Greetings from 24th National President
Members of Iota Phi
Lambda Sorority, Inc.
This is one of the most exciting messages that I will deliver this year! On behalf of the National Board and myself, we welcome you to the 2025 National Convention, July 28-August 3, 2025 to be held in the D.C. Metropolitan area. The 96th Anniversary National Convention will offer our traditional business sessions, a thought-provoking Leadership Institute, additional educational and inter-active workshops, announcements for the Mahalia S. Evans, 2025 National Soror of the Year, the Lola M. Parker 2025 Business Woman of the Year and the induction of National Honorary Sorors. And introducing the inaugural “White Pearl Affair” welcome party. Gamma Chapter of the Eastern Region is the host chapter. Gamma Chapter has planned some exciting activities as well, for the convention attendees.
Our National Vendors are pulling out the stops, they will be bringing and offering the best and most unique Iota items for you to purchase. There will be so many interesting things to experience and see as we celebrate 96 years of the first African American Greek-lettered business sorority established.
To all Sorors, Pelati, Men of Iota (MOI), Future Intellectual Leaders (FIL), you have a personal invitation from the National Board, the Eastern Region and the host, Gamma Chapter to join us!
See you, in D.C.
Charlotte D Berry
Charlotte D. Berry M.Ed. 24 th National President National Executive Board Members
2025 Convention theme : "Propelled by Ingenuity: Rising to the Challenge of Tomorrow"
Sorority’s National theme: “Professional Business Women Propelled by Ingenuity: Intentional Purpose #Designed1929 #Driven2023-2027 #Distinction2029"
Convention Planning Teams
25th Eastern Regional Director
35th Gamma (DC)
Chapter President
96th Convention Host Chapter
Soror Karen Y Arey
Eastern Region | Zeta Mu Chapter
Soror Voneta B Marin
Soror Dr Audrey Douglas- Cooke
10thAnniversary
This event is supported by the LMPF, celebrating ten years of bringing economic prosperity across Amer can communities since 2015
Convention Protocol & Goals
The National Convention of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. is the governing body of the organization. The Convention meets every two years to conduct business and set policy for the governing of the membership and organization:
ATTENDEES
The Convention is open to all financial members of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. who are divided into two groups: Voting and Non-Voting Delegates; Iota Auxiliary Members: Men of Iota (MOI) , Pelati, or Future Iota Leaders.
VOTING DELEGATES
CONVENTION GOALS
Convention Program Schedule
Convention Program Schedule
8:00 AM –7:30 PM
Vendor Marketplace/Exhibits
July 30 2025 WED
7:00 AM8:00 AM Gamma Turtle Trot in support of GH WINs Efforts (Virtual , On Your Own or Group Style) 8:00 AM –9:30 AM REGISTRATION
10: 00 AM –2:00 PM
Pre-Convention Workshops
REGIONAL GEAR D
2:00 PM –3:00 PM PNOC Reception with First Timers 3:00 PM –4:00 PM PNOC General Meetin 1:00 PM –4:00 PM
10:00 AM –11:00 AM
Pre-Convention Workshop #1 IOTA.Talks Live
11:00 AM –12:00 PM
Pre-Convention Workshop # 2
Soror Michelle Greene
1:00 PM –2:00 PM
Pre-Convention Workshop #3
Soror Michelle Greene
REGISTRATION & Delta Phi Service Proje Helping Hands 5:00 PM6:00 PM CONVENTION OPENIN 7:00 PM9:30 PM
Host Chapter | Gamma Homecoming Hype @ S America (Alexandria , V 7:00 PM - until Dinner on your own
July 31 2025
Convention Program Schedule
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM REGISTRATION
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM “Elevate Yourself” Networking Breakfast
7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Vendor Marketplace/ Exh
9:00 AM – 12:00 NOON First Plenary Session : Pre
12:15 PM -2:15 PM Celebrating Rededication (Sorors Only) Legacy Awards & Annivers
2:30 PM– 3:30 PM Convention Picture - Stair
3:40 PM – 5:00 PM Second Plenary Session
5:10PM – 6:40PM EDUCATION FORUM (ALL 6:40 PM – 7:40 PM ELECTION POLLS OPEN & Dinner on your own
Convention Program Schedule
Aug. 1 2025 FRI
7:30 AM – 8:00 AM Continental Breakfast
7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Vendor Marketplace/Exhibits
7:30 AM - Noon
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE Presentation of the Outstanding Woma Award
Noon -2:30 PM
EDUCATIONAL & LEADERSHIP INSTITUT Service/ Special Recognition/Certificat Awards
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Third Plenary Session
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Mahalia S. Evans Soror of the Year Banq Years of Service Award
Aug. 2 2025 SAT
7:30 AM – 8:15 AM Continental Breakfast
Convention Program Schedule
7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Vendor Marketplace/Exhibits
8:30 AM – 12:00 NOON Fourth Plenary Session
11:40 AM-NOON CONVENING OF THE EDUCATIONAL FUND NOON – 3:00 PM RECESS
3:10 PM – 4:10 PM Fifth Plenary Session State of the Sorority Report Charlotte Berry, 24th National President
7:00PM – 10:00PM Awards Celebration | Installation of Offic
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM Pelati/Men Of Iota Memorial Service Prayer Breakf
Dressing for Impact: Style Meets Success!
