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Greetings Sorors of the Blazing Southwest Region!
I am honored and privileged to invite each of you to join us at the 45th Southwest Regional Conference of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in San Antonio Texas, August 11‐‐‐14, 2016. As we assemble together in the home city of our beloved Founder Myra Davis Hemmings, we know that her spirit will exude throughout the Conference. Our time together will be festive and focused as we convene in the beautiful city of San Antonio to plot our course and continue our forward movement to serve communities. The Conference Coordinators, Debbie Hamilton and Occie Carlisle have worked diligently to ensure that your experience in San Antonio will be unforgettable. The entire Regional Conference Planning Committee, San Antonio Alumnae Chapter, Upsilon Nu and Zeta Upsilon have been preparing for this Regional Conference for many months and have paid great attention to every detail. Everyone has worked to make certain that your visit will be pleasant and your Regional Conference experience will be memorable. It is my hope that everyone will leave this Regional Conference experience in San Antonio geared up and ready to make a difference in our communities.
San Antonio is home to the Alamo, the San Fernando Cathedral, Tower of the Americas and the famous Riverwalk. We ask that during your visit each of you partake in the many wonders of San Antonio, reconnect with sisters, meet new friends and renew your commitment to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. It is my sincere hope that you will enjoy this Regional Conference experience and that you will leave ready to continue your “Uncompromising Commitment to Communities”. “The Heat Is On”, see you in San Antonio!
In the Spirit of Sisterhood, Pamela M. Rogers Pamela M. Rogers Southwest Regional Director
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Greetings My Dynamic Collegiate Sorors of the Blazing Southwest Region,
In just a few short months our roads will converge in the city of San Antonio for the 45th Southwest Regional Conference. Our purpose is to dialogue and deliberate on the programmatic aspects of our organization so that we may enhance our impact in our respective communities. We will be welcomed by the warmth of our Founder Myra Davis Hemming’s legacy, the San Antonio Alumnae, Upsilon Nu and Zeta Upsilon chapters. The chapters have put a tremendous effort into making certain that your time at the Regional Conference is illed with the lavor of the area from arts and culture to their great history. Thank you to the chapters for their untiring work and dedication to making this Conference a successful one. I know that you are excited also and I invite each of you to join me in San Antonio for some unforgettable memories. It is with anticipation that I await the time we will all be "rolling on the river" together in our exhilarating red and white in San Antonio, Texas. I can't wait to welcome you along with the San Antonio Alumnae Chapter; and Upsilon Nu and Zeta Upsilon collegiate chapters. It is my hope that what you experience during the Conference and your stay in San Antonio will leave you forever inspired! Sisterly,
Kristen Wells-Lewis Kristen Wells‐‐‐Lewis Southwest Regional Representative
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HOLA Sorors, Bienvendos!
Welcome to San Antonio, Texas. The Sorors of the San Antonio Alumnae Chapter are honored to host you for the 45th Southwest Regional Conference and look forward to your arrival. Planning is well underway to ensure that you experience all that San Antonio has to offer.
San Antonio captures the spirit of Texas. As the seventh largest city in the United States, San Antonio is proud to be the home of the Alamo, San Antonio Missions, Championship San Antonio Spurs, and of course the home of our beloved founder Myra Davis Hemmings. A historic African American tour entitled, “Beyond the Alamo” has been planned especially for you.
No visit to San Antonio is complete unless you take in the sites of the River Walk, an urban sanctuary that winds along the San Antonio River. Soror Ivy Taylor, the Mayor of San Antonio, is illed with excitement and looks forward to welcoming you with open arms to her great city.
Sorors, bring your family, there is something for everyone, incredible fun, amazing attractions and unforgettable adventures await you. Did someone say shopping? San Antonio is home to amazing shopping to include the Shops of La Cantera, Northstar Mall, St. John’s Boutique and just a few miles from the Premium Outlet Mall in San Marcos, TX.
Picture yourself in San Antonio where everything is HOT! HOT! HOT!
