About the Event
We’re looking forward to welcoming you to Hilton Head, S.C. this February 18-20, 2025 for the 2025 STI/SPFA Annual Meeting!
Throughout the meeting, several education sessions will be offered on a variety of topics including industry updates, leadership, and professional development. Attendees will also be able to participate in section and committee meetings, and fun social events. Plus, the STI/SPFA Product of the Year Awards will be announced and the newest inductees to the STI/SPFA Hall of Fame will be revealed.
You won’t want to miss this opportunity to network with your peers! We can’t wait to see you then!
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is a fascinating place with a rich history and unique features. Here are some fun facts about the island:
Sea Turtle Nesting
Hilton Head Island is a nesting ground for the endangered Loggerhead sea turtles. From May to October, female turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. The island takes special measures to protect these nests, including dimming lights on the beach at night to avoid disorienting the hatchlings.
No Neon Signs
To preserve the natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere, Hilton Head Island has strict regulations on signage. You won’t find any neon signs or billboards on the island, and even the buildings are designed to blend in with the natural surroundings.
Golf Mecca
Hilton Head Island is known as one of the top golf destinations in the world. The island has over 20 golf courses, many of which are designed by famous architects like Robert Trent Jones, Pete Dye, and Jack Nicklaus. The RBC Heritage golf tournament, a PGA Tour event, is held here every April at the Harbour Town Golf Links.
Gullah Culture
Hilton Head Island has deep roots in Gullah culture, which originated from African Americans who lived in the Lowcountry regions of South Carolina and Georgia. The Gullah people have preserved many of their African traditions, including their language, food, music, and crafts. You can explore this culture at places like the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island.
Daufuskie Island Connection
Just a short boat ride away, Daufuskie Island is a neighboring island with no bridge connection to the mainland. It’s a remote and quiet place, known for its unspoiled beaches, historic sites, and the famous author Pat Conroy, who based his novel The Water is Wide on his experiences teaching there.
Bike-Friendly
Hilton Head Island is a bike-friendly community with over 60 miles of bike paths. It’s a great way to explore the island’s scenic beauty, from its beaches to its parks and nature preserves. The League of American Bicyclists even awarded Hilton Head the Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community designation.
First Eco-Planned Community
Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island is considered the first eco-planned community in the U.S. Developed by Charles Fraser in the 1950s, Sea Pines set the standard for integrating residential and resort development with environmental preservation, influencing future developments across the country.
Rich History
The island was named after Captain William Hilton, who explored the area in 1663. However, the island has a much longer history, with Native American inhabitants dating back thousands of years. During the Civil War, Hilton Head was occupied by Union forces and served as a major base of operations.