PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
I look forward to welcoming you, your families, and your transportation colleagues from around the world to Rio Mar, Puerto Rico, for TLA’s 2024 Annual Conference & CTLA Midyear Meeting. We will convene at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Golf and Beach Resort May 1st to 4th. In addition to a spectacular line up of CLE programs and networking events, this beautiful Caribbean Island will offer plenty of fun and engaging opportunities throughout the conference.
The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Golf and Beach Resort located approximately 45 minutes east of San Juan on the north shore of Puerto Rico offers an ideal location to learn and relax while enjoying first-class accommodations. A two-mile private beach with golden sand and sapphire waters is across from the entrance to the El Yunque rainforest. With two golf courses on the property managed by Troon Golf with the Ocean Course designed by Tom and George Fazio and the River Course designed by Greg Norman, you will be enticed to play in the TLA’s golf scramble on Wednesday or even come early and play the other course before the conference starts. With three lagoon-style pools and a Margaritaville on site, you can rest up for the education and networking that will follow.
The Educational Committee, chaired by Gordon Hearn and Billy Davis, has been putting together a CLE program that is both timely and timeless. Panels will include:
Thursday:
• Technological Advancements in the Transportation Industry: How Tech is Reshaping the Industry
• Public Perception of the Transportation Industry and Its Impact on Rulemaking, Insurance, Hiring, Contracts, and Litigation
• Confronting the Most Common Employment Law Issues Faced by Trucking Companies-Progressive Discipline, Termination, Accommodation, and Documentation’
• In House Counsel: Customer-Focused and Business-Driven—Learn Their Challenges, Daily Demands, and How to Expand and Improve Customer Service
Friday:
• Cybersecurity in Transportation and Logistics: A Ransomware Tale
• Multi-Modal and International Law Update
• Defending Transportation Claims with a Focused and Coordinated Defense from Day One
• Recent Detention and Demurrage Disputes, Legislative Developments and Rulemaking: How They Affect the Carriage of Goods from Origin to Final Destination
Saturday:
• An Inside View of NTSB Investigation: Investigative Protocol and Strategy Considerations
• Puerto Rico: The Jones Act and Other Regional and Domestic Regulatory Regimes
• A General Counsel’s M & A and Transaction Survival Guide: Navigation Transactional Aspects of the Practice and the Legal Role in Mergers, Acquisitions, Consolidations, and Intergrations
• Professional Responsibility in the AI Era
So come early and stay late, your friends and colleagues will be waiting to discuss the latest transportation issues. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Very Truly Yours,
Eric R. Benton, TLA President
Registration
Register today for TLA’s 2024 Annual Conference to take advantage of early registration discounted fees, receive pre-meeting information, and to ensure your name is included on the pre-registration roster. **Please note there is a 3% fee for all credit card charges.** If you would like to submit your registration with a check or wire payment, fill out TLA Annual Conference Reg Form and send it in with the payment. Registrations processed on-site may cause a delay at the time you check in at the registration desk. If you would like to register onsite, please bring a completed registration form and valid payment.
Early Bird Registration extended until March 22nd!
Registration Confirmation
For those registrations received by April 19, TLA will send a confirmation by email. When you receive your confirmation, please check the spelling of your name to ensure it is correct. If there is an error, please contact staff at the TLA Executive Office at 913-222-8652. The information on your confirmation email will be the information used for your name badge and event tickets. If you do not receive a confirmation email within three weeks of registering, contact the TLA Executive Office to confirm receipt of your registration.
Non-Members**
By registering as a non-member, you will receive an application for membership and must meet the TLA membership qualifications in order to attend the Annual Conference. If you are a new member of the Transportation Lawyers Association, you may attend the Annual Business Meeting as a voting member. Please note that $350 (full membership) or $250 (Corporate Counsel) of the non-member registration fee pays your TLA dues in full for 15 months: April 1, 2024, through July 31, 2025, the end of our fiscal year. You receive three “free” months of membership benefits, and we are confident that you will want to renew your membership for the fiscal year 2025-2026!
Registration Cancellation Policy
Written notice of cancellations received on or before March 7 will be fully refunded. Cancellations received from March 8 through April 8 will be refunded less a $200 processing fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after April 8. Substitution of registrants is allowed, but must be of the same membership type and requested in writing no later than April 19 to tla-info@kellencompany.com.
Transportation
The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) offers flights to and from airports all over the world. SJU is about a half hour drive to Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, and the hotel offers transportation options to and from the airport. Through Kellen’s relationship with Delta, there is a discount if you will be flying Delta to San Juan. Please use NM3DA when making your reservation. The code can be used online or by calling (800) 328-2216. If booking online, be sure to the above code in the box labeled Meeting Event Code (optional).
What to Bring
Pack a variety of clothes to enjoy every activity Puerto Rico and surrounding area has to offer! At the Resort, there are swimming pools, a spa, tennis and a fitness center.
Temperature
May in Puerto Rico will average temperatures in the high 80s and lows in the 70s. Don’t forget your rain gear – just in case!
Attire
Conference sessions – Business casual – Pack a sweater or light jacket as meeting room temperatures tend to be cool.
✭ Wednesday Night – Welcome Reception – Casual
✭ Thursday Night – Group Dinner – Casual
✭ Friday Night – Banquet – Resort Tropical-Chic
✭ Saturday Night – Closing Event – Casual