The Georgia Governor's Tourism Conference got underway this afternoon at The Legacy Lodge at Lake Lanier Islands Resort and the rain did not dampen any spirits. 

Peter Yesawich, Chairman and CEO of Ypartnership, got things underway as opening speaker focusing on marketing travel and leisure in difficult economic times. 

The exhibition hall included travel and hospitality companies such as AAA Auto Club, Southern Living, Jack Rabbit System and Book Direct, just to name a few.

A pool party for sponsors and attendees (which, unfortunately, this blogger is not able to attend) is underway as I write this at the Lake Lanier Islands Water Park. After the pool party, Windows Restaurant is hosting a Texas Hold 'Em tournament that I'm even more disappointed to miss.

The weather should be better on day two and I'm looking forward to tomorrow's sessions which include three featuring Susan Sweeny discussing online marketing trends, podcasting, and social media.

Day two, the only full day of the event, should bring an even stronger turn out and I'm looking forward to forming new relationships and building existing ones as the conference continues...

Click here for our recap of day two at the Governor's conference.