BADIN, N.C. – The Southeastern Outdoor Press Association annual conference will take place October 3-6, 2018, in Florence, South Carolina, despite disruption in the Carolinas from the impact of Hurricane Florence.

The conference is Oct. 3-6, with activities and workshops taking place at the Florence Center, downtown and area sites. SEOPA President Bobby Dale said information from multiple sources about the site and plans helped make the decision easier.

“We are constantly assessing the post-storm situation in the Florence area,” Dale said, “and we currently have no plans to cancel the conference unless safety becomes an issue.”

Holly Beaumier, director of the Florence Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, said the city is ready to host the SEOPA attendees.

“Hurricane Florence blew right past Florence, S.C.,” Beaumier said, “We’re in great shape and ready for the SEOPA conference in two weeks.”

Conference plans have been more than a year in the making. Members look forward to being together each fall. Conference Chairman Alan Clemons, who will serve as SEOPA President next year, said the outreach from members asking if anything could be done to assist those in the Carolinas along with interest about the annual gathering is typical.

“We have been and still are in contact with more than 55 SEOPA members in North Carolina and South Carolina to let them know they are not forgotten and see if anyone needs assistance,” Clemons said. “The responses along with prayers and offers of help have been nothing short of what any member of our group would expect from the SEOPA Family. We continue to keep them and others in the Carolinas, including the storm victims, in our prayers and will monitor the situation accordingly in regard to the conference in Florence.”

More than 150 people are registered for the SEOPA conference, including nearly a dozen speakers who will present sessions on a wide variety of topics pertinent to the business of outdoors communications. For more information about or the conference or joining SEOPA, please click here.