2026 Florida State Celebration / Ocala, Florida

Florida Ducks Unlimited State Celebration

May 2, 2026

Florida Ducks Unlimited, 

This year Florida Ducks Unlimited is trying something new to show our appreciation to all of our volunteers around the state and would like to invite you to attend our first FLDU Volunteer Celebration on May 2^nd, 2026.

·       Centrally located in Ocala

·       Affordable for everyone to attend

·       Conservation session highlighting your efforts

·       Award ceremony to recognize chapters and individuals

·       Games, raffles, and auctions

·       Starting the celebration Saturday afternoon to provide ample time for everyone to arrive

The celebration kicks off with a conservation update from Florida’s DU biologist, Jeff Biel, discussing all the amazing conservation projects around the state. In addition, we’ll be debuting a video highlighting DU in Florida, that will be shown at the DU National Convention in Tampa in late May.

We’ll also be having an awards ceremony honoring chapters and individuals throughout the state. We’ll even have an award for the chapter that has the most committee members at the celebration.

We want this to be a fun way to celebrate you, the volunteers and all the work that you’ve put in over the last year, so we’ll be having several games, raffles, and a live auction. Your ticket price will include dinner as well.

At the end of the evening, we invite everyone to join the hospitality suite, where there will be drinks and snacks. This is a great time to talk to others and build relationships with those from around the state in a more low key setting.

So bring your fellow committee members, family, sponsors at your local event, etc. and come out and have a good time with so many others that put time and effort into conservation. This is also a great time to introduce friends, acquaintances, or hunting buddies to Ducks Unlimited so feel free to invite non-volunteers as well.

The event will be held at the Hilton Ocala where we have a room block for Saturday night, as well as a reduced rate for Friday night for those that want to come in the night before.

The Ocala Hilton looks forward to hosting you during the Florida Ducks Unlimited State Volunteer Celebration.  When booking your room reservation online please be sure to follow the link listed below.  (BOOK ROOM)  This special group page will ensure the contracted rate of $179 per night.  

Please book your room prior to April 11, 2026