MONDAY, JULY 28, 2025
National Executive Board Hotel Tour/ Business Meeting
Sorority Colors-Business Casual Early Arrivals
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
CHAPTER PARAPHERNALIA DAY
National Executive Board Meeting
Casual Sorority Colors
White Pearl Affair - All White with Pearls
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
REGIONAL PARAPHERNALIA DAY
Gamma Turtle Trot - early risers- gym attire, sneakers
Pre-Convention Workshops/Delegates Forum Sorors: Sorority
Colors
FIL: Auxiliary Colors
Pelatis : Auxiliary Colors
Men of Iota : Auxiliary Colors
Opening Session/Reception to Follow Sorors: Sorority Colors
Business Attire: Green tops/white bottoms
Pelatis: Pink Business Attire
Men of Iota : Black &/or Gray Business Attire
FIL: Blue & Khaki
HOMECOMING HYPE!
Gamma Chapter Fundraiser
Casual attire: t-shirts, jeans, nice slacks, Iota pins or jewelry
Your Alma mater t-shirt . Rep your school proudly!!!
Dressing for Impact: Style Meets Success!
Thursday, July 31, 2025
ond Plenary Sessions, Memorial Service, on Picture, Rededication & Induction of norary Soror/ Educational Forum
Business Attire - All White /Kente for Business Sessions
Pink Business Attire
ta– Black &/or Gray Jacket, Shirt & Tie & Khaki
Friday,august 1, 2025
Leadership Institute/Woman of the Year sentation/Conference Workshops/Leadership Luncheon/Third Plenary Session
ors – Business Attire -Sorority Colors
ss Attire
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Fourth/Fifth Plenary Session/ NCNW-Good Health WINs Training
All Participants-Business Attire- Sorority & Auxiliary Colors
Awards Banquet/ Installation of Officers/PNOC/Passing of the Torch
Officers: New & Retiring/ PNP-All White
After-Five Attire: Dress to Impress
sunday, august 3, 2025
Prayer Breakfast/MOI Memorial/Service
Prayer Breakfast
2025 Convention Public Health Guidelines
As members of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., we have a responsibility to protect ourselves as well as every person we interact with. It is extremely important that you consider instituting the following measures to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses as recommended by the CDC.
The following are some recommendations in preparation for and during the National Convention.
Stay up to date with immunizations. Get vaccinated for flu, COVID19, and RSV when eligible (must be 60 yrs. or older).
Practice good hygiene: Washing hands frequently, cover coughs & sneezes. Avoid touching your face.
Take steps for cleaner air spacing: Sit at arm’s length if possible. Respect other individual’s personal space.
Mask wearing: Until we begin to see a decline in the trends, you can voluntarily ‘mask-up’ in public spaces where you may not feel comfortable in. There will not be a mandate to wear masks during the convention. It is a personal choice. We will have masks available in various areas if you need one.
Remember, the goal is for everyone to be careful, safe, healthy aware and to have a great convention experience!
