Come to Convention in June!
 

Mark your Calendars now! Convention 2004 will be at the Marriott River Center in San Antonio, Texas from June 26-29. Delegates required to attend are GH, Personnel Advisor, Recruitment Chairman, Recruitment Advisor, and the Panhellenic Delegate. As always all Chi Omega's are invited to attend!

Convention is always an incredible experience -- it's Chi Omega at its best.

2006 Chi Omega National Convention Dates
 

And if you really like to plan ahead...

Convention 2006 will be held in Washington, D.C. from June 29 - July 3, 2006!

Thanks for the heads up! I've never been to convention before and that's going to be close to home next year....

Of course if we were still here in DC in 2006 it would be even closer! :)

And I am planning ahead. I don't think I can swing a trip to San Antonio, but I can DRIVE to DC if I want! :) Maybe the bf (who might be a husband but then) will come with me. They do have dinners or something that non-Chi Os can attend, right?

Something for Everyone!
 

Oh yes, we usually have quite a few husbands attend. (In 1990, Mary Ann Mobley brought Gary Collins!) They join us for dinners, Night of Revelry, banquets, etc. Also, activities are planned during the day that they can participate in like golf or tours (they did a behind-the-scenes tour of Disney World when we were in Orlando in 2000.) I think that was the year the husbands had a "cigar party" during the Esoteric Evening while the women were attending the initiation ceremony!

My guy would love a cigar party! I'll tell him they have one at every convention and be "so" surprised if they don't have one then! Oh, and he thinks Sela Ward is beautiful. Maybe I'll say she's going to be there, too.... ;)

I want to go, but it sounds like an expensive trip. Do you have to register and such? And if so is there a fee? I'd have to find some good deals on air and hotel expenses...unless I can get one of my Texas buddies to spot me on their couch ;)

Yes, you need to register as a part-time delegate. When the registration forms are available we can post them here. The hotel rates are usually pretty good -- especially if you're sharing a room with others.

Some of my closest friends in Chi Omega were officers so they got to go to Convention (I believe). I'd REALLY like to go to headquarters too! Maybe some day I'll be able to do that if I'm road tripping to Alabama to see my little brother at school!

Question:

Which is more fun? Firesides or Convention? Personal opinions of course!

I am going to guess convention. There are so many people and everything is on a much larger scale. Plus there is a Model Inititate ceremony - I can't wait for that! But I'm sure Firesides are cool because you can make some real connections in those smaller groups. I hope to attend both (more than once, too!).

I agree with xokathy's perceptions, though it's hard to say... Convention is on a much "grander" scale. To be surrounded by over 1000 Chi Omegas of various ages & parts of the country is an awesome thing. Plus, like Kathy mentioned, the model initiation and the President's banquet, Night of Revelry, Awards Luncheon, business meetings, Parade of Chapter G.H.s, etc. Also, sometimes "famous" alumnae attend! We've had Pat Schroeder (congresswoman from Colorado), Susan Helms (astronaut), Pat Head Summit (basketball coach), Mary Ann Mobley (former Miss America), Ellen Gilchrist (author), Victoria Mackenzie Childs (artist), Blanche Lambert Lincoln (Senator from Arkansas)...the list goes on.

But...(here's where I contradict myself!) I love Firesides too! It's smaller in scale and you have the chance to get to know the other delegates as well as the HQ staff and/or the Governing Council member in attendance.

Both are great.

I sort of mentioned Conventin to m boyfriend this weekend - and I said how they invote spouses/fiancees/significant others and he said "Oh really?" Like he was interested! And I told him about the cigar night (although made no promises about it happening in the future! :p ) and he thought that was great. So maybe he'ss come along to DC after all!

Values into Action: Chi Omega for Life is the theme for Convention 2004.

The Foundation just announced that one of the recipients of the Woman of Achievement award will be Trisha Wilson, the president of the second largest international design firm (a firm she started.) She was the designer for such spectacular projects like the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.

Recent Announcement:
 

Roselyn Threadgill Dabbs Anderson ("Dabbs") and Mary Frances Wesberry ("Frannie") have been selected as the Supreme Governing Council Model Initiates for 2004. These outstanding women come from a treasured history of Chi Omegas including their grandmother, Roselyn Dabbs, their mothers, Lynn Anderson and Mary Lee Wesberry, plus several additional Chi Omega relatives.

Dabbs is a new member at Tau Chapter -- University of Mississippi and Frannie is a new member at Chi Delta Chapter --Millsaps College. The Model Initiation will occur during Convention 2004 on Sunday, June 27th in San Antonio, Texas.

I can't wait to go to a convention and see the Model Initiation! It must be so beautiful! I have a question, though - the rest of their NM class will already have been initiated, right? They don't go through at the chapter and then again at Convention?

On another note, you think the girls as Tau were like, "Wow, Rosyln Threadgill Dabbs Anderson - think she's any relation?!?" :p Just kidding, I know those southern chapters know months in advance whose coming through and pretty much everything about them. Heck, they probably knew about this Rosyln 5 years before she came through!!! :)

Edited to add: I just re-read NutBrn's post - are these girls cousins?!? That would be awesome to be initiated with your cousin!

Correct.

Quote:

I just re-read NutBrn's post - are these girls cousins?!? That would be awesome to be initiated with your cousin!

Yes, Dabbs & Frannie are first cousins.

Chi Omega Convention 2004
 

More Convention info. has been posted on the Chi Omega Everyday website.

Convention Info.

Keynote Speaker
 

The keynote speaker, Dr. Gordon Gee who is Chancellor of
Vanderbilt University, will launch Convention with a message of returning to the core values upon which our Fraternity was founded.

