Annual conventions

Dear SSA Members and Guests,

We are pleased to invite you to celebrate in the Florida sunshine on Clearwater Beach, at the 103rd Annual Convention of the Southern Seed Association, January 13-16, 2023! The Sandpearl Resort at 500 Mandalay Avenue will be a relaxed and elegant setting for our attendees to network and build industry relationships. We want you to enjoy a time of fellowship, fine dining, shopping, golfing, and entertainment!

In addition to our informational business session and trade show, we will enjoy a wide variety of activities throughout the weekend. We will kick off our weekend on Saturday evening with a Welcome to the Beach, Boys & Girls Reception located beside the Sandpearl’s beautiful poolside waterfall. We may not be Surfin' USA, but get ready for plenty of Good Vibrations and Fun, Fun, Fun as we enjoy an evening reuniting with old friends and welcoming our new guests. (Afterwards, dine at one of Clearwater’s fabulous restaurants on-your-own...please see attachment!)

After our Sunday morning devotional service, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in our golf tournament at Bardmoor Golf and Tennis Club or enjoy free time including local shopping, restaurants, watching the playoffs or just a relaxing walk along the beach. Ladies, please plan to attend our Sunday Champagne Brunch with local jewelry designer and guest speaker, Sarah Faulkner, founder of Milk Velvet Pearls. On Sunday evening, everyone, grab your flip flops and beach attire and head down to our SSA Beach Bash! Relax with our SSA friends and enjoy a casual evening of local music, cornhole, bocce ball, and delicious food.

Monday will begin our business meeting session and trade show. Our speakers will cover a variety of current issues and topics related to the seed industry. Spouses will enjoy another spectacular event (TBA) in this tropical paradise! Please stay tuned for details! We will conclude Monday evening with our President’s Reception and Banquet, along with the $5,000 drawdown and silent auction for the SSA scholarship fund.

SSA invites exhibitors to our Trade Show area, which will be located just outside our meeting rooms throughout the day on Monday, January 16th. Six-foot, draped tables are available at no charge. Please contact the SSA office to reserve a spot.

The Gulf Coast setting of this Opal Collection hotel is picture perfect, and our 103rd SSA Convention will be unforgettable! A detailed, finalized agenda is forthcoming. You may MAKE YOUR HOTEL RESERVATION or by calling the hotel directly at 855-454-0484. (Group Code:SSDA011323 ). The deadline to receive the group rate of $289 is December 23rd! We encourage you make your reservation in advance of the deadline.

Please see the attached REGISTRATION FORM along with Things to Do in Clearwater.

Jennifer and I hope to see you all as we escape to warmer weather, sandy toes, and sunset memories in beautiful Clearwater, Florida!

Sincerely,
Jason Hinton, President
Southern Seed Association