Charlotte D Berry, MEd
24th National President
National Executive Board Members
R i t ti / S hi G id li
Sorors who wish to register and attend the 96th Anniversary National Convention must be financial on all levels for the Sorority Year when you register. Online registration forms are available via MemberPlanet. Simply click your option on the next page to get started.
Registration fees include access to all official 96th Anniversary National Convention events, including special events, luncheons, awards, workshops, convention materials, and the official convention gift. We are going Green and Convention materials will be provided on a thumb drive. Hard copies requested will be at cost of $20 in addition to the registration fee. There are the below disclaimers to registration for convention and the hotel reservation.
NO REFUNDS. But a member’s Convention registration is transferrable upon written request using the provided MemberPlanet form. Select the below blue button to the right to complete the form.
Members that cancel their hotel reservation will lose their early bird rate and are required to pay the difference. This helps with ensuring members committed to attending receive a room within the Iota room block. Make sure if you are transferring your reservation for the hotel, that it be documented on the Convention Transfer Form with the room confirmation ID number.
Host chapter events will be require separate registration through Gamma chapter’s website: www.iota-gammadc.org.
MemberPlanet registration required. To access the National Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. MemberPlanet site visite www.iota1929.org. New this year on the website will be a dedicated webpage for registration. Payment options in MP include credit card or pay later to allow you to pay with Zelle or check after registering. Any Zelle payments must use: iotanattreasurer@gmail.com. Checks must be mailed to National Financial Secretary Soror Lana Samuels at: 3406 Chalfont Ct., Houston, Texas 77066.
Lastly, while registering make sure to select your option for the Release Statement in MemberPlanet. The statement is a disclaimer noting the following: you understand that photographs and videos will be taken throughout all events during the Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. 96th National Convention, taking place from July 28 – August 3, 2025, in Washington, DC. These images may be used for promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, newsletters, and presentations during and after the convention. Through your registration you will need to submit confirmation of having read and received this notice.
Convention Transfer Form
These tickets are for non-Iota member types. This means the general public and all guests interested in attending. No account is required to use the registration process. Visit www.iota1929.org tody. We can’t wait to see you at the 96th National Anniversary Convention of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
Hotel Information | Hyatt Regency Crystal City
HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Shuttle
To-Go
Lobbi
Cinnabar
Metro
Corporate-OrganizationsSmall BusinessesEntrepreneurs- Individuals (non-members
Due date for submissions is June 1, 2025.
Required formats are high resolution PDFs, PNG or JPEG files. No changes will be done by the Executive committee or assigned team members . No Microsoft Word documents. Use MemberPlanet to upload your form. Be creative and show your Iota support.
Vendor Registration
Vendors are welcome to display their merchandise in the designated vendor area during our national convention from Tuesday, July 29, 2025 through Saturday, August 2, 2025.
Vendors desiring to reserve space should do so no later May 30, 2025 through online registration in Iota’s Member Planet form. Visit www.iota1929.org .
VENDOR HOURS
July 29 – Aug 2, 2025
Vendor Set up 3:00 pm – 10:00pm, No vending on Tuesday. Shops Open Wednesday 7/30 at 8:00 a.m.
Daily hours of Operation | 8:00 am – 10:00 p.m. FEES:
All 4 ½ days - $500
Per day fee - $150
POC: National Executive Director & National Vendor Relations
Soror Karen Arey, executive.director@iota1929.org
The primary airport for the Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated 96th Anniversary National Convention is Ronald Reagan International Airport (DCA) (5 to 10 mins) from the hotel. But there are two additional airports, one called Baltimore Washington International (BWI) (42 mins.) and Dulles International Airport (IAD) (41 mins.) from the hotel. If arriving during high traffic periods for the DMV expect longer travel times.
Transportation Options Airport Shuttle
Ronald Reagan International Airport (DCA)
You can track the Hyatt shuttle for pickup by downloading the application below when you arrive. Shuttle service will provide estimated times to and from the airport. When opening the link be sure to use HOTEL CODE: 2799 Terminal 1 pickup location is outside the main doors. Follow signs for Hotel Shuttle Pickup. Use the Track My Shuttle information above to know when the shuttle will be arriving Terminal 2 pickup locations are outside of Doors 4 and 7 on the baggage claim level Follow signs for Hotel Shuttle Pickup Use the Track My Shuttle information above to know when the shuttle will be arriving The shuttle departs from the hotel front drive every 20 minutes from 4:20 a m to 12:40 a m , seven days a week All shuttle services will be conducted to/from the Ronald Reagan National Airport for both Metro transit and Airport transportation The shuttle will depart from the hotel every 20 minutes beginning at 4:20 a m until 12:40 a m daily.
