The Meeting of the Minds, a major annual gathering of Jimmy Buffett fans, has opened for the first time in Gulf Shores, where tourism officials said they expected an influx of more than 3,000 parrotheads.

The event was long held in Key West, but organizers announced the relocation well over a year ago. Organizers said that major renovation plans at its old venue, the Casa Marina Resort, made it “impractical” to hold the event there in the future and that another suitable venue couldn’t be found in Key West.

“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, in a press release issued by Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism. “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.”

In Gulf Shores, the event is using three main venues: The Hangout, LuLu’s and the Flora-Bama. Registration was limited to “Any member in good standing of a Parrot Heads In Paradise, Inc. chartered, official Parrot Head Club,” with prices starting at $172.22 per person.

Of the three main venues, only The Hangout is limited to those with convention credentials. LuLu’s and the Flora-Bama remain open to the public. A shuttle pass is required to use the event’s shuttle service.

The full schedule of events includes numerous performances in “Trop Rock” and other genres, at a number of coastal restaurants and other venues in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Full details can be found at motm.rocks.

In light of Buffett’s death on Sept. 1, the event includes at least two performances described as tribute events.

The slate of activities kicks into high gear on Wednesday. Special events include a Celebrity Putt Putt golf tournament on Wednesday and a “Skippin & Sippin” 5k and one-mile fun run Saturday at LuLu’s. The latter event benefits breast cancer research.

“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.”

Full event information can be found at motm.rocks.