Once again, the 2009 SCACS Convention proved to be the event of the year, bringing in a record total of 425 attendees packed into the Hilton Oceanfront Resort in Hilton Head Island. With so many events packed into one convention, including the first-ever live auction and gubernatorial candidates forum, we thought it best to share the highlights and as many photos as possible.

This year SCACS was fortunate enough to host six of the candidates running for governor in the 2010 election. In attendance were Lt. Governor André Bauer, Attorney General Henry McMaster, Senator Robert Ford, Senator Larry Grooms, Representative Nikki Haley, and Representative Harry Ott. These candidates were given the opportunity to share their perspectives on timely issues affecting the state and our industry, and simultaneously gave SCACS members a chance to pose some challenging questions to the candidates.

In addition to the candidates forum, SCACS hosted a few state legislators for the general session to help us “chart a new course” with our legislative efforts for the coming year. Participating on the panel were Representatives Shannon Erickson, Dan Cooper, Brian White, Bill Herbkersman and Senator Jake Knotts. SCACS gives a special “thank you” to all of the legislators who participated this year; their ongoing support is crucial to the association and the industry.

This year the Legislative Committee selected one legislator to recognize for his outstanding service and support of SCACS. Representative Dan Cooper was named the “Legislator of the Year” and was given a unique iron South Carolina state flag to commemorate his service and our appreciation.

The live auction was a convention first, and proved to be a huge hit, breaking all records for PAC fundraising events! Combined with silent auction and the 50/50 drawing, nearly $17,000 was raised this year for the PAC fund!

Our keynote speaker, Cynthia Grosso, of Charleston School of Protocol, taught everyone about the importance of personal branding and the daily impressions we make on others in business and social settings. Grosso had everyone taking a closer look at themselves in the general session and in the spouse program as well, where she taught the ladies to accentuate the positive with fashion.

Of course, the convention wouldn’t be complete without some recreational activities. Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities including the golf tournament, tennis, and something new this year--horseback riding. And who could forget the amazing talent of Mentalist Tim Conover, who kicked off the 2009 festivities. Conover turned skeptics into believers with his incredible display of magic and mind reading.

The convention was capped off with the annual ice cream social and lots of dancing to the tunes of the Coconut Groove Band. To say the 2009 SCACS convention was a success would be an understatement! It was definitely the most successful convention to date! Many thanks to our sponsors, convention chairmen, staff, and most importantly, our members for making it happen.