Wow, I just learned that the Tri Delts will have their Convention in the same hotel (Marriott Rivercenter) in San Antonio the day we leave!

(They are SUCH copycats! --I'm kidding, of course...only kidding!)-- ;)

That's a LOT of sorority girls in one place at the same time!

2004 Convention Schedule
 

I thought it might be fun for those of you unable to attend this Convention, to be able to see what we'll be doing each day. It might be "more info. than you ever wanted to know," but here it is:

Saturday, June 26
Dinner at La Villita: Get a flavor of Old San Antonio by joining your sisters for dinner at La Villita, a historic outdoor marketplace. The evening will include a traditional Mexican dinner and introductions of special guests. We’ll also be granting a wish for a very special Make-A-Wish child!

Sunday, June 27
Opening Business Meeting: Watch the promenade of 170 collegiate presidents with their flags and hear each chapter’s most impressive Point of Pride. The keynote speaker launches Convention with a message of returning to the core values upon which our Fraternity was founded. Not to be missed!

National Panhellenic Council Luncheon: Celebrate our Panhellenic spirit! Patty Disque, Chi Omega’s NPC Delegate and a member of the NPC Executive Committee, will share her thoughts on the importance of campus-wide ethics.

Women of Achievement Panel: In this panel discussion, Women of Achievement share the important life lessons taught by Chi Omega, and describe how these experiences led them toward success in their personal and professional lives.

Model Initiation Ceremony: All Chi Omega sisters are welcome to witness our inspiring ritual ceremony as we initiate two new sisters!

Women of Achievement Dinner and Dessert Reception: Join the Chi Omega Foundation in celebrating the talents of world-renowned interior designer and businesswoman Trisha Wilson (Iota chapter) as well as other honored Women of Achievement. During the dessert reception, you’ll have an opportunity to meet and speak with current and past Women of Achievement.

Monday, June 28
Educational workshops, including:
• Chi Omega: Vision Into Values: Jan Blackwell, National Archivist, will tell the story of how Chi Omega’s values have been lived by sisters from our founding to today.
• Setting and Meeting Goals
• Communication and Marketing: What Are We “Selling?”

Awards Luncheon: Celebrate the accomplishments of our outstanding collegiate chapters, alumnae chapters, and individual members during this luncheon. A great way to support your sisters!

Educational workshops, including:
• Communicating among the House Corporation, Advisory Board, and collegiate chapter members
• Recruitment planning, mechanics, and conversation
• Facilitation Skills: How to plan and run an effective meeting
• Book of Rules and Fair Play
• Emergency procedures for your House Corporation
• Chi Omega and Make A Wish: Just Wish for It!
• Chi Omega web resources
• Panhellenic Ethics: Living our values
• Understanding Chi Omega’s insurance coverage

Knibbe Ranch: Venture into the heart of Texas to visit Knibbe Ranch, an actual working ranch outside of San Antonio. We'll start out on the Great Meadow building teepees and enjoying the warm evening. After a Texas-style barbecue dinner we'll celebrate Chi Omega with fun skits and songs. Do you juggle pomegranates? Can you tap dance to “Chi Omega Yours Forever”? Come prepared to make up a skit spoofing happenings at Convention.

Tuesday, June 29
Educational workshops, including:
• Marketing Chi Omega year-round on your campus and in your community
• Recruiting and training members of your Advisory Board
• Taking it home: How to turn goals into actions
• Promoting a positive Panhellenic image on your campus
• Hot topics in House Corporations
• Recruitment roundtables

Luncheon: Sam Haskell of the William Morris Agency will share his thoughts on managing versus leading. Inspirational words to take home!

Business Meeting

Tribute to sisters and Memorial Service

President’s Banquet: Our biggest celebration! Join us in honoring Chi Omega’s volunteers and leaders while we celebrate the friendships made and strengthened during Convention.

Serenade of the Governing Council

Is there going to be an owl trot? I was hoping to run...

I'm not sure if there is or not. Nut would know. I had fun doing it last time, but by the time we were done around 9 am it was already really hot! Running in the desert is a lot different than running in NC.

I have heard no mention of an "Owl Trot" (a.k.a. fun run) for this Convention. Perhaps the location of the hotel does not lend itself to this type of event.

I did hear some great sccop the other day... Harper Lee (along with the beforementioned Trisha Wilson) is going to be named a Woman of Achievement. Sadly, she is not able to attend Convention, but will be sending her acceptance speech.

Fun Facts to Know & Tell!
 

Registration numbers for delegates to the 2004 National Convention are over 1300, which makes it our largest meeting ever!

If you can't come to this one...plan ahead for 2006 and/or 2008.

2006 - Washington, D.C.
2008 - St. Louis, MO

Just realized that our sisters are in San Antonio having fun! Oh I wish I could have gone, but I guess saving for a wedding is an ok reason not to...:( ;)

But I'm already shopping for my white dress for when convention comes to DC!!!

Yep, I know three of our girls and 2 advisors flew out bright and early on Saturday morning. I am so jealous!
I can't wait for Convention in DC because I will be able to drive there and will have a free place to stay.

I can't wait for all the information when they come back. My new roommate went to convention, so I will have tons of time to grill her!

A little bit of scoop...
 

Just a quick updat (I'll post more later).

Convention was FABULOUS! Oh...and we have a new S.H.! Jean Mrasek!!! Yeah. Mary Ann retired after 12 years on the Council and we gave her quite a send-off.

Man, I am sorry that I missed that! Please post more info when you get a chance and also any pictures you have. I know we're all dying to hear all about it.