Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau honors FLW Outdoors
The Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau (GCVB) presented FLW Outdoors with the prestigious Event of the Year award for the Forrest Wood Cup and FLW Outdoors Expo during its Annual Tourism Awards and Holiday Luncheon. The Forrest Wood Cup, the world championship of bass fishing, was held on Lake Lanier Aug. 5-8, 2010, and included the FLW Outdoors Expo, which was held at the Gwinnett Convention Center and Arena.
“This is a tremendous honor for FLW Outdoors and a highlight of our year,” said Kathy Fennel, president, FLW Outdoors Operations Division. “On behalf of the FLW Outdoors staff, I would like to thank all of the people who brought this event to fruition. The hours that went into making this event a success are immeasurable. We applaud Governor Perdue, the Go Fish Georgia campaign, the state of Georgia, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau, Gwinnett County, the Gwinnett Convention Center and Arena, Lake Lanier Convention and Visitors Bureau and all our partners for providing us the assistance and facilities to bring this event to one of the country’s premier fisheries and areas. You were truly gracious hosts, and we look forward to coming back.”
The Expo consisted of angler seminars, meet-and-greets with professional anglers, an opportunity to see and test the latest outdoor equipment, Ranger boat simulators and several interactive games. Activities and giveaways were designed for family members of all ages to provide attendees with a fun and exciting way to learn about the sport of fishing and other outdoor activities. All activities were free and open to the public. Weigh-ins were also held at the Gwinnet Arena, giving anglers a platform in which to showcase their daily catches.
Gwinnett Center General Manager Joey Dennis noted: “This event was truly a jewel in our crown this year, and it was the type of event our facility was truly made to host. We really enjoyed working with every member of the FLW staff, and this event made a tremendous impact from the North Georgia Mountains to Gwinnett County. We can’t wait to have the opportunity to host this event again.”
According to the GCVB, the event generated over $23.2 million for the local economy and drew over 50,000 visitors to Gwinnett Center over the weekend. It provided strong media exposure including local, regional and national coverage and generated over 1,000 hotel room nights. The award was accepted by Fennel at GCVB’s Annual Tourism Awards and Holiday Luncheon.
Coverage of the 2010 Forrest Wood Cup from Lake Lanier and the Gwinnett Convention Center and Arena can be seen on “FLW Outdoors,” airing on VERSUS Dec. 26 from 1 to 2 p.m. ET. “FLW Outdoors,” hosted by Jason Harper, is broadcast to approximately 500 million households worldwide.
The 2011 Forrest Wood Cup will be held at Lake Ouachita in Hot Springs, Ark., Aug. 11-14, 2011.
ABOUT FLW OUTDOORS
FLW Outdoors, named after Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world offering anglers worldwide the opportunity to compete for millions over the course of 189tournaments in 2010. For more information about FLW Outdoors and its tournaments, call (270) 252-1000.
