National Convention Bid • Savannah, Georgia
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The most Irish city in America is proud to present its bid to host the Ancient Order of Hibernians National Convention. A celebration of faith, friendship, and heritage — where it has always belonged.
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Long before New York's parade or Boston's revelry, Savannah was celebrating St. Patrick's Day. The city's tradition stretches back to 1813, making it one of the oldest and largest celebrations in the entire nation. Every March, nearly half a million visitors descend on this Georgia jewel — and the Irish-American community that makes it happen is woven into the city's very foundation.
From the Irish laborers who dug the Savannah River canals to the Catholic parishes that anchored the immigrant community, the story of Savannah is inseparable from the story of Irish America. The AOH has long been a part of that story. Bringing the National Convention to Savannah is not just a logistical choice — it is a homecoming.
Savannah's parade, first held in 1813, is one of the oldest in the United States — predating many of the nation's most famous Irish-American traditions and drawing hundreds of thousands each year.
The magnificent Cathedral, consecrated in 1876, stands as a testament to the faith and sacrifice of Savannah's Irish Catholic community — a fitting spiritual anchor for an AOH gathering.
Emmet Park on the Savannah riverfront honors Robert Emmet, Irish patriot and martyr. It is a place of pilgrimage for Irish-Americans who understand that our identity is rooted in those who came before.
Founded in 1812, the Hibernian Society of Savannah is the oldest Irish charitable organization in the American South — a living institution that connects our convention bid to over two centuries of Irish brotherhood.
Savannah is not merely a beautiful destination — it is a world-class convention city. The Savannah Convention Center, situated on the Savannah River, is one of the finest in the Southeast, offering expansive meeting space, a stunning waterfront setting, and seamless connections to the city's historic district, hotels, and dining. Every logistical need for a National Convention is met here with grace and style.
330,000 sq ft of flexible convention space directly on the Savannah River, with a full-service Westin and adjacent meeting venues.
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport offers direct flights from major hubs nationwide, with easy access from the Southeast corridor.
Thousands of hotel rooms within walking distance of the Convention Center, from major brands to boutique historic properties throughout the landmark district.
A nationally acclaimed food scene, legendary Southern hospitality, and a vibrant riverfront entertainment district — ideal for receptions, banquets, and fellowship.
Savannah's compact, pedestrian-friendly historic district means delegates can walk from hotels to convention venues to social events — a rare and prized logistical asset.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist and numerous historic parishes offer sacred spaces worthy of the AOH's commitment to faith and devotion.
What makes the Savannah 2030 bid exceptional is not just the city — it is the people behind it. The Georgia and South Carolina State Boards of the Ancient Order of Hibernians have joined forces in an unprecedented partnership to present a unified, deeply experienced local team committed to making the National Convention an historic success.
Together, our states bring decades of organizational experience, deep civic relationships, and an unshakeable commitment to the values of the AOH — Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity. We know how to plan. We know how to execute. And we know how to celebrate being Irish in America.
As host-state partners, the Georgia AOH brings direct relationships with Savannah's civic leadership, the Hibernian Society, the Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Cathedral — ensuring seamless local coordination from the very start.
The South Carolina AOH brings organizational depth, experience coordinating major events, and strong ties through the SC-Ireland Trade Commission — adding an international dimension and proven planning capacity to the bid team.
"We are not simply neighbors lending a hand. We are brothers and sisters in the Order, united by a shared conviction that Savannah in 2030 will be the finest National Convention in a generation."