b'LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORSet Your Sights on Savannah AT THE HELMJOHN GROUNDWATER // EXECUTIVE DIRECTORA s you may have heard, Savannah, Ga., is the site ofSpeakertopicscanfocusonmarketing,engineering, the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2025,the environment, security, emerging technologies, reg-Jan. 27-30 at the Savannah Convention Center. ulations, U.S. Coast Guard matters to name just a few. PVA encourages both vessel and associate members to We are thrilled to hold our annual convention in this amaz- submit proposals.ing city early next year as it consistently offers an attractive, inviting destination for our members to visit. So much so,SPEAKER ENROLLMENTthat we have opened our attendee, booth, and sponsorship registration features along with hotel reservation options much earlier this year so that you can get a jump on yourSAVANNAHconvention travel planning.Modern Charm and Historic AttractionsSavannah is a city that offers a wealth of experiences for MARITRENDS 2025 visitors, blending a rich historical heritage with modern ATTENDEE REGISTRATION IS OPEN attractions. The charm of Savannah lies in well-preserved RegisternowforthePVAAnnualConventionatMar- architecture,vibrantculture,andawelcomingspiritof iTrends 2025 and benefit from early registration fees. MoreSouthern hospitality. than 90 seminars and events are planned with your opera-tional needs in mind. Start your exploration of Savannah in its historic district, where cobblestone streets are lined with antebellum man-REGISTER TODAY sions, attractive gardens (even in winter), and huge live oak trees decorated with Spanish moss. Walking is a great way to explore the citys rich history, and landmarks such as the MARITRENDS 2025 Owens-Thomas House with Federal-style architecture and EXHIBIT BOOTHS ARE ON SALE the Juliette Gordon Low birthplace, the founder of the The MariTrends 2025 exhibit floor is the gathering placeGirl Scouts, are great places to begin. for the convention and showcases a vast array of products and services of PVA associate member companies from ev- Savannah Historic Districtery corner of the maritime industry. Join leading maritimeThe historic district of Savannah is rich in history and manufacturers, shipyards, suppliers, and others at the onlyarchitectural diversity. A 2.5-square-mile area is known national convention targeting key owners and operators offoritsmeticulouslypreservedbuildingsandcharm-commercial passenger vessels. ingcobblestonestreets.Highlightsincludethegrand antebellummansionsandstatelyhomesthatlinethe PURCHASE A BOOTH streets,suchastheOwens-ThomasHouseandthe Mercer-Williams House. Visitors can explore these sites throughguidedtoursthatdelveintoSavannahspast, ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SPEAKING? offering insights into the citys role in American histo-If you have an idea for a topic of interest or a proposal forry and its storied past. The district is also dotted with apresentationatthePVAAnnualConventionatMar- picturesquesquares,eachwithitsownuniquestory iTrends 2025, we would like to hear from you.and significance.Continued on page 607 SEPTEMBER 2024'