Florida State University, Panama City is excited to team up with the Explore Northwest Florida organization to host the Northwest Florida Ecotourism Summit, scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2020. According to the United Nations Travel Organization, Ecotourism is the fastest growing segment within the travel industry. This summit will bring in industry leaders, educators, students, potential new businesses and eco-friendly enthusiasts to Panama City to enhance our ecotourism communities in the Florida Panhandle.
Participation in this event enhances awareness of educational opportunities, fosters community engagement, and expand business partnerships. Our objectives through this Summit are to:
The event will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Holley Academic Center on the FSU Panama City campus. Join us as we learn from industry leaders, government officials and industry organizations. Our format will include:
General sessions – Welcome
Explore our exciting vendor expo, networking opportunities, and informative resources from ecotourism support organizations.
Participation in this event enhances awareness of educational opportunities, fosters community engagement, and expand business partnerships. Our objectives through this Summit are to:
- Promote Ecotourism best practices in business development, marketing, risk management, and operations
- Educate on Sustainable Ecotourism
- Encourage Ecotourism Ethics / Wildlife Disturbance Issues
- Explore available resources from FSU PC, Explore Northwest Florida and other Ecotourism support organizations
The event will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Holley Academic Center on the FSU Panama City campus. Join us as we learn from industry leaders, government officials and industry organizations. Our format will include:
General sessions – Welcome
- Kick-Off Speaker - TBA
- Keynote Speaker - Dana Young, CEO of Visit Florida.
- Hidden Resources
- Marketing & Business Development
- Education
Explore our exciting vendor expo, networking opportunities, and informative resources from ecotourism support organizations.
For more information contact:
Joy Saddler, FSU at jsaddler@fsu.edu 850.420.9439 or
Betty Webb, ENWFL at bettytaylor.webb@gmail.com 850-323-0567
Joy Saddler, FSU at jsaddler@fsu.edu 850.420.9439 or
Betty Webb, ENWFL at bettytaylor.webb@gmail.com 850-323-0567
Presenters:
Chuck Hatcher, Assistant Director of Recreation & Parks, DEP Brett Cyphers,
Executive Director, NWF Water Management District
Danny Bivins, Senior Public Service Associate, University of Georgia
Dr. Glen Aiken, Director, NF Research & Education Center,
UF IFAS Dan Rowe, Director & CEO, Visit Panama City Beach
Kristy Terry, Executive Director, North Florida Inland Long-Term Recovery Group
Anne Glick, Wildlife Viewing Program Administrator, FWC
Dr. Sandra Halvorson, FSU PC - Communications
Brian Baber, MS FSU PC - Entrepreneurship
Ray Windham, Lilypad Adventures
Michael O’Brian Garcia, Florida Olive Grower Association
Nick Phoenix, Coldwater Gardens (Aquaponics & Events)
Shawn Brown, Visit Panama City & Outdoor Gulf Coast
Scott Jackson, UF - IFAS (Master Naturalist)
Chef Paul Ashman, GCSC Culinary Program & Sea Screamer
Tracee Watkins, MBA - FSU PC – Hospitality & Tourism
Joy Saddler, MS, CHE - FSU PC – RTE, Hospitality & Tourism
Chuck Hatcher, Assistant Director of Recreation & Parks, DEP Brett Cyphers,
Executive Director, NWF Water Management District
Danny Bivins, Senior Public Service Associate, University of Georgia
Dr. Glen Aiken, Director, NF Research & Education Center,
UF IFAS Dan Rowe, Director & CEO, Visit Panama City Beach
Kristy Terry, Executive Director, North Florida Inland Long-Term Recovery Group
Anne Glick, Wildlife Viewing Program Administrator, FWC
Dr. Sandra Halvorson, FSU PC - Communications
Brian Baber, MS FSU PC - Entrepreneurship
Ray Windham, Lilypad Adventures
Michael O’Brian Garcia, Florida Olive Grower Association
Nick Phoenix, Coldwater Gardens (Aquaponics & Events)
Shawn Brown, Visit Panama City & Outdoor Gulf Coast
Scott Jackson, UF - IFAS (Master Naturalist)
Chef Paul Ashman, GCSC Culinary Program & Sea Screamer
Tracee Watkins, MBA - FSU PC – Hospitality & Tourism
Joy Saddler, MS, CHE - FSU PC – RTE, Hospitality & Tourism
