Author of Flags of Our Fathers and FLYBOYS,celebrated historian, inspiring storyteller, and New York Times best-selling author James Bradley will speak at the NAAA Ag Aviation Expo Kickoff Breakfast on Monday, Dec. 7 at the Westin Savannah Harbor. September 2, 2020 marks the 75th Commemoration of the End of World War II; a war that took the lives of over 405,000 U.S. military personnel. It is only fitting that we honor those brave men and women on this hallowed anniversary with James Bradley’s words of tribute to the Greatest Generation. Bradley wrote the World War II book—Flags of Our Fathers—about the battle of Iwo Jima which became a worldwide bestseller and a movie produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Clint Eastwood. As a noted World War II scholar and expert on the war in the Pacific, Bradley's speech is a moving testament to the men and women who do the "impossible" every day.
Bradley’s other Pacific book, FLYBOYS, tells the stories of how nine American flyers-Navy and Marine pilots sent to bomb Japanese communications towers there were shot down. One of those nine was miraculously rescued by a U.S. Navy submarine. The others were captured by Japanese soldiers on Chichi Jima and held prisoner. Then they disappeared. The one rescued was George H.W. Bush the 43rd President of the United States.
Today, in 2020, many Americans doubt the country’s ability to come together. Many believe we live in the “Divided States of America.” Bradley takes us back seventy-five years to when men like his father, George H.W. Bush and other heroes of that era epitomized courage, cooperation, sacrifice, and ultimately, victory.
Bradley began his love of history as a boy after reading an article by former president Harry Truman recommending that young readers start with historical biographies as a way to learn about people while absorbing the times of their journey. He’s been stuck on history ever since, which is what led him to write his first book about the unknown story behind the Marines who famously raised the flag on Iwo Jima.
Other spellbinding bestsellers by Bradley include The China Mirage: The Hidden History of American Disaster in Asia; and The Imperial Cruise: A Secret History of Empire and War.
Save the Date for the 2020 Ag Aviation Expo
- Dates: Dec. 7-10, 2020
- Location: Savannah Convention Center. Some events will also take place at the Westin, which is located directly next to the convention center.
- Schedule of Events: Current schedule here. Subject to change.
- Hotel: Hotel Details Below
- Attendee Registration: Opens July 1
- Exhibitor Booth Sales: Large booth sales and Diamond sponsorship booth sales begin in March; this includes aircraft, islands and 10’x30'. 10'x10' and 10'x20' booth sales open on Thursday, July 9. Please email Lindsay if you’d like to be contacted regarding large booth space.
- Sponsorship Opportunities: Sponsorships are now available. View the opportunities online. Please email Lindsay if you would like to secure a sponsorship from last year or would like to be contacted about 2020 opportunities! We have sponsorships available for all budget sizes.
- Auction Donations: Thank you to Pratt & Whitney Canada for donating a PT6-34AG engine to this year’s NAAA Live Auction. While we’re still several months away from the Ag Aviation Expo, we are already accepting donations for the Live and Silent Auction. The earlier you inform us of your auction donation, the more advertising you’ll receive on the NAAA website and in NAAA publications. Support the aerial application industry by donating an item today. Email Lindsay with your donation details.
Book Your Hotel Room
The 2020 NAAA hotel room block is coordinated through Visit Savannah, which is the Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Housing office. Please do not call the hotels directly; use the link and/or phone number below to book your room. Rooms are available at the Westin Savannah Harbor (directly next to the convention center), Hyatt Regency Savannah and Savannah Marriott Riverfront hotels (across the river from the convention center and Westin – transportation provided). All room blocks close Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. ET.
- Westin Savannah Harbor: $150/night + taxes
- Westin Cancellation: For each reservation cancelled after Oct. 30, 2020, a nonrefundable one night room + tax will be charged to the credit card on file. Guests who check out early (prior to the reserved check out date) will be assessed one full night’s room charge + taxes.
- Hyatt Regency Savannah: $148/night + taxes
- Savannah Marriott Riverfront: $142/night + taxes
All room rates above are single/double occupancy and do not include taxes.
Book your room today by clicking here, call the housing bureau at (912) 644-6465 or email reservations@visitsavannah.com. Please note reservations are taken over the phone Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. If you cannot call during those hours, please email your reservations details or book your room online here.
Complimentary Transportation & River Taxis
Getting across the river is quick and easy thanks to the free ferry service that will shuttle attendees back and forth throughout the day and evening. The Savannah Belles Ferry provides water transportation from the Hyatt and the Marriott to the convention center and Westin hotel. The trip takes five to 10 minutes, and ferry service will be continual during convention hours; schedule will be available onsite. Free shuttle bus service is also available for those who are not comfortable on the water.
