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GRIT owner Angie Sicurezza and Plein Air event manager Ann Ferrell Cauthen gather outside The Mill as the two-day conference gets underway.

Photo: Taylor Square Photography

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Keynote speaker Dr. Mark Plotkin of the Amazon Conservation team welcomes attendees as he kicks off the two-day speaker series.

Photo: Taylor Square Photography

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From left: Plein Air founder and developer Campbell McCool with G&G deputy editor Amanda Heckert and her husband, Justin Heckert.

Photo: Taylor Square Photography

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Audra Burch of the New York Times discusses the pivotal role of the front porch in African American culture.

Photo: Taylor Square Photography

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Guests mingle amid the porches of Plein Air during Friday night’s Block Party.

Photo: Taylor Square Photography

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Amanda Heckert speaks on G&G’s forthcoming book, Southern Women.

Photo: Taylor Square Photography

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Guests explore Wonderbird Gin Distillery.

Photo: Taylor Square Photography

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In true Southern fashion, NBC News chairman Andy Lack and journalist Curtis Wilkie lead a lively discussion from their rocking chairs.

Photo: Taylor Square Photography

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From left: Bryan, Fred, and Patrick Krutz of Krutz Family Cellars.

Photo: Taylor Square Photography

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Guests partake in an open-air supper on the Plein Air lawn.

Photo: Taylor Square Photography

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A private concert by Oxford-based roots rock band the Kudzu Kings closes out the conference.

Photo: Taylor Square Photography