Here are sights and sounds from the 38th annual S.C. Governor's Conference on Tourism and Travel at the Hyatt Regency in Greenville that ended Friday. About 500 tourism leaders from across the state gathered for the two-day conference.

Prosser ready to step up

Everybody was anxious to check out Horry County's Chad Prosser, the director-designate of the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

Tourism leaders aren't used to having a politician at the PRT podium and were hitting up Grand Strand mainstays for their thoughts on Prosser, who will resign soon as Horry County Council Chairman to take the new post.

Ashby Ward, president of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, gave Prosser rave reviews to the many people who asked about him, saying Prosser is intelligent, a good listener and considers all sides.

"I'm excited about the new leadership," Ward said.

Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride attended the conference to support Prosser in his first introduction to the state tourism community. He gave Prosser a thumbs-up after his speech during Friday's luncheon.

"It will be interesting to see, frankly, how we play now with Chad's appointment," McBride said.

State pride in PRT

Jamie Prosser, the new first lady of the PRT department, was one of many attendees who stopped by the official S.C. merchandise booth - although she didn't pick up only a shirt.

"She came back with two shopping bags full, even a S.C. purse," her husband, Chad Prosser, said.

Asked how much the bill was, he simply said: "I don't know yet."

Chad Prosser was getting his own new duds emblazoned with the palmetto tree and crescent moon, zipping up a gray fleece vest as he prepared Thursday to visit Paris Mountain State Park for a conference.

The merchandise booth made $5,000 during the two-day conference, selling everything from sweatshirts to silver jewelry with S.C. emblems.

Awards pass by Strand

The Grand Strand didn't cash in on the state's top tourism awards this year.

The Governor's Cup went to the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex, which has allowed the area to handle conventions of up to 5,000 people and events at the coliseum for up to 15,000 people.

It had a $32 million economic impact on the Charleston area last year.

The Battle of Aiken took home the Bundy Award, and the Hospitality Employee of the Year Award went to Kitty Wilson Evans with Historic Brattonsville.

B&C spreads tourist tips

All conference participants took home a souvenir from Burroughs & Chapin Co. Inc.

Once again, the Myrtle Beach developer sponsored tote bags - at a cost of $4,500 - for the nearly 500 participants.

The black bags, featuring B&C's "Myrtle Beach Trips" emblazoned on one side and the conference logo on the other, included several B&C brochures, a state visitors guide and map and a conference participant directory.

B&C has sponsored the bags for at least the past four years.

"Burroughs & Chapin is a very consistent supporter of the Governor's Conference," said PRT's Phil Hamby. "It's very good exposure for them."

Next year set for coast

Next year's conference is headed to the coast.

Hilton Head Island will play host for the 39th annual meeting Feb. 2-4 at the Westin Resort.