Charleston, SC

SEWE: Cocktails & Conservation

Celebrate another year of Southern conservation.


As part of the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, G&G invites guests to 21 Magazine for two compelling conversations on Southern ecology and conservation, complete with complimentary cocktails and snacks.

Saturday, February 15

G&G editor in chief David DiBenedetto sits down with fly-fishing guide, conservationist, and musician Woody Platt for a wide-ranging conversation on the harmony between music and the outdoors. From guiding in the rivers of Western North Carolina to turkey hunting in the mountains and lending his voice to local conservation efforts, particularly in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Platt shares stories that celebrate the Southern landscape and those working to protect it. Guitar in hand, he might even treat the audience to a tune or two inspired by his time on the water and in the woods.

About Platt:
Raised in Brevard, North Carolina, Woody Platt has long balanced his love of music with a lifelong passion for the outdoors. Best known as the founding frontman of the Grammy Award–winning Steep Canyon Rangers, Platt has spent decades blending his passions for music and the outdoors. When he’s not on stage or in the studio, he can be found guiding fly-fishing trips, working to restore trout habitats, or championing conservation across the Southern Appalachians.

Sunday, February 16

G&G contributing editor T. Edward Nickens sits down with veteran fishing guide and conservation advocate Benny Blanco for an insightful conversation about life on the water and the power of protecting the places we love. From the flats of the Florida Keys to the backwaters of the Everglades, Blanco has spent decades guiding anglers through some of the South’s most storied fisheries—while leading efforts to restore and preserve them for generations to come. Expect tales of tarpon runs, restoration wins, and the lessons learned from a life devoted to wild places.

About Blanco:
A renowned guide, former tournament angler, and 2022 G&G Champion of Conservation, Benny Blanco has become one of the leading voices for conservation in South Florida.  Through his work with organizations dedicated to protecting the Everglades and coastal ecosystems, Blanco has helped bring national attention to the urgent need for restoration and stewardship. When he’s not fishing, he’s focused on protecting the outdoors and encouraging others to do the same.