Special Events
In addition to the general sessions and breakout sessions, attendees may add one or more of these special events when registering. Don't miss out on these unique opportunities to experience some of the best Orlando has to offer.
ARA Invitational Golf Tournament
When: Tuesday, Nov. 28
Price: $250
As one of the best networking opportunities during the week, the ARA Invitational Golf Tournament will be played at the Grand Cypress Golf Club's Links Course.
The Links Course (formerly the New Course) is Jack Nicklaus’ tribute and homage to the famed Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland. Links Course adds another dimension of play with steeper and more challenging bunkers and slopes. This Scottish links masterpiece is complete with double greens, stone bridges and walls, gorse mounds, burns and pot bunkers as deep as 12-feet—all in the spirit of the true Scottish original.
Very little water comes into play on the Links Course, but when it does, it will challenge golfers to make precise shots. And, while very few trees are located within the interior of the course, creating generous landing areas, players need to look out for the more than 150 pot bunkers scattered throughout the lovely green fairways. Lavished with accolades like Gold Medal Resort (Golf Magazine), Platinum Award Winning Pro-Shop (PGA Merchandise Association), and Top 50 Resort Courses (Golf World), Grand Cypress is the full package and certain to be a highlight for any Orlando golfing experience.
Alligator Airboat Adventure & Wildlife Park
When: Tuesday, Nov. 28
Price: $125
When it comes to Orlando, there is simply no comparison to Wild Florida.
Travel deep into the protected swamps, marshes and rivers that make up the Central Florida Everglades. Get an in depth look at the gators, American Bald Eagle and a huge assortment of wildlife.
Certified Eco-guides, biologists, botanists, and Audubon experts, are trained to assure that each guest comes away with a new profound understanding of our vastly different land and plant communities, and the importance of their interrelationship and preservation.
After the boat ride, explore the amazing wildlife park full of zebras, watusi, deer, water buffalo, emu, wild boar and monster alligators.
Visit the tropical bird aviary, hands-on alligator demonstrations, gift shop, 500 ft. sightseeing dock and nature trails.
Winter Park Tour
When: Wednesday, Nov. 29
Price: $125
In 1887 Winter Park was originally developed for wealthy Northerners as a summer retreat. You will be taken to the Park Avenue shopping district where the Southern charm that lured the elite society can still be seen. Picturesque shops, boutiques, cafes, brick-lined streets and the towering trees of Central Park make Park Avenue the place to be and be seen.
Browse the exclusive boutiques and art galleries filled with one-of-a-kind treasures, as well as stores bearing the names of your favorite designers.
Scenic Boat Ride starts with a relaxing 45-minute pontoon boat ride gliding through canals & tree lined lakes. View beautiful homes nestled along lakes & observe nature.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art houses the world's most comprehensive collection of the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933) including Tiffany jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, leaded-glass windows, lamps, and the chapel interior he designed for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
The Museum's holdings include a major collection of American art pottery and representative collections of late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century American paintings, graphics, and decorative arts.
ARA Dinner & Auction to Benefit ARAPAC
When: Wednesday, Nov. 29
Price: $150
Music-lovers and food-lovers are in for a treat at this year's ARA Dinner & Auction held Wednesday, Nov. 29 at country music star Blake Shelton's Ole Red restaurant in Orlando.
Join us as we "Raise the Bar" for the annual auction that benefits the ARAPAC, ARA's political action committee that financially supports lawmakers who support the ag retail industry.
Another way to support ARA advocacy is to donate items to be auctioned off during the live or silent auction.
How to buy tickets: The ARA Dinner & Auction is held during the annual Conference & Expo; however, tickets must be purchased separately for each event.
Tickets must be purchased separately from the ARA Conference & Expo, and must be made with personal funds to remain in compliance with federal regulations. ARA has determined that international guests may purchase a ticket as long as you do not purchase any items in our silent or live auctions.
Publix Super Markets Post-Conference Tour
When: Thursday, Nov. 30
Price: $75
Finish the week with a Publix Super Markets tour as you meander through a viewing concourse with step-by-step visualization of receiving, processing, ice cream, culture products, fluid production, packaging and shipping. A tour guide will provide details on plant history, Publix standards, food quality and safety, sustainability, and other interesting facts. Plus, ice cream is served at the end!