Fortuity being what it is, we were the beneficiaries of an $18,000,000 investment by the new owners in completing a makeover of the room accommodations at the gorgeous Villas of Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida, where we held our 2013 Winter meeting. Even though the Villas continued to be a desirable planned destination for this meeting, we discovered the renovation plan during our contract negotiations, which only sweetened an already smooth process. The rooms were stripped down to the studs, then completely rebuilt, and the results were breathtaking.

The moment we walked in we were graced with the smell of new leather furniture purchased by the resort as part of the complete renovation, and incredibly comfortable surroundings featuring a fresh, crisp, modern, and very upscale décor.The Winter 2013 meeting was a complete sellout, with great attendance. Your President-elect Jim Gilman did a simply superb job of arranging a stellar lineup of speakers for the Winter meeting, which took place February 20-24, with CLE topics ranging from cutting edge e-discovery issues by Brett Godfrey, who is speaking once again during our Summer meeting, a great panel on the very recent Pilot’s Bill of Rights, chaired by John and Kathy Yodice, and a spellbinding discussion of the Air Force’s support in relief of the Japanese Tsunami by Lt. Col. John Traxler,  USAF.

We earnestly thank all of our speakers for taking their time to help us present the highest quality CLE events. We experienced a Friday afternoon filled with aviation activities, including a group visit to the Fantasy of Flight aviation museum, and the famed LPBA Spot Landing Event at nearby Winter Haven Airport. Our hosts at KGIF were nothing short of wonderfully accommodating, and the Spot Landing Event, chaired by your famed LPBA Editor Gary Allen, went off without a hitch, with LPBA first timer Drew Coats garnering second place in his Bonanza, while Will Roberson secured third-place in his Turbo-Cherokee.  

We are always extremely grateful to our meeting sponsors, without which the costs of meeting registration and attendance would be substantially higher. Your Winter 2013 meeting sponsors included Art & Susan Luman, Jim & Betsy Gillman, Russ & Mary Klingaman, Mark & Donna Pierce, and your President and his lovely wife Penny. Thanks to all for your gracious and continued meeting sponsorship!

The LPBA meeting experience, featuring beautiful destinations, appealing accommodations, entertaining and informative CLEs, and, most importantly, a unique and unparalleled combination of people who share a love of aviation and the law, remains unequaled. The LPBA features none of the stuffiness associated with many similar endeavors, and the tremendous enjoyment, humor, and camaraderie we collectively experience during our meetings remains unequaled as well.