Meeting of the Minds, Including Fun Run and Walk, Moves from Key West to Gulf Shores

Jimmy Buffett music lovers and lifestyle loyalists – aka parrotheads – will make their way from parrothead clubs all over the country to the Alabama Gulf Coast for Parrot Heads in Paradise’s 31st annual Meeting of the Minds convention Oct. 24-29, 2023. With Buffett’s passing in September 2023, this year’s gathering will be particularly impactful celebrating his life in the region where the legend grew up.

After 30 years in Key West, the convention is moving to coastal Alabama and will be headquartered at The Hangout. Ancillary events will take place all over Gulf Shores and Orange Beach from Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s to the legendary Flora-Bama.

“Parrot Heads in Paradise is excited to bring Meeting of the Minds to the Alabama Gulf Coast,” said Suzanne Calhoun, Meeting of the Minds co-chair. “The history of this area when related to parrotheads is so iconic, and the community has been amazing to work with as we endeavored to move the event from Key West. We invite the community to join us at our public events, and we look forward to giving back to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.”

While the convention will feature a variety of concerts and social gatherings around the destination, Meeting of the Minds will also include breakout sessions, leadership growth opportunities and philanthropic efforts to benefit the local community.

“This group knows how to throw a party with a purpose, working to leave the destination better than when they arrived,” said Michelle Russ, vice president of sales, sports and events for Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports & Events. “Between the philanthropic events they are planning and the number of restaurants and venues they will be using, the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach will feel the economic lift during an otherwise slower time in the destination.”

Highlighted charitable events are the Skippin & Sippin 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk at LuLu’s Saturday, Oct. 28, benefitting Bras Across the Causeway, a shoe and toy drive at The Hangout open throughout the week and a blood drive with bloodmobiles located at LuLu’s and across the street from The Hangout. Learn more about Meeting of the Minds at motm.rocks. For information on upcoming athletic events along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, visit GSOBsports.com, or call 1-800-745-SAND.