Join us this Summer for an educational and fun-packed LPBA meeting in one of America's oldest cities...Savannah, Georgia.  Savannah's magnificent and colorful history began in 1733 when General James Oglethorpe, under a Charter from England's King George II, along with 114 colonialists aboard the ship "Anne" landed on a bluff above the Savannah River (the present site of the Hyatt Regency, our convention hotel).

Oglethorpe's plan at that time was to offer a new start for England's working poor, those in debt, and to strengthen the new colonies by increasing trade. Under Oglethorpe's original charter, individuals were free to worship as they pleased, but alcohol, lawyers, and slavery were forbidden.

Despite Oglethorpe’s hopes to establish Georgia as a haven for debtors, it never happened. None of the original settlers aboard the Anne were debtors, and only a few bankrupt ever settled in Georgia after that. Oglethorpe's ban on alcohol, slavery, and lawyers was also soon foregone...well before the LPBA's descent upon the city.  

Oglethorpe laid out Savannah in a distinctive pattern of streets, ten-house "tythings", and public squares. Those beautiful squares have survived and can be easily walked and enjoyed. From out of the front door of our hotel, and then down Bull Street, you will be immersed immediately in southern beauty, history, and charm.

We have selected the beautiful Hyatt Regency on Bay Street over looking the Savannah River as our Convention site. Filled with Southern hospitality and courtesy, you will be welcomed with a low country boil Wednesday night. If you have never enjoyed such a meal, you are in for a real and unique treat. Surrounding the hotel are ample restaurants, watering holes, and historical buildings and sites. All can be reached on foot or by horse-drawn carriage.

Our CLE kicks off Thursday morning and the next few days will be packed with exciting speakers, including those from the NTSB Board, DOJ, and the military. For the spouses, a historical walking tour of the city is being offered; your significant other will not want to miss the tour.

In addition to the walking tour, we have arranged options for an evening ghost tour (Savannah is noted for being the most haunted city in America -- beware of 432 Abercorn Street!); a dinner cruise on the Savannah River aboard the paddle boat The Georgia Queen (of course cocktails beforehand); an afternoon visit to the infamous National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force (not to be missed for its immaculately reconstructed B-17), and the always fun and exciting Spot Landing Event and fun run/walk.

You will be drawn to Savannah by its many attributes including its history, impressive and well preserved architecture, hanging-moss covered oak trees, beautiful fountains, and green squares. To get a feeling of the city before you arrive, watch the movie Forrest Gump (the opening scene and most of it were filmed in the city), and/or read the fascinating book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.  The city's beauty is rivaled only by its reputation for hospitality and great times.  Make your reservations as soon as possible, come a little early and linger a little longer. Wendy, Sam, and I look forward to seeing you there!

Glenn Cook
LPBA President

LPBA SUMMER 2017 CONVENTION
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES