Darryl Worley to make appearance at DPA for Rural Tourism Conference

Union City, Tenn., Oct. 1, 2024) — The Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee Rural Tourism Conference has announced the schedule and special guests for the annual conference to be held October 21-23, 2024 in Union City, Tennessee.

Making a special appearance to meet attendees to Northwest Tennessee will be country music singer songwriter Darryl Worley. Worley's six albums have produced 18 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including three number ones: "I Miss My Friend", "Have You Forgotten?", and "Awful, Beautiful Life", from 2002, 2003 and 2004–2005, respectively. "Have You Forgotten?" spent seven weeks at number one. Nine other singles have reached the top 40.

“I know how important tourism is to all of us who call Tennessee home,” said Worley. “I couldn’t have all these leaders in the rural tourism business right here in my own backyard and not stop by to say hello.”

Worley will be on site at the conference in partnership with Bluespire Kitchen to record his podcast, “Sounds like Life with Darryl Worley.” The podcast, which launched in August, features stories from the country music star and special guests about life, love, adventures, and anything in between.

The conference, hosted by Obion County Tourism, will meet primarily at Discovery Park of America, a large museum and heritage park and a major attractor for tourists to the region. The three-day event is for rural tourism and travel professionals throughout the southeast and includes programs, tours, evening events and networking opportunities. The complete schedule is available at almstnruraltourism.com.

While the optional excursions to White Squirrel Winery and nearby Reelfoot Lake have already sold out, there are still registration spots available for the conference. The opening night reception will take place at The Pavilion at Houser Creek Crossing, adjacent to some of the host hotels and next door to Discovery Park, while the second dinner reception will take place at Discovery Park and will feature flavors from throughout the Northwest Tennessee region. Union City’s Main Street Association has organized special tours and shopping opportunities in the charming downtown that has been undergoing a multi-million-dollar revitalization project.

Title sponsors for this year’s conference include B3 Creative Agency, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Visit Jackson, TN, Keep Tennessee Beautiful, Visit Memphis, TN, and Bluespire Kitchen.