Invitation

Charleston is waiting for you!

Dear Friends,

It is my pleasure to invite you to the major event of each AIJA year, the Annual Congress. It will be held from 24th to 29th August 2010 in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina.
Because of its geographic position at the bottom of the state, Charleston is known as “the low country of South Carolina”.

Charleston’s seaside beauty is matched only with its historical significance. Also known as “The Holy City” due to the prominence of churches on the low-rise cityscape, Charleston is a real living museum of Southern culture. It is a city that speaks to the shared history of the Southern United States, and the melting of cultures, as well as the development of societal norms coming out of various events,including the institution of slavery and the Civil War.

You will enjoy the unique “Southern Hospitality” and taste local specialities such as a breakfast of “shrimp and grits” or, later in the day, a “mint julep” to welcome the evening’s excitement.

Our organizers have arranged for a colourful variety of exciting social events. I will not spoil the surprises by giving you all the details just yet. Suffice to say that we will visit quite a few of the well-known landmarks of Charleston, including the Citadel, South Carolina’s prestigious military college, where we will be hosted for our Opening Ceremony. On our social menu we also have a plantation visit to witness
Charleston’s historic past, a Day Out on the beach for a BBQ, games, music and dance and a Gala Dinner ‘Hollywood-Style’.

Apart from this, Charleston offers many nice and cozy places literally just around the corner from our Hotel to spend the warm summer evenings with cocktails, jazz music and a lot of Southern flair to keep you in the mood.

Our work coordinators Gisela Knuts and Benjamin Borsodi have prepared an ambitious and very attractive academic program on topics relevant to our respective practices. After the Working Sessions,
you must absolutely take a walk or jog along Charleston’s historic waterfront while enjoying the unique majesty of the colorful historic homes along scenic Rainbow Row.”

All is being prepared for you to work, network and have fun with like-minded young lawyers from all over the world.

The only important thing missing for the success of the Charleston Congress is your presence. I count on you to be there and make this event unforgettable!

See y’all in Charleston!

Warm regards

Saverio Lembo
AIJA President

WELCOME TO CHARLESTON

Dalhi N. Meyer	Neil Boyden Tanner	Stephanie Reed Traband

To say that Charleston is steeped in history is much like saying the sun is yellow. Other places have long histories…, but none is a living museum that grows and changes with the times. Suffice it to say, if you’re a history buff, you will never grow tired of Charleston and the surrounding countryside.’ – (Mt. Pleasant.com)

What an exciting, educationally rich, fun-filled Congress we have planned for you! The OC have prepared so many delightful events that you may never leave Charleston. From the Opening Ceremony on The Citadel’s historic grounds to the Home Hospitality dinners on Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Daniel Island and downtown Charleston, to the spectacular “only in America” red-carpet-themed, paparazzi-laden Gala Dinner, this Congress will be the best one you’ve ever attended! We cannot wait until you get here!

The combination of Charleston’s beautiful geography, unique place in America’s history and founding, stunning architecture, relaxing atmosphere, and genteel citizenry will provide memories you will treasure for a lifetime.
Anchored at the Charleston Place Hotel, itself a destination, your days will be filled with intellectually stimulating work sessions and your nights with spectacular, culturally enriching activities. Do you love the beach? Don’t miss the day out where we will travel to the Isle of Palms for beach fun, including “line dancing,” beach games, and a charity event. And, no day on a South Carolina beach would be complete without bar-b-que! That’s right, chicken, ribs, corn-on-the cob, grilled vegetables, and “low country” specialties… There’s no place like Charleston, South Carolina, y’all! Don’t miss this Congress!

The Work Coordinators have put together an outstanding scientific program. Bring your international arbitration, telecommunications, insolvency and banking questions. There’s sure to be someone who can point you in the right direction. And for all of the U.S. lawyers (or non U.S. lawyers admitted to practice in the U.S.) we will offer CLE credit for the working sessions (or as we Americans refer to them, seminars). These well-planned sessions will be the starting point for reconnecting with old friends and colleagues and making new ones. As is AIJA’s tradition, each day will culminate with a wonderful social activity, allowing us to network and spend time with new and old friends in a more relaxed atmosphere. Charleston definitely is the place to be in August 2010!!

Last, but certainly not least, no trip to Charleston would be complete without a bit (or a bunch) of retail therapy! For the fashionista, visit the Shops at Charleston Place and the Riviera, including White House/Black Market, Tommy Bahama, Gucci, the Apple Store (for much needed accessories!), Abercrombie & Fitch, and many, many more, all literally at the Charleston Place. Also not to be missed, the Old Market Place boasts a variety upscale boutiques and one-of-a-kind antique shops. If after all that you still have energy (or cash), round out your Charleston shopping frolic with a visit to Saks Fifth Avenue, only a few steps from the Charleston Place Hotel. But, don’t lose track of time. You won’t want to miss any of the wonderful activities!

Charleston will capture your imagination like no city you have ever visited. Come to Charleston in 2010 for AIJA’s Annual Congress. Return in 2012, 2014, 2016, and the rest of your life, for sheer love of this magical American city.

OC Team