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My roommate made the suggestion to me that we need to take into account those people that come alone and even perhaps for the first time.
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Amen to that.
The only convention I attended was more than a decade ago at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville. (I can't remember which year that was.) I was in my early 20s and was the Tulsa Alumnae President. My teeny tiny alumnae chapter could only send one delegate and there were no Oklahoma collegiate chapters at the time. I knew NO ONE at that place. I am pretty good at making do, and I met some very nice people, but when free time came around I was always inviting myself to tag along with groups that knew each other well. It was awkward. Plus, for my age group, it was strange - most of the attendees were either collegiates or were much older than me. The age didn't matter to me - I was used to it as I was the only member of my alumnae chapter under the age of 45. I would have socialized with anyone who
asked. It is just intimidating when the collegiate chapters send a small group, so they all hang together, and many of the alumnae have been networking with each other for years.
I don't mean for that to sound whiny - I just remember that feeling and I want everyone who forks out the money to go to convention to get the most out of it that they can. If they enjoy themselves, they will go back to their alumnae chapters and inspire others to go, or at least to be excited about AOII.
Bobra, good luck with all the work you will be doing for this convention. We are lucky to have you working on this!