Above: Mandy Stokes stands next to an alligator exhibit. (Linda Brannon/Alabama NewsCenter)

Alabama Power’s Mike Clelland presents at SEOPA. (Linda Brannon/Alabama NewsCenter)

More than 250 members and guests flocked to Lakepoint State Park in Eufaula for the 51st annual Southeastern Outdoor Press Association (SEOPA) conference.

The group first assembled at Lakepoint in 1980, so this year’s theme, “SEOPA and Eufaula – Coming Full Circle,” was fitting. Conference chairman Gil Lackey said the theme represents how people depend on natural resources not just for recreation or for an occupation, but also for sustenance.

“The conference is designed to teach how to protect and conserve our resources so we can all reap the rewards,” Lackey said.

Participants register for the SEOPA Silent Auction. (Linda Brannon/Alabama NewsCenter)

Some members traveled from as far away as Iowa and corporate members were from all over the country. This year, 86 corporate representatives showcased products and services, including more than 20 members of the tourism industry.

SEOPA members specialize in stories about traditional outdoor sports such as fishing, hunting and camping but they also report on conservation and politics. This year’s conference offered breakout sessions on sustainable living, conservation and stewardship efforts by Alabama Power, the Alabama Scenic River Trail, along with more standard fare for journalists on photography, use of social media and making videos for the Internet.

Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association was instrumental in bringing the SEOPA conference back to Alabama this year, working with tourism and industry leaders to do so. Alabama Black Belt Adventures even hosted a canoe trip at Roland Cooper State Park as a precursor to the conference.

SEOPA chose Lakepoint State Park for its 2015 conference over finalists Tunica, Miss., and Central Florida, among 14 proposals.
“The value of a SEOPA conference to Alabama through enhanced tourism is tremendous because of the regional and national publicity that accompanies it,” said Lee Sentell, director of the Alabama Tourism Department. “SEOPA member journalists hopefully saw something while visiting our area to share with their readers.”

Attendees were offered tours of two local manufacturers – Humminbird, maker of fish finders, depth sounders, marine radios and GPS for anglers and boaters; and Southern Plastics, which specializes in fishing lures.

A display at SEOPA by state tourism. (Linda Brannon/Alabama NewsCenter)

“We feel we have a lot to offer – history, heritage and, of course, hospitality,” said Eufaula Mayor Jack Tibbs. “We were excited to have the conference here. We have a great state park, birding trails, an 11,000-acre wildlife refuge that is great for nature lovers and a 45,000-acre lake with 600 miles of shoreline.”

“By all accounts, the conference in Eufaula will go down as one of our best ever,” said Lisa Snuggs, SEOPA executive director.

In addition to enjoying informative and entertaining sessions and abundant outdoors opportunities, attendees were especially complimentary about the Southern hospitality they received from the local community and the state.

“There is such a feel of community in Alabama,” Snuggs said, “and Eufaula is certainly no exception. It has been a pleasure working with everyone involved to plan this year’s conference.”