CONVENTION UPDATE
The stage is set in Music City
We just completed the annual Mini Conven-
tion at Caesars in Atlantic City, which as you
know means that we have also formally an-
nounced the location and dates for the annu-
al PBA main convention. If you didn’t pick up
your convention packet at the registration ta-
ble in Atlantic City, then you will be excited to
know that this year’s convention will be held at
PETER
the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention
ANDREYEV Center in Nashville, Tennessee, on Oct. 19-25 or
Oct. 20-26, 2019.
Nashville — what a magical place. The home of coun-
try music, hot chicken, Johnny Cash and all things country.
Nashville’s most common nickname is “Music City,” and it’s a
very appropriate nickname. Every single night, if you were to
take a stroll down the streets of Nashville, you would see and
hear many live bands playing at bars and restaurants. There is
a robust live music culture and frankly, it’s awesome. Some of
the venues have multiple floors with a band playing on each
of those floors, and not just country music. You will find all
types of music being played, so if you’re a lover of all things
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music, you will find that Nashville lives up to its nickname.
As always, rooms will be assigned on a first-come, first-
served basis, so I highly recommend getting your application
in as soon as possible. New this year, we have unveiled a link
on our website to register and book your stay with us com-
pletely online. Visit www.njspba.com and click on the annual
convention tab to register. We also will take applications and
payment by check through U.S. mail, and accept payment
online. I can’t tell you how difficult planning for the conven-
tion is when we get last-minute applications. Getting us your
information as soon as possible will help us ensure that we
have a smooth and successful convention.
This year, we will be offering a land-only package, so if you
have points or miles to use on a certain airline or were one of
the lucky ones to win the JetBlue airline ticket raffle during
the mini convention, you can book your flight on your own
and book just the rooms with us online or in person.
Remember, when you book your trip with the NJSPBA,
there are extra perks included with the price. The added value
to the trip, which we know you will appreciate, is the break-
fast that we provide on the days of the meetings. Also, various
businesses provide discounts for our members to take ad-
vantage of while attending the convention and showing their
convention identification.
Another added value we have incorporated when booking
directly with the PBA is access to a welcome reception in an
iconic venue in Nashville. Who couldn’t use a few hours of
food and adult beverages while interacting with other PBA
delegates and presidents? The welcome reception is always
a great time for seeing old friends and networking with new
colleagues. We would hate to see you miss out on the fun, and
it’s just one more reason to book directly with the NJSPBA.
The Gaylord Opryland Resort is one of the most well-known
venues in Nashville. It offers shopping, restaurants, bars, a
spa and newly opened water park called SoundWaves. There’s
definitely something for everyone, and if you get bored on the
property, downtown Nashville is just minutes away by car.
The annual convention is usually attended by the presi-
dent and delegate of each Local; however, the convention is
open to all PBA members and their families. This is a great
way for members who don’t normally get to attend state PBA
meetings to meet and network with members from other lo-
cals who have the same interests in and out of work. If you
would like to attend, please call me or Debbie Perestuk at the
NJ State PBA office at 732-636-8860 or visit www.convention.
njspba.com for more information.