2026 GWA Annual Convention
- Schedule of Events
- Conference Registration/Hotel Information
- Sponsor/Exhibit/Ads
GWA Brand Ambassador Information/Application
- Other Information
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 |
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| 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! |
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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 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
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.
Watermelon Promotions
Georgia Watermelon Association’s purpose is watermelon promotion from production to consumption. Promotions can vary from our watermelon queens making appearances and talking at functions, to providing informative links about watermelon and the watermelon industry and sharing interesting watermelon recipes with all of our fans.
more information2025 GWA Brand Ambassador
The Georgia Watermelon Brand Ambassador is a trained public relations representative for the watermelon industry both regionally and nationally. Each year she spends the year traveling to throughout Georgia and the United States, talking to people in supermarkets, schools, festivals, athletic events about the nutritional benefits and economical values of watermelon.
more information