Join AGLCA September 6th and 7th in Milwaukee to learn about the Great Loop cruising lifestyle!
What is the Great Loop? It's a 6,000-mile boating adventure of a lifetime that circumnavigates the eastern U.S., and a small part of Canada, via an interconnect series of waterways including the intracoastal waterway, historic canals, the Great Lakes, the inland rivers, the Gulf of Mexico, and more.
This event is an introduction to the Great Loop. We'll explain the route, how to do it, and start to prepare you for your own Great Loop adventure. The first day is a half-day of afternoon sessions that focuses on finding and buying your perfect Great Loop boat. On the second day, which is a full-day, we move into practical advice for planning and preparing for the Great Loop with sessions about the route and general boating topics with a Great Loop focus. You'll also hear stories from Gold Loopers (members who have completed the Loop) about their adventures.
What Is It Really Like to Cruise America's Great Loop?
If you have asked yourselves any of these questions, this seminar is for you!
• How much time and money will it take?
• What kind of boat do I need?
• Is it safe?
• How will I know what to do in an emergency?
• What can I expect to see and do on the Loop?
• How do I leave my home/family for that long?
• How much boating experience do I need?
Get the answers to these questions and so much more! You'll hear from industry professionals as well as Gold Loopers. Sponsors will also be exhibiting to showcase their products and services that can help you accomplish your dream of cruising the Great Loop.
Registration is $149/person and includes a one-year AGLCA membership (or membership extension) per registrant (so a couple who shares a membership and both register for the seminar will receive a two-year joint membership). After registering for the event, the complimentary membership will be set up within a few days to a week by the Home Port Crew and details will be sent to you about your new membership (or membership extension). You do not need to create a new membership for yourself to register for this event.
Registration will be open through Thursday, August 29th or whenever we reach capacity for the event.
Socialize with Other AGLCA Members
Just learning about the Great Loop can be daunting but it can be lessened greatly when you have the opportunity to connect one-on-one with fellow Loopers who are further along in the planning stages than you, are cruising the Loop now or have even completed their own adventures. And, what better way to do that than with a cocktail, aka docktail in the Looper world, at Milwaukee Docktails! This cash bar reception will be held on Friday, September 6th at the War Memorial Beer Garden, which is a short distance from the Hyatt Regency.
Docktails is open to all event attendees, members in the surrounding area and members currently on the Loop who will be cruising through Milwaukee. There's no better place to meet up with new Loopers than over docktails so come get a taste of that famous Looper camaraderie. It's a great way to jumpstart your Great Loop adventure! You'll have opportunity to RSVP for docktails during the registration process.
"The seminar was both informative and inspirational. At one point Saturday morning my wife looked over at me and said, 'Why aren't we starting right away?' Our plans have moved up a full year! Thank you."
"Overall, we enjoyed the seminar and found it to be informative. Pushed me over the edge to make the decision to go for it!"
"It was great to meet people and make new friends as well. Thank you for this opportunity. I feel much more prepared and am even more excited about starting our Loop."
"The seminar was specifically tailored to those embarking on this new 'looping' chapter of their lives and that is exactly where we were."
"It's hard to pick the best thing because I found it all to be so informative and loved the stories of the experienced Loopers!"
Hotel Information
A discounted room block has been reserved for AGLCA registrants at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee where the seminars will be held. The discounted rate is $179/night plus tax and the reservation deadline is Thursday, August 8, 2024. You can use this link to make an online reservation or you can call 888-421-1442 and mention AGLCA Looper Lifestyle and/or code “G-AGLC”. The Hyatt Regency offers valet parking ($38/night) and self-parking ($28/night); rates subject to change.
Right in the heart of Milwaukee, the Hyatt Regency is the only full-service hotel serving the Deer District. Just steps away from the scenic RiverWalk entertainment district and many other points of interest, the Hyatt Regency offers concierge service, fitness center, business center, on-site bar and restaurant and a full-service Starbucks. Sleeping rooms have city views with contemporary décor, complimentary WiFi and convenient workspaces. The Hyatt Regency is within 10 miles of the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE).
Welcome to America's Dairyland!
Come early or stay late to explore the city known as Brew City. Situated on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee has a rich industrial history and a diverse cultural heritage worth exploring.
Since 1870 Milwaukee has had deep roots in the brewing industry with major past brewers including Miller Brewing Company, Pabst Brewing Company and Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company. Today, the largest brewery is MillerCoors, producing 10 million barrels of beer annually. There are many opportunities throughout the city to take beer and brewery tours that highlight the history of the brewing industry with plenty of brews along the way from mainstream varieties to those created by local, craft breweries.
Also known as the Cream City, because of the color of the brick in many of its historical buildings, you’ll find an array of architectural styles from ornate churches to Frank Lloyd Wright homes to cutting-edge architecture like the Milwaukee Art Museum, which features over 25,000 pieces of art. The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory is an architectural feature known as The Domes and is a living museum with plants from across the globe.
An excellent way to explore the city is the Milwaukee RiverWalk. It’s a little over three miles that stretches along the Milwaukee River. You’ll find plenty of art, architecture, shopping, dining and libations in the three distinct neighborhoods connected by the RiverWalk. As you take a stroll, be sure to pose with the Bronze Fonz, a statue of Arthur Fonzarelli from the iconic TV sitcom Happy Days.
The dining scene in Milwaukee is diverse offering international flair and many foods that speak to the cultural heritage of the area like German bratwurst and the Friday Fish Fry. Of course, being part of America’s Dairyland, cheese curds and frozen custard are always available.
There’s plenty to explore in Milwaukee so learn more to plan your visit.
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations received up to 2 weeks prior to event, registration fee will be refunded less a $50 processing fee. For cancellations received within 2 weeks of the event start date, registration fee will be refunded less a $50 processing fee if seat(s) can be filled. If the seat(s) cannot be filled, no refund will be issued.