The Atlanta Lawyer - Official Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association Nov | Page 32

section update Bankruptcy Section Update By Alison Elko Franklin McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP [email protected] T he Atlanta bankruptcy community deserves special thanks for its overwhelming support of the "Atlanta Aquatic Adventures Party" at the Georgia Aquarium on October 31, 2013 during the 87th Annual Meeting of the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges. More than 180 bankruptcy judges and international jurists, as well as 1,200 insolvency professionals from all across the United States, attended this year’s NCBJ meeting, which was held in Atlanta for the first time. In keeping with tradition, the bankruptcy sections of the state and local bar associations planned an event for all NCBJ registrants to attend free of charge. The Bankruptcy Sections of the Atlanta Bar and the State Bar of Georgia were especially proud to host and sponsor the Atlanta Aquatic Adventures Party in honor of the President of the NCBJ, Chief Judge C. Ray Mullins, United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia. This special event was also a tribute to the distinguished bankruptcy judiciary in Georgia, many of whom support and serve on various committees with the NCBJ, including the NCBJ Treasurer, Judge Mary Grace Diehl and the NCBJ Next Generation Committee Chair, Judge Wendy Hagenau. The Atlanta Aquatic Adventures Party Planning Committee raised approximately $200,000, primarily from state and local firms and businesses. Kilpatrick Townsend, Burr & Forman, Conway MacKenzie, Gavin/Solmonese and Auction.com were particularly generous in providing specialty sponsorships. The valuable contributions and enthusiastic support of the Georgia bankruptcy bar ensured that the Atlanta Aquatic Adventures Party was a memorable and festive occasion. Attendees enjoyed live music, delicious desserts, signature cocktails and photo booths while networking amongst more than 1000 bankruptcy professionals and exploring the exhibits of the world's largest aquarium. As party favors, attendees received gift bags with umbrellas and special treats from the sponsors. A photo gallery of the Atlanta Aquatic Adventure Party is available on the Atlanta Bar Association's website. 32 THE ATLANTA LAWYER November 2013 Members of the Atlanta Aquatic Adventures Party Planning Committee included Jennifer Meyerowitz (Epiq Bankruptcy Solutions, LLC), John A. Thomson Jr. (Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP), Mark Maloney (King & Spalding), Nancy J. Whaley (Standing Chapter 13 Trustee) and Alison Elko Franklin (McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP). The Bankruptcy Section is honored to have co-hosted this unforgettable special event in Atlanta showcasing our bankruptcy bar and bench during the NCBJ. We look forward to presenting additional programs in the coming months, including the Bankruptcy & Commercial Law Year in Review on Friday, December 13, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Capital City Club Downtown. Executive Director Chris Molick and Hon. Ray Mullins Greg Charleston, Alison Elko Franklin, Dennis J Connolly, Jon Lowe, Hon. Joyce Bihary, and Nancy Whaley The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association