b'The Passenger Vessel Foundation conventionBeach events Catalina visit, things did not gocavernousGaylordBiosphere;Cincinnati, event that stands out most in my mind was theso well. As the story is told by John Ground- Ohio,markedaterrificpandemicreturn;a dragon boat races in Tampabeyond a doubt,water,aswarmofunexpectedattendeesfantastic behind-the scenes tour under Disney the most strenuous test of any convention. Atarrived for the dinner. Reputedly, Alan Bern- World was a highlight in Orlando, Fla.; Sa-the finish line at least 50 participants could havestein sprang into action, entering the kitchenvannah, Ga., and Charleston, S.C., meant the used oxygen mask rescues. The PVA Southeastto assist in making the provisions go twice asbest Lowcountry food; and Chicago, Ill. was Region won (I was a mercenary abandoningfar. Rumor has it that Alan was chased out ofmarked by an amazing skyline cruise.the Original Colonies Region), notwithstand- the kitchen by a chef wielding a butcher knife. ing the charge that Troy Manthey had stackedIn all, the PVA Convention has been an annual the deck by providing the Southeast RegionsEachconventionlocationhasofferedsomefamily meeting, sharing great friendships and boat with the best 80-pound coxswain. mannerofmemorableexperience:Biloxi,experiences. I now have 32 years of incredible Miss., had clanging slot machines in the back- memories, and hope some of your memories Each conventionground; Nashville, Tenn., took us inside thewere captured by the look-back. location has offered some manner of memorable experience:The Trusted Source for Biloxi, Miss., hadQuality Systemsclanging slot machines in the background; while a fantastic behind-the scenes tour under Disney World was a highlight in Orlando, Fla.Have a Regal Day, still echoes in the minds ofattendeestotheSt.LouisConvention, housed at the Regal Hotel in the mid-90s. We were to learn that the week after the conven-tion the management would bolt, explaining the ice on the windows inside, wet carpets, and moldy smell. Nevertheless, doomed staff there wished everyone a Regal Day.And, of course, there was snowmaggedon, thecalamityofthebiggestsnowinWash-ington,D.C.history,preventingtravel,and trapping all in the hotel. No businesses were open or reachable for days. The Hyatt Regen-cy Crystal Cityhad to scratch up whatever it could to feed incarcerated PVA attendees. Good came of it, as PVA members enjoyed the exclusivity of the event and the welcome reception now featured on each MariTrendsTHRUSTERSLIGHTINGSEATINGDOORSTRIM CONTROLWIPERSCONTROLSarrival day was born at snowmaggedon.In 2023, PVA held a spectacular dinner on Catalina Island, second to none at the historic Avalon Casino. However, at the earlier Longwww.imtra.com 508.995.700033 MARCH 2023'