Our 2022 LFBF YF&R Leadership Conference will be meeting at the Spring Hill Suites by Marriott (1551 W. Prien Lake Road, Lake Charles, LA 70601; Phone 337-474-1112). Conveniently located off I-210, SpringHill Suites Lake Charles invites you to encounter something new – to indulge and delight in both the little things and the big details, including newly renovated, larger suites with separate living spaces, pullout sofas, flat-panel TVs, fully equipped kitchenettes and high-speed Wi-Fi.
We will begin Saturday hearing from Lynda Danos, Ag in the Classroom State Coordinator, as she shares an overview of the AITC program and leads us in a teacher lesson. We’ll participate in the AITC lesson “Exploring DNA Extraction” where we will extract strands of DNA from the nuclei of strawberry cells.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Kevin Folta, will be speaking on Consumer Engagement using Social Media. Dr. Folta has a background in both biology and communications. He has studied biology and agricultural biotechnology for over thirty years, working exclusively in public academic institutions. His research program examines the role of light in controlling plant traits, especially those relevant to agriculture. His group is known for using innovative genomics approaches to identify genes associated with fruit quality, especially flavors and aromas. Outreach and science communication have been cornerstones of his program. His participation in community education have brought much criticism. Such criticism has led to raising the bar with more media, more outreach, and better products.
We will enjoy a delicious lunch from Chick-Fil-A before leaving for a tour of the Bayou Rum Distillery. Utilizing traditional methods with state-of-the-art technology from fermentation through distillation, maturation and bottling, Bayou Rum has earned its title of #1 Craft Rum in America. After the tour, we’ll head back to the hotel for dinner from Gillis Grocery & Café before enjoying a fun filled evening!
We’ll end the conference with an exciting Casino Night! Enjoy all of your favorite casino games including Blackjack, Texas Hold’em, Roulette and more!
Rates for this conference are $250 (single occupancy) and $165 (double/triple/quadruple occupancy). This fee includes meals, transportation, tours, entertainment, and lodging. THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022! Registration for this event, and future events, will be done online. You may register attendees for your parish here. Payments will not be processed by JotForm. Please send payment to the State Office just as it has been done in the past. No refunds will be permitted as guarantees are required for meals, hotel rooms, etc.
For more information, please contact Megan Gravois at (225) 922-6213 or megang@lfbf.org.