September 14, 2024
The Inaugural All Fifty Club Convention Tennessee September 2024 was so much fun, so interesting, and so inspiring. We achieved our goal of hearing (many, many) travel stories and making connections with fellow travelers!
Founder and President Alicia Rovey went over the history of the All Fifty Club intertwined with her 50 state journey. The All Fifty Club was founded in 2006 when Alicia went looking for like-minded travelers and a group didn't exist. Since then over 10,000 travelers have joined the All Fifty Club with the common goal of visiting all fifty states. The Club strives to help travelers track, share, and celebrate their travel goals.
We heard travel stories from people who came from all over the country. (CA, AZ, MO, IL, SD, MS, AL, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA). Each member introduced themselves and shared where they were from, how they like to travel, and a favorite place and memorable experience. Ed Sibal won the award for traveling the farthest from Long Beach, California. Holy Cow Canvas donated a map so we could pin where everyone was traveling from.
Rodney Smith, Jr. founder of Raising Men LawnCare received a standing ovation after he spoke about his 'Traveling for a Cause'. He has visited all 50 states 11 times and the lower 48 an additional 7 times, mowing a lawn for free in each state to raise funds and awareness for different charities.
All Fifty Club member Gary Flanagan gave a presenation about the history of traveling to all fiffty states and an overview of his four unique journeys to all 50 states.
We broke up into different groups to discuss club topics: Merchandise, Future Convention, Online Community, Website/Blog/Newsletter, and Record Holders. An update will be given at next year's convention on each topic and throughout the year.
Chadwick and Amanda Jones were presented with a plaque for completing an Epic Trip to All 50 in 37 days recently completed in August 2024. They were also recognized for completing the 50 state journey in the shortest period of time out of the eligible attendees present. Member Gary Flanagan has visited all fifty states in 9 days and 2 hours, but had already received an award for the Most Repeats. Anne Chumley received an award for completing all 50 the most recently,in May 2024. Karina Rovey was the youngest traveler, completing at age 22.
Fred Hoth from New Jersey won the drawing for the Grand Prize of a Thunder Bunny Photo Map. Members Chadwick and Amanda Jones brought their completed map as a display of the final product.
Frank Howard from Tennessee won the drawing for the All Fifty Club Friends Bag. Attendees each brought an item from their home state to contribute to the Friends Bag. Frank brought the bag to the picnic to show everyone what was in the Bag. There was lots of creativity in the items that people contributed!
Social at Factory at Franklin - Members met up at the Factory at Franklin water tower Saturday evening. Many members tried Hattie B's Hot Chicken, some didn't eat dinner at all because they were too busy talking with other club members!
Social at Arrington Vineyards - We had beautiful weather for a picnic at Arrington Vineyards. Members spent hours conversing before heading home.
Thank you volunteers!
Amanda, Anne, Chadwick, Gary, Jim, Judi, Karina, Kevin, Liana, Marie, Matt, Sarah, Tabitha, Verenda
If you are interested in attending the 2025 Convention, fill out the Interest Form to be kept up-to-date as plans develop.
Gold Sponsor - Jim Szymanski, Travel Plus, Travelpirate2@aol.com
Bronze Sponsor - Gary Flanagan, Xpirient Affliate, Contact Gary.
Thank you partners The Wander Club, Thunder Bunny Labs, Holy Cow Canvas, and Twine Graphics.
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