgun Start
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Fishing Expedition
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Exhibitor Set Up 
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Applicant Orientation 
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM Selection Committee Orientation  
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Scholarship Applicant Interviews
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Jekyll Island Trolley Tour 

4:45 PM - 5:45 PM Loads and Nominating Committee Meetings
6:30 PM President's Welcome Reception & Seed Spitting Contest
7:30 PM Dinner, Program, and Scholarship Applicants' Introductions 
Saturday, January 24, 2026
8:30 AM Morning Session- Keynote Speaker and Applicant Speeches 
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Grower Seminar: 

Sessions to be announced soon!

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Lunch Buffet - GWA Annual Business Meeting and On-stage Question

1:30 PM  GWA Live Auction 
6:00 PM Reverse Ticket Raffle/Drawing and Reception
7:00 PM Banquet, Recognition Dinner, On-Stage Question for Scholarship Applicants, and 2026 GWA Brand Ambassador Award Recipient Announcement 
Sunday, January 25, 2026

Safe travels home!

Registration Information

Early Bird Online registration is open now for the 2026 GWA Conference. 

Click Here for Online Registration

2026 Conference Registration Form


Hotel Information

To book your hotel at the King and Prince Resort in St.Simons, GA. , call the Reservations Department at 912-638-3631 or register via a web link provided here: King & Prince Resort

Special group rates of $159 per night are available to conference attendees.  The Resort will continue to accept reservations, at the group rate, after the cut-off date of December 17, 2025, on a space available basis.

Sponsor / Exhibit / Advertise

Sponsorship, advertising, and exhibitor opportunities are available for the 2026 GWA Annual Convention. 

Sponsorship provides a high value, cost-effective way to feature your organization.  Exhibiting and advertising opportunities are also a great way to connect with attendees.  Make a personal network with attendees by reserving your booth space today.  With program advertising you can promote your brand in the on-site program booklet.  Various sizes and placements are available to fit your desired look and price point. 

Connect with your audience to promote your business or product!

Click on the link below to become a sponsor, exhibitor, or reserve ad space TODAY. Email clollis@asginfo.net with any questions! 

2026 Sponsor and Exhibitor Opportunities

 

GWA Brand Ambassador Scholarship Program

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DEADLINE TO APPLY:  December 8, 2025

The 2026 GWA Brand Ambassador Scholarship is an opportunity for young women, with established residency in Georgia, to advocate for the GA Watermelon industry.

For one whole year, she’ll travel throughout the southeast and Canada to promote and sell Georgia Watermelon. To learn more click here for the 2026 Brand Ambassador Packet and plan to attend the GWA Annual Convention January 23-25, 2026, at King and Prince Resort in St.Simons, Georgia to compete for the scholarship, all expenses paid.

Elements of the competition include an interview, public speaking, poise, and networking opportunities. 

The 2026 GWA Brand Ambassador will:

  • Be awarded a $10,000 scholarship.
  • Gain online and in person marketing expertise.
  • Grow your connections in the ag industry and beyond.
  • Have opportunities to be featured in local and national media to promote watermelon.
  • Participate in social media promotions and engagements for GWA.
  • Travel around the US on behalf of the GA watermelon industry to promotional events at grocery stores, festivals, sporting events, conferences, and more.
  • Team up with marketing experts to execute campaigns that promote Georgia Watermelon consumption.

Check out what our current GWA Brand Ambassador is doing on her social channels – www.facebook.com/gawatermelons/     https://www.instagram.com/gawatermelonambassador/   

For questions, contact GWA Promotions Coordinator, Charley Sheffield- clollis@asginfo.net or call the GWA office at (706) 845-8575.

Other Information

2024 GWA Conference - PHOTOS