I'd budget more money than $630 because the 2004 Convention is longer in duration and I know they'll be spending more $$$ for favors, events, etc. I'm budgeting around $1200 plus airfare.

Then I'm suprised that they didn't do it near IHQ. That would be pretty cool...although I don't know how the accomodations are near there.

What a great convention present it would be to recolonize Alpha Chapter in 2004 for centennial! It would probably also be really great for their recruitment. :)

I may be mistaken, but...

I can't remember who said it, but in a previous discussion about Convention 2004, someone had mentioned that IHQ was to go through renovation sometime soon?

The accomendations around IHQ are BLAH...it really would not work.
They have been talking about renovations for years...I do not think the Fraternity does not have the money to do anything big.

The Chicago Marriot is pretty nice, I've had to stay there before for democratic and Model UN events!!! The best part of Chicago, of course is the Magnificent Mile, so you gotta save up $ for shopping too!! I will certianly be there, I wouldn't miss it for the world. We can all finally meet each other if we haven't met by then!!!

Ok I can only speak a little about the whole "why isn't it in Syracuse" thing. Cuz I live 2 hours away (it would have been soooo convient though)

1) As Sandy stated, Syracuse doesnt have a major airport.The two closest are the Rochester International Airport (2 hours away) and the Buffalo Aiport (3 hours way). It'd be a hassle for those who come from Hawai'i ( ;) ), California etc. And especially for those who can't get direct flights in. No one wants to drive 2-3 more hours after a flight.

2) Another reason might be for the fact that it has been known that they city of Syracuse and the University DO NOT have the best of relationships. And even though there would be plenty of older (more mature) ladies, i dont think the idea of oh say 2,000+ (I dont know what convention numbers are, but what you'd except for a centenial) sorority women is too appealing to them.

3) I like the city of Syrcause. However it isnt the most attractive of cities, and doesnt have that much of a tourism appeal to it.

** Syracuse has plenty of hotel accommedations though. Conventions are held in the city often and the city fields stuff such as the regionals for the Final Four tourny. So hotels wouldnt be a prob. Also I believe the Syracuse Civic or Convention center is pretty big so a place to hold it wouldnt be a problem either. I dont think Alpha closing is a reason either cuz to me IHQ would be planning or at least thinking about 2004 wayy before they thought about closing it. but to me the closing would be even more reasont o have it there. Hopefully Alpha WILL be recolonized by '04.

Convention
 

Hey ladies, since Convention is just around the corner, I thought we could all chat here about it! I have never been to a convention before, but I want to go next year. I know it is in Chicago, does anyone have any other details- like cost and dates?
Thanks!

count me in!!
 

I can't wait to go ~ it will be my first convention!! Thank goodness I'll be decently close to Chicago (Ottawa), so transportation costs won't be too much hopefully.

Too bad I couldn't pay for it now ... our Canadian dollar is at a six year high these days ~ it's worth about $.735 US or so, much more than the $.66 or $.67 it was just eight months ago!

and so the countdown to Chicago & CONVENTION 2004 begins ...

liEP,
~ Jen

Sarah, I hope you don't mind...but I merged your thread with the one we had which also had some of the info about next year's Centennial.

I made up my mind in 2001 that I was going to the Centennial. I'm sure that the specifics will be sent out soon. The Chicago Marriott is right along the Magnificent Mile (I think), so bring your shopping money!!!

To quote the infamous hawaiiagd: "I don't care what it'll take for me to get there. Even if they have to take me in an URN, there's nothing that's stopping me from going to Chicago!"

Convention is July 17-21. That's a Saturday through Wednesday. You would arrive sometime early Saturday and then depart for home anytime Wednesday. Don't forget to pack a dress for Initiation (don't forget that your dress needs to be tea length or floor length). And you'll need your most glamourous dress for Feast of Roses. Feast of Roses has always been the closing night's big banquet and everyone dresses up to the nines! Initiation is usually the second or third night and it'll be a long night with Initiation and the awarding of the Honors of Espilon Pi! The first night is the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation Fun Night. Now since this is a Convention year they may move some of these events around from their traditionallly held nights. And of course during the day for all the workshops, general sessions, and meetings it's business attire.

I haven't seen a schedule yet for Convention or any of the Centennial Events during Convention. I think they're all still being formalized!

Atlanta 2001 was beautiful and I had so much fun. I can't wait to hear about the fun things they'll have planned for Chicago!

I expect to get there early and leave late. I need at least a few days for shopping and exploring the Windy City's nightlife!

Sandy---
Chicago has the best shopping--Michigan Ave---
and great nightlife. You will have a blast!!!
-w.

Okay, I WILL get myself to Centennial, I don[t care what it costs!

Anyone want to go in on a room together? That way we can keep costs down SOMEWHAT...Katey? Leslie? Let's start planning NOW!

it sounds like some kind of bad joke...How many AGD's can fit in one hotel room?:p This can't end well...

I loved Michigan Ave when I went to Chi-Town. Its great for shopaholics like me. I suggest bringing about $500 for that alone ;)

For those of you who have never been to Convention, the Fraternity has a registration form. That's where you select which or all events you will be attending as well as your hotel reservation and if you'll be rooming with anyone. You could try to get a room on your own and pack 'em in, but the Marriott may already be booked. The Fraternity ususally gets a good rate due to the number of rooms that are reserved. I guess you could stay elsewhere, but it's so much more fun to stay where everyone else is - especially for late night pj parties!