A Century and a Half of Convention

Ah, Convention. There is something magical about this long-standing Sorority tradition, and if you’ve ever attended one, you know the feeling! Convention brings sisters from far and wide together under one roof for four days to conduct important business, honor our sacred rituals and traditions and celebrate our True and Constant bonds that span collegiate and alumnae chapters, distances, generations and more. This is the purpose of Convention today, but how did we get here? To answer that, let’s rewind to Syracuse, New York, circa 1883, when the first-ever Gamma Phi Beta Convention was held.

Conventions 1883

By 1882, Gamma Phi Beta's reach had expanded beyond New York with the installation of Beta Chapter at the University of Michigan. Recognizing the need to discuss the Sorority’s future amid this growth, members convened for their first official Convention in Syracuse, New York, on November 8-9, 1883. 

Most of the 69 members of Alpha Chapter (Syracuse) attended the inaugural gathering. They were joined by Isadore Thompson from Beta Chapter (Michigan), who traveled from Ann Arbor as her chapter's sole delegate. The first-ever Convention primarily focused on business matters, such as plans for further expansion and the costs associated with establishing new chapters. This meeting proved so valuable that it laid the foundation for future Conventions. The Constitution was revised to schedule Conventions around November 11 and rotate the hosting chapter annually. 

Convention 1883 also had its fair share of fun. The closing banquet took place at the home of Jennie Reals (Syracuse), which was only a short distance from Syracuse University. The evening featured piano solos, readings of essays and poems and attendees singing many songs, including “Gamma Phi Beta Waltz.” Convention Treasurer Blanche Shove (Syracuse) concluded her Convention minutes with the following remark: “After a feast which exceeded our wildest dreams, we adjourned to the parlors for a good time. May all future Conventions prove as pleasant and enjoyable as this — our first one.”  

While Convention 1883 primarily focused on business, it also embraced the spirit of sisterhood with a memorable closing banquet that allowed members to enjoy each other’s company and strengthen new and existing bonds. This blend of formal proceedings and personal connection set the tone for future Conventions, which continue to balance these elements. This tradition ensures that each Convention is not only productive but also a cherished opportunity for sisterhood. By 1882, Gamma Phi Beta's reach had expanded beyond New York with the installation of Beta Chapter at the University of Michigan. Recognizing the need to discuss the Sorority’s future amid this growth, members convened for their first official Convention in Syracuse, New York, on November 8-9, 1883. 

Page! Page! Page!

We asked, our Convention planner answered 

Planning our biannual Convention is no small feat. To get an inside look at what it takes to orchestrate this grand, four-day event, we sat down with our Director of Meetings and Conferences Page Adams (Indiana), who has planned six Conventions during her 11-year professional tenure with Gamma Phi Beta.  

What criteria do you consider when selecting a Convention city?  

My main priority is finding a hotel that can accommodate all our guestrooms and meeting spaces. Given the size of our event, options are limited. We then consider city desirability and costs. Once a few hotels/cities are shortlisted, we evaluate factors like concessions, renovations, transport times, service, exclusivity, location, safety and accessibility. We use a rubric to weigh these variables and narrow down our options.  

How far in advance do you start scouting for the next Convention location?  

We used to book five years in advance, but since the COVID-19 pandemic, we've been more cautious about advanced bookings. Following the pandemic, we wanted to see how in-person events bounced back and needed to get a few events under our belt to gauge attendance. With that in mind, we now book about three to four years in advance.   

Who ultimately decides on Convention cities? 

I make a recommendation to the International Council, and they vote.  

Favorite Convention and why? 

Before Convention 2024 in Chicago, my favorite was Convention 2014 in Seattle, my first one. Witnessing the scale of our sisterhood for the first time was incredibly moving, and the flag processional, memorial/ritual service and Confirmed Conventioneers brought me to tears. However, Convention 2024 has now become my pinnacle event. Celebrating our 150th anniversary with special memories and ending with a performance by Natasha Bedingfield, where our collegians sang their hearts out along with her, is something I will cherish forever.  

While Convention 1883 primarily focused on business, it also embraced the spirit of sisterhood with a memorable closing banquet that allowed members to enjoy each other’s company and strengthen new and existing bonds. This blend of formal proceedings and personal connection set the tone for future Conventions, which continue to balance these elements. This tradition ensures that each Convention is not only productive but also a cherished opportunity for sisterhood. By 1882, Gamma Phi Beta's reach had expanded beyond New York with the installation of Beta Chapter at the University of Michigan. Recognizing the need to discuss the Sorority’s future amid this growth, members convened for their first official Convention in Syracuse, New York, on November 8-9, 1883. Milestone Conventions

Convention 1907 

Why so special: Convention 1907 marked Gamma Phi Beta’s 25th Convention, making it a celebration for all who attended. 

Key moments: It was the first time in many years all four Founders were together at a Gamma Phi Beta function. Sadly, Convention 1907 was the last time all four founding sisters were together.  

Convention 1936  

Why so special: This was Gamma Phi Beta’s first Canadian Convention!  

Key moments: The Convention hotel’s final banquet was called the “Carnation Banquet,” with pink carnations adorning the banquet space. Today, this signature event is known as the Pink Carnation Banquet, or PCB for short. 

Convention 1962

Why so special: Convention 1962 was the Sorority’s golden 50th Convention!  

Key moments: The gala dinner celebrated the Sorority’s 88th anniversary, featuring a keynote speech by Dr. R. Franklin Thompson, president of the University of Puget Sound. Delegates approved a Bylaw amendment recommended by the philanthropy board to expand the Lindsey Barbee Fellowship from graduate study in social work to all fields of education, broadening its accessibility to members.  

Convention 2012 

Why so special: It was the 75th Convention of Gamma Phi Beta.  

Key moments: The Sorority’s new philanthropic partner, Girls on the Run, and philanthropic focus, Building Strong Girls, were announced at this Convention.