I just can't stress enough how excited the Orlando Planning Committee is about our program and what we have put together for you this year. Imagine yourself sitting poolside while I tell you about it . . .

You look out your window as your plane begins to descend and you see this color; it's vaguely familiar but your brain is having a hard time placing it. It's GREEN! You'll think you just landed in a lush jungle compared to the igloo you just left! After getting your luggage and walking outside to take your first breath of warm Florida air (and take a moment to peel off your parka), you'll jump on the discount shuttle  to the Caribe Royal where you will check-in and make your way to your suite. You'll want to take some time to relax upon arrival because once the conference gets going you won't want to waste time in your room!     

The meeting will kick off with our Plenary Session, at which you will hear nationally renowned speakers talking to us about rangelands in Florida and the history and management of drought. Next you will be dazzled by the multitude of  workshops, forums, symposia, technical sessions and trainings
such as: Kentucky Bluegrass Dynamics in the Northern Great Plains, The Producer's Forum, Healing the Land and Building Soil Health, Integrating Social and Economic Indicators for Sustainable Rangeland Management, various Ecological Site Description Workshops; and that's just a small fraction!

There are several technical tours to choose from; TNC's Disney Wilderness Preserve, Deseret Ranch and Invasive Species Ecology and Management in Florida (make sure not to bring back any pythons from this tour!). Deseret Ranch is currently sold out but we are doing our best to get permission for another bus load! Our companion tours include Kennedy Space Center, Wild Florida Airboat Rides and Wildlife Park and Beer Tasting at Orlando Brewing Co. and Sea Dog Brewing Co. with your 50 newest best friends. Don't forget about the Job Fair  or Trade Show either!   

If you plan to attend the Kennedy Space Center Companion Tour please register before Jan. 10, 2014. If the minimum amount of registrants have not paid by this date we will have to cancel this tour.

Students will be kept busy with the usual activities and competitions and we have plenty of evening activities to help you unwind from your thoroughly educational days. As usual, we will be two-stepping at the dance to Cross Canyon. You certainly want to make sure you get your ticket for the SRM Gala with The Bellamy Brothers and enjoy this special treat.   

Evening dinner buses  will be lined up waiting to take you to Orlando CityWalk and Downtown Disney. We want to make sure you get to see all the magic Orlando has to offer!  

I hope I haven't overwhelmed you but I think I've made my point as to why this is one meeting you DO NOT want to miss!  Register today and we will see you in February in Orlando!

Don't forget to include your Gala, tour and evening dinner bus tickets with your registration.