Convention 2009
Convention Countdown:
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Online Convention Registration is closed. Registration ended at Noon on Thursday, January 8, 2009. After this date, you must register at the door at an additional $50 charge. Members who register onsite will receive a CD of all CLE program materials; no printed materials will be available. Convention registration will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2009 in the North Pre-function Hall of the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes.
January 22-25, 2009
Building on the success of 2008, the 2009 Convention will be held in a brand new location! Plans are underway to make the Convention at the Myrtle Beach Marriott at Grande Dunes the most memorable Convention ever! Mark your calendar now for January 22-25, 2009. This year's Convention will feature fun new events and a full range of powerful CLE programs! Click on the link below to make hotel reservations and reserve your room now. Don't forget to check back at this site for all the latest Convention developments!
Click here for a slideshow tour of the Myrtle Beach Marriott at Grande Dunes.
2009 Convention Highlights Will Include:
MEMORY HOLD THE DOOR
The lawyers remembered in Memory Hold the Door represent a true Honor Roll of the legal profession, selected by their peers as best exemplifying the qualities of integrity, professionalism and skill required of the bench and bar. The induction ceremony for this prestigious group will be free and open to all Convention attendees, spouses and guests. For more information about Memory Hold the Door, or to view a list of previous honorees, please visit www.law.sc.edu/memory.
THURSDAY EVENING PRESIDENT'S WELCOME RECEPTION
Our complimentary President's Welcome Reception, hosted by Bar President Flo Lester Vinson, to be held at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club, will feature libations and mouth-watering hors d'oeuvres. Kick off your Convention experience by enjoying an evening of fellowship with attorneys and judges from across the state.
FRIDAY PLENARY LUNCHEON
Conduct a little business and enjoy a little entertainment at this year's Plenary Luncheon. Chief Justice Jean Hoefer Toal's State of the Judiciary address is always closely followed by the bench, the bar and even the media, and this year is no exception. Hear comments on the latest developments in South Carolina courts from its chief jurist and executive. Next, get ready for the Super Bowl with a keynote address from NFL referee Walt Coleman. One of the most maligned, yet anonymous men in the world, Mr. Coleman has been applauded by hundreds and booed by millions. His entertaining stories from 19 years in this unique profession carry a memorable and inspiring message. The DuRant Distinguished Public Service Award recipient will also be recognized.
FRIDAY EVENING JUDICIAL RECEPTION
This year's Judicial Reception will be again be extended later into the evening, and it will be held in the Marriott's elegant Atlantic Ballroom. This will give you ample space and time to network with friends, colleagues and distinguished members of the bench and bar while enjoying cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Don't forget to visit the exhibitors in the North Prefunction Lobby on your way in; booths will be open later on Friday for your convenience.
FRIDAY NIGHT HOUSE OF BLUES
Following the Judicial Reception, join your colleagues for a night of music, heavy hors d'oeuvre, libations, and fun at the place "where the heart meets the soul" - the amazing House of Blues! Known as a Mecca for some of the best music on the east coast, the House of Blues also features great food and the perfect atmosphere to relax after a busy day of CLE! Don't miss this terrific evening of entertainment as the Convention takes over the entire House of Blues Music Hall!
SATURDAY AFTERNOON EVENT (GOLF, TENNIS, SHOPPING)
An afternoon of golf or tennis at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club is just what you need to relax after a Saturday morning of CLE seminars! Join other golfers for a friendly “Captain’s Choice” competition on a world-class course. Don’t miss this chance to give yourself a break and enjoy one of the finest courses in the country. For questions, please contact Jim Engram, Golf Chair, jengram@jhnetwork.com. If you’re not quite the golfer, join the others at the courts! Whether you are an advanced or intermediate player, join us for a little tennis fun at one of Myrtle Beach’s finest courts!
SATURDAY WINE TASTING at the Grande Dunes Ocean Club
A perennial favorite, the annual wine tasting is a unique event you won't want to miss! Featuring an array of Napa Valley favorites, this year's event is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're a wine authority, or just an armchair connoisseur, don't miss this chance to join Dan Blake and friends and sample an array of the best grapes anywhere.
SATURDAY LAW FIRM MANAGEMENT SEMINAR
The South Carolina Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators will once again sponsor the Saturday Law Firm Management Seminar. Speaker Dustin A. Cole will present "How to Build a More Profitable Practice?" And a Well-Funded Retirement." Mr. Cole, President of Attorneys Master Class, has worked with hundreds of firms to help them increase revenues, and has trained over twenty thousand attorneys across the United States in how to build more successful and satisfying practices. This is your opportunity to take advantage of his 35 plus years of business management, business development and team development experience.
SATURDAY NIGHT BEACH PARTY WITH THE CATALINAS
What would a weekend in Myrtle Beach be without a Saturday night Beach Music Party with the world famous Catalinas? For years, the Catalinas have set the standard for the most fun and the best beach music with songs like "Summertime's Calling Me." The Catalinas have filled the Myrtle Beach Pavilion more times than its members can count. Join us on Saturday night in the elegant Marriott Grande Dunes Ballroom where you can dance or sing along with all of your beach music favorites!
SECTION/COMMITTEE-SPONSORED SEMINARS
The Bar is proud to offer another exceptional year of seminars featuring a variety of topics vital to your practice. The Convention remains one of the most exciting and economical ways to fulfill your entire annual CLE requirement! The 2009 Convention will feature over 16 practice-specific seminars including perennial favorites like the Criminal and Civil Law Updates and the Breakfast Ethics Seminar. Thursday's Technology seminar speakers will be ABA Tech Show favorites John Simek, Sharon Nelson and Ben Stevens.
SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST ETHICS
The Breakfast Ethics Seminar has become one of the Convention's best attended and most meaningful programs. There is simply no better way to conclude your Convention experience and fulfill your annual two hour LEPR requirement than to benefit from this powerful presentation. As in past years, the 2009 edition will feature a nationally known speaker who will give you the tools to keep your law license right where it belongs - on your wall!
CYBER CONNECTION CAFÉ
Open to all Convention attendees, the Cyber Connection Café is your spot to relax, catch up on the news, or reconnect with those back at the office. Take advantage of complimentary services, including internet and email access, daily newspapers and free Westlaw research and check out the latest in law office furnishings and design! This is the perfect place to lounge, converse, grab a cup of coffee and recharge.