The 2025 GAWDA Annual Convention Kicks Off with Newcomers and President’s Welcome Receptions
This year’s Convention saw the return of the GAWDA Guides Event during the Newcomers Reception. The GAWDA Guides originally debuted during the 2025 SMC in Dallas. This year’s GAWDA Guides Program was revamped slightly, as the Guides (a who’s who of industry legends) brought their newcomers’ around to learn more about GAWDA’s different committees. It was an excellent way to get newcomers’ acquainted, not only with each other, but also with all GAWDA has to offer. The Newcomers’ were given a BINGO board to fill out as they visited each respective committee, with the winners receiving $600 GAWDA Gift Cards to be used toward future GAWDA Events or Programs, including GAWDA University or the GAWDA MBA Program. Thank you to all of our attendees as well as our esteemed GAWDA Guides and Committee Members for participating.
Following the Newcomers’ Reception, the GAWDA Guides helped guide attendees to the official kickoff of the 2025 GAWDA Annual Convention, the President’s Welcome Reception. Eric and Paula Wood were happy to greet attendees to the JW Marriott Tampa Bay Ballroom Pre-Function area for the Welcome Reception. Attendees had the opportunity to mix and mingle as they were treated to the dulcet tones of soft saxophone jazz. Paula and Jordan Wood also handed out this year’s spouse gift, a choice of several stylish sunglasses. The party was the perfect kick-off for this year’s event. As we celebrate GAWDA’s 80th anniversary, parties like these, with all of the camaraderie and familial atmosphere ensure that we continue to “Sustain a Resilient Culture” that we have built over eight decades.
Click to view more photos from the Welcome Reception.
