Annual Convention 2025

WELCOME

Dear Friends,

Time certainly flies.

It feels like just last month I was taking the stage at the WTBA Annual Convention to accept the president’s gavel.  Soon, I’ll be handing that gavel off to our next leader.

I hope you’ll be there to enjoy that moment–and so much more–with us.

The 2025 WTBA Annual Convention at Margaritaville Hollywood Beach has a ton to offer.

The excitement truly begins with our fascinating and impactful lineup of morning sessions.  A pair of Packers Super Bowl champions?  Yep, we’ve got that.  A Top Gun graduate and retired two-star U.S. Navy admiral?  Check.  An economist who will have you laughing as much as learning?  Trust me, he’s fantastic.

That’s not to mention the fun we’ll have throughout the week on a boat tour, on the golf course, around the pools, at the boardwalk and beach across the street, and our hospitality in the evenings.

The Annual Convention will be here before you know it.  Don’t waste any time: tell your family and colleagues this is an event you do not want to miss.

I’ll see you in sunny southeast Florida soon!

Sincerely,

Brian Endres

WTBA President

CONVENTION REGISTRATION FEES

Convention Registration will open on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024

Includes admission to General Sessions, Breakfasts, President’s Welcome Reception, Closing Banquet, and Hospitality each evening.  You must register for your hotel room separately via the next tab.

Member: $1,400
Spouse/Guest: $700
Children (under 18): Complimentary. Please register all children so that we have an accurate count for meals.

Optional Group Activity Fees

All optional group activities will occur the afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 25.  Details for each activity are listed on the Optional Group Activities Tab.

Golf Outing (Own clubs): $175
Golf Outing (With rental clubs): $250
Sightseeing Cruise & Luncheon: $200

Event cancellation policy: Full refund if notification is submitted via email to wtbaevents@wtba.org 10 days prior to the event.

ACCOMMODATIONS & HOTEL RESERVATIONS

MARGARITAVILLE BEACH RESORT

1111 N. Ocean Drive, Hollywood, Florida  

Inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett, Margaritaville Beach Resort is a 4-star oceanfront resort on the legendary Hollywood Beach Boardwalk.  It features an impressive selection of recreation, dining, relaxation, and entertainment options.  

CLICK HERE to reserve your room in the WTBA room block. if you need assistance making your reservation, please contact the resort directly at 954-874-4444.

The discounted group rate for a standard guest room is $410 + taxes & daily $20 resort fee. A variety of suites are also available at a higher rate on the WTBA reservation link.

The WTBA Room Block will be held until January 23, 2025. Please note any reservations made after that date will be based on availability and the discounted rate will no longer be available.

 

OPTIONAL GROUP ACTIVITES

Both optional group activities will occur the afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 25.  

SIGHTSEEING LUNCHEON CRUISE ($200 Per Person)

Enjoy a private 3-hour cruise aboard The South Beach Lady, a magnificent 4-level yacht with full sun on the upper deck and comfortable indoor seating on the first 3 levels.  We will travel on the intracoastal waterways while enjoying lunch and an open bar. Boarding will begin at 11:45 a.m., conveniently located directly across the street from the resort, adjacent to 5’ O Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill.  CLICK HERE for more information on The South Beach Lady.  

GOLF OUTING  ($175 Per Person/Club Rentals Available for additional $75)

The Club at Emerald Hills is one of South Florida’s premier championship golf courses. Recognized by Golf Digest as one of its “Best Places to Play” and rated #1 in Southern Florida by USGA.  Conveniently located just a short 7-mile/20-minute drive from the resort. The shuttle bus will depart from the main entrance at 11:30 a.m. Box lunches will be provided on the course. CLICK HERE for more information on The Club at Emerald Hills.  

 

GENERAL SESSION FEATURED SPEAKERS

Please check back for full agenda in December

ANTONIO FREEMAN & SANTANA DOTSON – Former Green Bay Packers

Antonio Freeman is a Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame member, a standout wide receiver and Super Bowl XXXI champion, playing a crucial part of the team’s success in the late 1990s. Known for his reliable hands and big-play ability, Freeman was a favorite target of quarterback Brett Favre. His 81-yard touchdown catch stood as the longest reception in Super Bowl history for seven years and is still second-longest. Freeman‘s knack for making game-changing plays, including his unforgettable “Monday Night Miracle” catch in 2000, cements his legacy as one of the Packers’ all-time greats.

 

Santana Dotson was a key defensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers, instrumental in the team’s success during the 1990s.  Known for his ability to disrupt the opposing offense, he played a pivotal role in the Packers’ Super Bowl XXXI victory, helping the team secure its first championship in nearly 30 years. Over his six seasons with the Packers, Dotson’s leadership and tenacity on the field earned him a legacy as one of the key contributors to the Packers’ resurgence in the NFL during that era.

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MIKE MANAZIR – Rear Admiral (Ret.), U.S. Navy

Mike Manazir has a passion for stories, leadership, big ships, fast jets, thundering Harleys, and one woman: Kelly, his bride of more than forty years.  He is a graduate of Top Gun and commanded an F-14 squadron, the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier, and a Carrier Strike Group. Mike retired as a Two-Star Admiral and is now an executive with a Fortune 100 aerospace and defense company.  He mentors a leadership style based on heart and trust that champions inclusion.  Mike believes if you have one or more people looking to you to show the way, you are a leader.  He wants to help you be the best leader you can be so you can Lead to Win.

