Here are some sights and sounds from the Governor's Conference on Tourism and Travel, which ends today at the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes.

High attendance | Officials always anticipate a big crowd when the conference is at the beach. They got that and more this time, with the largest attendance in at least five years.

About 650 people registered as of Thursday, the peak day with an appearance by Gov. Mark Sanford. Participation has hovered around 400 to 500 people in recent years.

The large crowd makes punctuality even more important. Some late arrivers had to settle for a spot along the wall during the keynote speech Thursday by advertising guru Roy Williams.

Strand involvement | Grand Stranders are taking advantage of the conference being in their back yard to show off a little bit.

Beach businesses typically sponsor the tote bags for attendees and have information available at the host hotel. This year, parties, wine tastings and receptions also are part of the mix.

On Thursday, leaders mingled at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, an event sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. Locals said they were anxious to show off the restaurant, the only Margaritaville in South Carolina.

Horry-Georgetown Technical College plugged its culinary arts programs by providing a wine tasting for attendees Wednesday. Brandon Advertising welcomed its clients in the travel industry to town Tuesday with a reception at the Dunes Club.

Burroughs & Chapin Co. Inc., which for years has sponsored the conference tote bags for each attendee, also picked up the tab for a video capturing tidbits from the three-day event. Compiled by Stages Video, attendees watched the clip at Margaritaville.

A local face has taken center stage to emcee the conference. Diane DeVaughn Stokes, a regular emcee at chamber of commerce luncheons, introduced speakers and moderated a question-and-answer session with Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department Director Chad Prosser.

Tourism awards | The Grand Strand didn't win any of the state's top tourism awards this year. The winners, announced Thursday:

Governor's Cup | Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center

Bundy Award | The National Heritage Corridor's Farmers Association, a group of farm owners and agricultural partners credited with building an growing interest in agricultural tourism in the state

Hospitality Employee of the Year | Jack Campbell, host of the gift shop and tasting room at Montmorenci Vineyards in Aiken County