Airport Information
$65-$70 (one way)
Metro Subway Access
Hotel is located in the heart of National Landing between the Crystal City Metro and Potomac Yards metro station. Crystal City Metro Station is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Guest can also take the airport shuttle to the Reagan National Airport Metro station which is about 5 minutes from the hotel.
MARC
Train service from BWI to Union Station is approximately $6.
Virginia Rail Express
Virginia Rail Express station is a five-minute walk from our Washington. D.C., metro area hotel.
Super Shuttle
Approximately $33 one-way shared ride and approximately $67 nonstop ride. Contact 800 258 3826
$40–$45 (one way)
Ground Transportation Level
DMV Transportation Guidance
Airport to Hotel Transportation Options
Hyatt Regency Crystal City Valet Parking |
Valet-only parking, with unlimited in/out privileges. Clearance is 6’ 8” in the underground parking garage. *Additional fee may apply for oversized vehicles.
Overnight: Cars $55.00/night
PMI public parking lots within a block of hotel
Awards Limousine |
Contact 703 682 8102 for available sedan/limo service to our Washington, D.C., metro area hotel. One Way To/From BWI is approximately $100. One Way To/From IAD is approximately $65. Contact Awards Limousine for final prices.
Uber |
Price varies depending on arrival time.
Taxis |
Taxi to or from Union Station if you take Amtrak or Greyhound to Washington, DC and will cost approximately $17–$20.
Driving on Your Own Getting Here
From Points South
Take 95 North towards Washington, DC
Take exit 170A-B toward I-395 N/Washington/I-495 N/Tysons Corner.
Keep left onto I-395 N (Henry G Shirley Memorial Hwy) toward Washington.
Take exit 7A toward VA-120 S/Glebe Rd. Go for 0.2 mi.
Turn right onto S Glebe Rd (VA-120). Go for 1.5 mi.
Turn left onto Richmond Hwy (US-1 N). Go for 0.1 mi.
Keep left onto Richmond Hwy (US-1 N) toward Downtown. Go for 0.6 mi.
Turn right onto 23rd St S. Go for 75 ft.
Turn right onto S Clark St. Go for 0.3 mi.
Hyatt Regency Crystal City At Reagan National Airport [462 - 532] Richmond Hwy, Bruington, VA 23023
From Points North
I-95 S
Take exit 22B toward Washington South onto MD-295 S (Baltimore Washington Pkwy)
Continue on DC-295 S (Kenilworth Ave NE)
Take exit 1B-C toward I-695/Downtown/I-395 onto I-695 W (Southeast Fwy)
Continue on I-395 S (Southwest Fwy)
Keep right onto I-395 S toward US-1 S
Continue on I-395 S (Henry G Shirley Memorial Hwy)
Take left exit 8C toward US-1 S/Pentagon City/Crystal City/Alexandria
Keep left onto Jefferson Davis Hwy (US-1 S)
Turn left onto 23rd St S.
Turn right onto S Clark St
Hyatt Regency Crystal City At Reagan National Airport [462 - 532] Richmond Hwy, Bruington, VA 23023
Convention Planning Teams
Gamma | National Convention Host Chapter Co-Chair Team
2023-2025 president@iota-gammadc.org vonetta.ipl.gammadc1@gmail.com melissaresil@gmail.com
2025 Host Chapter | Gamma Fundraiser &
Delta Phi (Undergrad)
Registration is required using MemberPlanet. Payment options include: Ca$hApp, Zelle, and PayPal. Payments can be made directly to the chapter now up to June 15, 2025. Payments can also be accepted using the sorors registration form. https://www.memberplanet.com/preview/iota1929/96thanc_gammafundraisers
Washington, DC (DMV) Attractions
Frederick Douglass House
