Our biggest event of the year offers 40 hours of CE, and plenty of chances for networking – but it’s also a lot of fun! This year, our Saturday Night Celebration includes inflatables, games & movies for kids as well as live karaoke and lip sync battles for adults. Here's a little more about all of our recreational and social activities – and don’t forget to register and book your hotel soon!

Included Activities

Kick Off Breakfast
You asked, and this year we’re returning to a traditional, seated breakfast. This is your
rallying point to start your time at the Convention with energy, and where you can meet
colleagues and business partners. Our keynote speaker, David Glickman, has been a speaker and entertainer for over 25 years and has worked with everyone from The Beach Boys to Steve Martin. As a popular keynote speaker, he specializes in customized humor and he’ll be sure to find the funny in dentistry.

New Dentist/First-Time Attendee Reception
On Friday, we invite new dentists and first-time convention attendees to the Atlantic Terrace, a fabulous outdoor venue overlooking the pool. Get to know some of your colleagues, GDA officers and GDA staff over hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

Beach Tent
Meet up with your friends, colleagues and business partners at our hospitality tent on the Ritz’s North Beach on Friday and Saturday. Stop by for complimentary items from our sponsors and the GDA. It’s right next to the beach bar!

Welcome Reception
Our Exhibit Hall opens with an energetic reception on Thursday night. Have a drink and enjoy a bite while mingling with the exhibitors and sponsors that make our meeting possible. Make sure to stay for door prize drawings and a $250 cash giveaway!

New! Happy Hour
By popular demand, we’ve added a new happy hour in the Exhibit Hall on Friday from 4 – 6 pm. We’ll draw for door prizes and a $500 cash giveaway. Take advantage of this extra time to network and socialize with your colleagues

Saturday Night Celebration
Our evening starts at 5:30 pm with family-friendly activities: a DJ, inflatables on the lawn, face painting, family games, stuffed animals, and the return of the popular pedestal joust from 2017. After a buffet dinner, get ready for a GDA Lip Sync Battle, hula hoop contest, limbo competition and district team T-shirt judging. At 8 pm, supervised family movies for children ages 5–12 begin, letting adults head to the GDA Lounge.

GDA Lounge
Live from Highland Avenue’s Dark Horse Tavern, Metalsome is one of ATL’s favorite karaoke bands. Rock your heart out with backup—vocals supplied by you. Unwind in the GDA Lounge, enjoy the live music and karaoke from your colleagues, and take this time to relax with other adults.

Add-on Activities

Big Canoe Kayak Tour
Fun for the whole family, these guided tours let you experience Amelia Island in a whole new way. Enjoy a two-hour kayak tour of Lofton Creek that’s well-suited for all ages.

Tee Off and support the PAC
Invite your friends to join you at the Oak Marsh Course to support dentistry under the Gold Dome! Have fun with your colleagues, play for a chance to win a Mercedes Benz, and raise money for the Georgia Dental Association Political Action Committee (GADPAC). Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Buy a few mulligans and join the fun!

Inshore & Deep Sea Fishing
Come join Captain Scott Thompson and Pipe Dream Charters for inshore or offshore fishing excursions.

Downtown Pub Crawl
In 2017, our new mixology tour at local Fernandina bars had incredible attendance—so we’re bringing it back. Party with the locals and meet some awesome bartenders! On each stop, our tour guests will meet the bartenders who will be mixing up unique drinks just for you. You’ll hear about the art and craft of mixing cocktails while finding out about each bar’s history, and then enjoy a tasting of a specially prepared cocktail.

Calling All Tennis Enthusiasts
Join us for a round robin tournament Saturday morning at the Ritz Carlton tennis courts. This prestigious tennis facility features four clay tennis courts with state-of-the-art Hydrocool technology that keeps the courts play-ready. Players of all skill levels are encouraged to join in, but players should be at least 13 years of age. Courts will open at 8:30 am for warm ups. Balls and water will be provided, but please bring your own racket. Cash prizes will be awarded!

Backwater Cat Adventure
GDA is thrilled to offer one of the most unique tours on Amelia Island. The Backwater Cat Adventure is the best way to experience Amelia and Cumberland Island’s Nature & History! This three hour tour is like no other - you'll have the opportunity to experience dolphins, manatees, other sea life plus the wild horses on Cumberland Island. You'll drive your own boat following an experienced Captain during this historic, interactive and breathtaking water tour.