Description

Two-Day Event Details

Please be sure to select which event you are attending:

 Wednesday, Thursday or BOTH EVENTS when you register. 

Wednesday - October 14, 2026 (4:00 PM - 7:00PM) - The Old Savannah Distillery

Thursday - October 15, 2026 (7:30 AM - 9:30 AM) - AC Hotel Savannah Historic District (Wilmington Meeting Room)

Savannah--you asked, and we listened! 

Based on your survey feedback, ABC Georgia is excited to return, for the second time this year!

We heard you continue to appreciate and want to have networking events, but this time we are highlighting more of the value ABC Georgia can provide to you. Beyond social events, we bring industry professionals together to share ideas, discuss issues affecting your business, and to learn from knowledgeable speakers. 

From "Evening Connections to Morning Insights", we will take you from our "Business After Hours" social event to a breakfast where we will gather in the morning to hear from two, special, guest speakers. Please read a little information about our guests below.

In addition to our "Framework and Future" session in the morning,  we’ll also focus on one of our industry’s greatest priorities: developing the next generation of our workforce and the growing impact of our Young Professionals—our YoPros. 

Introducing Our "Framework and Future" Speakers

At our first "Framework and Future" Session, we will be joined by a Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) staff member, Justin Farquhar, where he joined as Vice President of RISE—Regional Industry Support Enterprise. Justin leads workforce initiatives focused on higher education, childcare, housing and military talent across an eight-county region in Southeast Georgia. Before joining SEDA in 2024, Justin served as Senior Vice President of the Development Authority of Bryan County. He also serves on the Georgia Economic Developers Association’s Board of Directors and previously chaired its Sponsorship Committee.

This educational breakfast meeting will then feature representatives from the University of Georgia's Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Join us to learn how their office is helping to drive growth and innovation for Georgia’s small businesses. This presentation highlights the powerful impact of SBDC’s no-cost, confidential consulting and expert-led training programs designed to help entrepreneurs succeed at every stage. With 18 office locations across the state, the SBDC has supported the launch of over 2,000 businesses and helped raise more than $1.25 billion in capital over the past five years. This will be a valuable session where you will learn how strategic guidance in areas like marketing, finance, workforce planning, and growth strategy can elevate your business. 

A small business over for over 20 years, our speaker, Becky Brownlee, Area Director, Small Business Development Center, has owned businesses in manufacturing, specialty retail, beauty and trade schools, health and fitness, agriculture, real estate and construction. In addition to owning her own businesses, she also has experience in the financial, hospitality and insurance sectors.

Becky’s businesses have encompassed both independent and franchise operations. She specializes in financing and access to capital and all aspects of commercial real estate including site/space selection, building/ land acquisition and financing, lease negotiations, zoning, construction and permitting.

ABC Georgia's very own, Austin Seamster, Senior Manager, Education & Safety, will highlight our YoPro Network.

The ABC of Georgia YoPro Network serves to prepare and support young professionals in their 20s and 30s for career advancement and progression through networking events, education, and further involvement with ABC of Georgia. Yearly events include: Jobsite visits, educational events with company executives, social events (Braves Game, Cornhole Tournament, and more!), and community service events.

Traveling to Savannah for the 2-Day Event? 

A limited number of rooms, for a limited time, have been set aside for ABC GA members at the

AC Hotel Savannah Historic District
601 E River St.
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 912-9200

$244/night (plus applicable fees and taxes)

Start Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
End Date: Friday, October 16, 2026

To reserve, please click on the link below:

Book your group rate for ABC of Georgia

*Please book by September 29 (may be extended)

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As the first 2-day event in Savannah for ABC Georgia, a sponsorship is a great opportunity to get your company's brand in front of a multitude of attendees. Become a Sponsor today!

Some sponsor packages include tickets to both events--bring the crew--don't miss it!

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Amy Kane at Amy@abcga.org

Please contact Josie Pfendler for any registration needs or changes at Josie@abcga.org

Please contact Nikki Edwards for any specific event-related questions at Nikki@abcga.org