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ANIRBAN BASU – Economist

Anirban Basu founded Sage Policy Group in 2004. He has been called an economist with a sense of humor, which is considered high praise in the dismal science. He has twice been recognized as one of Maryland’s 50 most influential people and also been named one of the Baltimore region’s 20 most powerful business leaders. In 2014, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan appointed Dr. Basu as Chairman of the Maryland Economic Development Commission, a position he held through 2021. He serves the Chief Economist function for a number of organizations around the country and currently lectures at Goucher College as their distinguished Economist in Residence.

AIRPORTS/GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Please be aware that you are responsible for arranging your own ground transportation to and from the airport of your choice.

If renting a car, overnight parking is available at Margaritaville Beach Resort for $30 per day (self park) or $48 per day (valet). 

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) — approximately 7 miles from Margaritaville Beach Resort

• Uber/Lyft/Taxi: approximately $27 each way 
• CLICK HERE for Car Rentals Options at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. 

Miami International Airport (MIA) — approximately 25 miles from Margaritaville Beach Resort   

• Uber/Lyft/Taxi: approximately $75 each way.   
• CLICK HERE for Car Rental Options at Miami International Airport.    

AREA ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS

Experience the charm of the area by Water Taxi, take a stroll on the lively Boardwalk, or explore one of the many Eco-Adventures, Fishing Charters, and Water Sports offered to make the most of your visit.  

HOLLYWOOD BEACH BOARDWALK

Enjoy the 2.5-mile beachside boardwalk with over 50 restaurants for any taste and over 30 boutiques and shops. The Hollywood Beach Boardwalk is located directly in front of the resort.  

WATER TAXI

Hop-on/Hop-off water taxi provides access to a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment venues via the Intracoastal Waterway. Departs directly across the street from the resort.  CLICK HERE for information and tickets.

FISHING CHARTERS

Therapy-IV Sportfishing CLICK HERE  or Call: 305-945-1578. Private fishing charters available daily.

Lady Pamela II  CLICK HERE or Call 954-761-8045.  Deep Sea sport fishing and drift fishing trips available daily.

Fishing Headquarters CLICK HERE or Call 954-525-4665. Daily drift fishing and sportfishing trips shared or charter.

WATER SPORTS

Bouyah Watersports CLICK HERE   or Call 305-218-5050. Jet ski and banana boat rides. Located about a 10-minute walk North from the resort in front of the Hollywood Beach Marriott.

Fort Lauderdale Parasailing CLICK HERE or Call 954-462-7266. Jet ski and parasail company. Located in Fort Lauderdale about a 20-minute drive from the resort.

Under the Sun Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals Located across the street from Margaritaville Resort  They do not take reservations, but CLICK HERE for their pricing and hours. 

ECO-ADVENTURES 

Anne Kolb Nature Center CLICK HERE  for information. More than 1,500 acres of mangroves, take a boat ride on one of the five trails within this incredible nature preserve. You may even spot an endangered species! (Located 2 miles from the resort)

Everglades Holiday Park CLICK HERE  for information. A worthwhile trip for nature lovers or anyone who wants to see the Florida Everglades. (A 40-minute drive from the resort)

ARTS AND CULTURE 

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens CLICK HERE for information. An Italian estate built in the subtropical setting of Miami. Vizcaya features an architecturally significant Main House with 34 decorated rooms, ten acres of formal gardens, and diverse collections including European antiquities, American art commissioned in the 1900s, and century-old plants.  

Bonnet House Museum and Gardens CLICK HERE  for information. Nestled among miles of beachfront development are 35 acres of a pristine barrier island ecosystem. 

LOCAL DINING

Margaritaville Beach Resort offers a diverse selection of restaurants, ranging from beachfront casual to upscale steakhouse. CLICK HERE for a complete listing.  

Other options in the area include: 

Billy’s Stone Crab CLICK HERE 

GG’s Waterfront CLICK HERE 

Le Tub Bar & Grill CLICK HERE

7 Tables on the Beach CLICK HERE 

Taverna Opa CLICK HERE 

Tiki Tiki  CLICK HERE   

PLAN YOUR STAY

WEATHER

The month of February in southeast Florida is typically mild & sunny with average daily high temperatures of 75°F and daily low temperatures of 55°F.

WHAT TO PACK

Resort and sports attire is appropriate for the General Session and throughout the day. Shoes and cover-ups are required in the lobbies and in all indoor restaurants, lounges and public places at all times. Keep in mind that the evenings may get a little chilly, so pack appropriately. 

President’s Welcome Reception – An evening of Jimmy Buffett-inspired food, beverages, and entertainment. Resort Casual Hawaiian or polo shirts, shorts, sundresses, or skirts. Flip flops are welcome!  This event will be held outdoors on the rooftop pool deck.

Scholarship Auction Dinner – Resort Casual  

Closing Night Banquet – Semi-Formal   

SCHOLARSHIP AUCTION

After a successful and exciting first-ever online kickoff to the WTBA Scholarship Auction, we’ve decided to double down and do it again!

The online silent auction will open sometime in the two weeks before Annual Convention in February.  It will stay open until the in-person auction begins the night of Feb. 24, 2025.

Last year’s auction hit a record $274,000 in donations thanks, in part, to excitement from the silent auction.

Information on how to register, view and bid on items, and more will appear here later this winter, so check back soon!

2025 ANNUAL CONVENTION SPONSORS