Convention 2003

Evening Events

First Timer and VIP Reception
Wednesday, April 2, 6:00 – 7:00 pm

NIA would like to welcome all first time attendees! This invitation-only event is designed to welcome and introduce first time attendees to the leadership of NIA, along with providing information about the program they are about to experience. On hand to greet you will be the NIA Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Past Presidents, Committee Chairmen, and the NIA Staff. This cocktail reception is casual, so we encourage you to wear the same attire here as you will to the Welcome Reception. After the reception we will move on to the Welcome Reception to enjoy the "Low Country."

Welcome Reception—Welcome to the Low Country
Wednesday, April 2, 7:00 – 8:30 pm

To help you unwind after your journey to Savannah, we have a night of fun and southern-style relaxation planned for you conveniently located in the ballroom of the Westin. The NIA staff would like to welcome you to NIA’s 48th annual convention by presenting you with a taste of local cuisine.

Enjoy the evening socializing with other attendees and enjoying the "Low Country" comfort food of the South. We’ll whet our palates with a taste of she crab soup with aged sherry, followed by black-eyed pea cakes and fried green tomatoes. A spread of appetizers features such delicacies as chilled succulent oysters, jumbo shrimp, and beefsteak tomatoes with Vidalia onions and fresh basil. Dinner offers an assortment of fresh seafood, cornmeal crusted fried fresh fillet of perch, squash au gratin, red rice with andouille sausage, biscuits and cornbread. All of this can be washed down with your choice of beverage from the hosted bar. We encourage casual dress for this cocktail reception.

Dessert Hospitality Suites
Wednesday, April 2, 8:00 – 11:00 pm

After the Low Country Southern Reception, we invite you to join the manufacturers for a sweet conclusion to the evening. Several manufacturers will host dessert hospitality suites, featuring numerous unique dessert stations that will satisfy any sweet tooth. We encourage you to take the time to mingle with colleagues and friends, and of course, sample each and every one of the tempting treats.

Associates’ Night— Hilarious Hypnosis
Thursday, April 3, 6:30 – 9:00 pm

Enjoy an evening filled with the tastes of the South and entertainment you won’t soon forget. We’ll dine on such southern favorites as classic lobster bisque, cumin crusted chicken breast, tequila grilled prawns, and key lime pie.

Following dinner we’ll enjoy the hilarious hypnotist Tom DeLuca. Back by popular demand, Tom’s approach is to forgo the gimmickry to reveal the fun and wonder hidden in the attics of his volunteers’ minds. This entertainment will showcase the wonderful imaginations and personalities within our group.

President’s Gala
Saturday, April 5, 6:30 pm Cocktail Reception, 7:00 pm Dinner

Now that we’ve taken care of business, it’s time to celebrate the final evening of convention at the President’s Gala. In optional black-tie attire, enjoy the elegant grand finale event as we conclude the week’s activities. After a cocktail reception, we will enjoy a delectable dinner and special presentation honoring outgoing president Charles Holley.

After dinner, we’ll dance the night away to the sounds of The Drifters. Seating can be reserved online in advance for this event.