Important Meeting Information
Hotel Reservations
Additional Information
Named for General Francis Marion, the “Swamp Fox” of the
American Revolution, the Francis Marion Hotel opened in 1924 as
the largest and grandest hotel in the Carolinas. Located at 387 King
Street, Charleston, SC 29403, the hotel’s historic location offers
an easy walk to boutique shopping, superior restaurants, exciting
nightlife and carriage tours. Please make your reservations directly
by calling 843-722-0600 or 877-756-2121 and mention Pickle
Packers International to receive the preferred room rate of $199
plus tax for single/double. Or, online at http://bookings.ihotelier.
com/bookings.jsp?groupID=1533493&hotelID=76320 with online
code: PICKLE. Guaranteed reservations are refundable if cancelled
72 hours prior to check-in.
Contact Samantha Lee at [email protected] or by phone
(202-331-2452) if you have questions or need assistance
with registration.
IMPORTANT: The cutoff date for making discounted reservations is
September 23, 2016. After this date, PPI’s room block will be
released and reservations will be accepted based on availability.
Much to See and Do
Charleston is a unique Southeast destination with antebellum charm,
Southern grace and plenty to see and do. Enjoy walking or trolley
rides to the Charleston Museum, Old City Market, South Carolina
aquarium or to view the architecture of 18th and 19th century
Southern mansions and churches sitting on every corner. Fort Sumter
National Monument is in the middle of Charleston Harbor, and
Marion Square is near the Charleston Vistor’s Center. Dining in
Charleston is an experience – there is a variety of restaurants from
five star cuisines to mouthwatering seafood raw bars. Beaches and
Southern plantations are a short drive away.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Companies interested in added exposure during this and all
association events are encouraged to show their support via
sponsorships. Special recognition will be given to each contributor
during the meeting. Contact Brian Bursiek, PPI Executive Vice
President (202-331-2465), for sponsorship details matching your
company’s needs.
Name Badge Required
Registrants will receive a name badge which must be worn for entry
into all speaking sessions, meals and social functions.
Dress Code
The conference dress code is business casual (ties not required).
Airport, Ground Transportation, and Parking
The Charleston International Airport is 15 minutes away. Shuttle
service can be arranged in advance for $35 per person round trip.
Current cab fare is approximately $23 one way. The City of
Charleston parking garage is adjacent to the hotel. Valet service is
available at $22 per day plus tax, and self-parking is available at
$17 per day, cash only.
Spouse Program – The Charleston
Breakfast Tour
Enjoy breakfast at Eli’s Table, visit the Nathaniel Russell
Home museum and embark on an excellent overviewtour of this enchanting colonial sea-side city. Indicate
your participation when completing your meeting
registration form.
Eli’s Table features a menu offering bold, worldly flavors
while using fresh and local ingredients, including coffee
and beignets, low country eggs Benedict, crispy fried
oysters, poached eggs, wilted spinach, Tasso ham gravy,
breakfast potatoes, praline French toast and egg
white omelets.
The city tour includes the favorite sights of The Old
Exchange, cobblestone streets, quaint gardens, hundreds
of 18th and 19th century homes, buildings and churches
and Waterfront Park over-looking the Charleston Harbor
and Fort Sumter. This excellent tour will touch on many
aspects of architecture, religion, black history, fires and
disasters and the important roles Charleston played in the
Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
The Nathaniel Russell House is a handsome example of
Federal architecture, completed in 1808 by Nathaniel
Russell, one of Charleston’s wealthiest merchants. The
astonishing flying staircase spirals unsupported from
floor to floor, and the tier of beautiful south rooms
have elliptical shapes. This home is complemented by
gleaming old silver, fine china and fine examples of
Charleston crafted period furniture.