2026 SCACAA & SCAE4-HA AM/PIC -Lexington, SC

Join us for the 2026 SCACAA & SCAE4-HA Joint AM/PIC in Lexington, SC. This professional development opportunity is open to any member of SCACAA or SCAE4-HA and other invited guests.

Hotel –

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 325 West Main St. Lexington, SC 29072

Reservations: Use this link to make your reservation.

*Cutoff date for group rate is May 6, 2026

• Best Western Plus, 601 Columbia Avenue, Lexington, SC 29072

Reservations: Use this link to make your reservation

*Reservations must be made by April 28th to receive group rate

Tuesday - May 19

Pre-Conference Kayak Tour
Time: 1:00 PM Cost: $30
Location: Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212

*Limited to 20 people

Wednesday - May 20

• 10:00 AM SCACAA Board Meeting
• 11:00 AM SCAE4-HA Business Meeting
• 1:00 PM Registration, Lexington Extension Office (605 West Main St. Lexington, SC)
• 2:00 PM Welcome & Conference Logistics
• 2:15 PM Opening Address wtih Dr. Dobbins
• 2:45 PM Clemson Foundation with Laura Jordan
• 3:15 PM State Benefits Presentation, PEBA
• 5:00 PM Hotel Check-In/Prepare For Banquet
• 6:30 PM Social Reception
• 7:00 PM Awards Banquet (The Grove, 3152 Augusta Highway, Gilbert, SC) - DSA & AA Awards, Certificate of Merit, Media Award, Friend of Extension Award, Specialist Award
• 7:30PM Live Auction

• 8:30 PM Hospitality (Holiday Inn, 325 West Main Street, Lexington, SC, US)

Thursday - May 21

• 7:00 AM Breakfast
• 8:30 AM Begin departing for tours, Lexington Extension Office (605 West Main St. Lexington, SC)
• 1:00 PM Communications Awards Luncheon sponsored by ArborOne and AgSouth Farm Credit, Lexington Extension Office
• 3:00 PM Free Time/Explore Lexington on your own!
• 6:00 PM Social and Live Entertainment, Downtown Lexington, Icehouse Ampitheater

Tour 1: Lasers & Liquors

Join us for a farm tour of W. P Rawl, a large, efficient, and progressive leafy green producer based in Lexington County, South Carolina. The tour will involve some walking and will be outside, culminating in a demonstration of their laser weeder. Following on from visiting W. P. Rawl, the tour will conclude with a visit to Hollow Creek Distillery. Learn how the distillery uses local products to produce their award winning spirits! A tasting will be included!

For more information about the tour venues, please follow the links: W. P Rawl and Hollow Creek Distillery.

Please note that this tour includes some outside walking. Wear appropriate footwear, clothing, and proper sun protection.

Tour 2: Explore the Lake Murray Dam

On this tour of the Dreher Shoals Dam, we’ll learn about the history of the dam and the creation of Lake Murray. We will also learn about generating hydroelectric power and tour the Dominion Energy’s training facility. This will be a rare inside look at one of Lexington’s most well-known features.

Tour 3: South Carolina Statehouse

The South Carolina State House is a prominent feature of downtown Columbia. On this tour, we’ll learn about it’s history, dating back to the 1850’s and view the artwork that adorns the walls. We’ll have a chance to take an inside look at the house and senate chambers, where the 2026 legislative sessions will have just finished. Then, we’ll walk the grounds and view the bronze stars where General Sherman’s cannons damaged the statehouse walls during the Civil War, and view the numerous memorials to historical South Carolinians.

Tour 4: State Farmers Market & SC DNR Cohen Campbell FIsh Hatchery

Explore SC DNR's Cohen Campbell Fish Hatchery where over one million fish are produced annually and are used to stock South Carolina's public lakes and rivers to enhance recreational fishing activities! On this tour, you'll get to see the production ponds, learn about the different species that are raised, and more!

*Please note that this tour includes approximatley 1 mile of walking outside on uneven gravel. Close-toed shoes are recommended.

Friday - May 22

• 8:00 AM Breakfast & Checkout of Hotel
• 9:00 AM Government Relations
• 9:30 AM Update from NACAA
• 10:00 AM SCACAA Business Meeting
• 11:30 AM Adjourn

REGISTRATION ENDS ON May 1st AT MIDNIGHT.

Registrations are non-refundable

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