Debbie C. Hamilton, Ph.D
2016 Conference Coordinator
Occie Hudson Carlisle
2016 Conference Co‐Coordinator
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G TENTATIVE
Wednesday, August 10, 2016 IMPACT DAY: Community Service Project
Regional Leadership Dinner (by invita on only)
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Conference Registration (Pre‐Registered Sorors Only) Membership Intake Training for Trainers (By Invitation Only) COLLEGIATE DAY ACTIVITIES General Sessions Collegiate Internal Development Workshops (AM & PM) Exhibit/Trade Show Registration (Pre‐Registered and Transfers) Choir Rehearsal Conference Committee/Support Personnel Meetings Delegate Orientation (Attendance mandatory for Voting and Alternate delegates) Chaplain’s Corner Hostess Chapter’s Welcome Event
Friday, August 12, 2016 Chaplain’s Corner
Choir Rehearsal Plenary I ‐ Formal Opening Exhibit/Trade Show
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Friday, August 12, 2016 (cont’d)
Sisterhood Luncheon PLENARY II – NATIONAL UPDATES PLENARY III —MEET THE CANDIDATES Candidates’ Corner Talent Showcase (subscription event) Club Delta
Saturday,
August 13, 2016
Choir Rehearsal PLENARY IV ‐ ELECTIONS MEMORIAL OBSERVANCE Exhibit/Trade Show Internal Development Workshops (AM) PLENARY V ‐ NATIONAL UPDATES Social Action Luncheon (subscription event) Internal Development Workshops (PM) PLENARY VI – FINAL REPORTS PLENARY VII – CLOSING BANQUET
Sunday, August 14, 2016 Ecumenical Service
Transition of Officers ‐ Attendance mandatory for newly elected and outgoing officers
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CONFERENCE REMINDERS Conference Registration Regional Conference Registrations will be on a rolling basis. Registration for the Southwest Regional Conference will open on March 10, 2016. All registration must be made through the national website ‐ www.deltasigmatheta.org Registration closes on April 12, 2016. Payment for your registration may be made by credit card, cashiers check, money order, or wire transfer. Please refer to the Registration Fee table below:
Conference Registration Fee Schedule: Alumnae Registration Collegiate Registration Delta Dears Registration Host Chapters‐Alumnae Registration Host Chapters‐Collegiate Registration International Chapters Registration
$265 $185 $240 $240 $175 $165
Subscription Events: Tickets for subscription events must be purchased at the same time you pre‐register for the conference, and are non‐refundable. Note: Sorors will not be able log on to the system to purchase tickets only.
Social Action Luncheon Talent Showcase
$ 65 $ 40
Attire: Business attire is required for ALL ceremonies and plenary sessions. Shorts, jeans, halter tops, foam sandals, and otherwise inappropriate attire are not permitted in any business sessions. Please refer to the current protocol and traditions manual and the table below for guidance: Opening Plenary White Business Attire (No Pants) Ecumenical White (Recommended ); However Red, Black or other business attire is acceptable Memorial Observance Black, Red, or White Business attire (No Pants) Closing Banquet Formal or After Five Attire
Transfer of Registration: Refer to the “2016 Regional Conference Online Registration Information and Guidelines” in the Members Only Area.
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THE IMPORTANCE OF BOOKING YOUR ROOM THROUGH DELTA Most Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Housing
I can find a lower rate on the Internet. Why should I book a room through Delta? Negotiated hotels rates incorporate many benefits for you and Delta. Based on the number of rooms in Delta’s block, the hotel provides complimentary or reduced rates for meeting room rental, staff accommodations, and food and beverage. In addition, a percentage of sleeping room revenue is often rebated to Delta. The rebate is used to cover audio/visual, electrical, and other meeting costs incurred at the hotel or convention center. If Delta is unable to achieve its room block commitment because attendees are making reservations at other hotels or canceling/shortening their length of stay at the hotel, the hotel charges Delta an attrition fee to make up for its lost sleeping room revenue. An increase in attrition fees may lead to an increase in registration fees or other expenses related to the convention. Anticipated sleeping room pickup is Delta’s strongest tool when negotiating future sleeping room rates and meeting space. What other benefits are there to reserving a room through Delta? Delta and our official housing company will work on your behalf to help resolve any issues, if there is a dispute with the hotel, or if you are dissatisfied with your accommodations. Transportation will only be provided to registered delegates within the Official Room Block. When you factor in cab fares and travel time to an alternate hotel, you may discover the benefits are not as great as you originally planned. Staying within the official room block allows you to better network with your peers and remain in the center of the activity surrounding the meeting. In addition, Delta hotel contracts include clauses that protect our attendees in a variety of areas. For example, if the hotel is oversold and must relocate an attendee to another hotel, the hotel must provide complimentary transportation to the alternate hotel and pay for one night accommodations. This benefit is only extended to registered delegates in our official room block. What should I do if the room block is sold out? Delta’s official housing company works directly with hotels in monitoring the room blocks at each hotel in order to ensure that we do not run into a sold out situation. However, if the room block is sold out, you should not secure housing on your own. You should add your name and billing information to the waiting list that will be provided on the housing website. Once additional housing is contracted, your housing accommodations will automatically be secured. If you contact or go directly to the hotels, they will not provide or increase the room block or provide the contracted Conference rate. The Sorority will not get credit for your reservation nor receive the contracted rebate. The city’s housing records will not accurately reflect the Sorority’s economic impact in the city.
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What is Delta doing to reduce its exposure to attrition fees? Delta has teamed up with a housing agency who tracks sleeping room reservations and cancellations for each National Convention/Regional Conference and works with future hotels in adjusting sleeping room blocks to match Delta’s current trends. Why you should not use a debit card to book a hotel room? Using a debit card to book a hotel can cost you dearly. It's typically better to use a credit card rather than a debit card when checking into a hotel. The hotel will place a hold on the money in your checking account to cover the potential balance of your stay. The room rate, taxes and estimated incidentals ($50 per day) such as meals, telephone calls, Internet charges and mini-bar fees will all be used to calculate the hold. Such holds can remain for several days to more than a week after you check out and can cause your card to be declined or charged hefty overdraft fees for purchases you thought you had money in your account to cover. Hotels also put holds on credit cards, but unless you're up against your credit limit that usually isn't a problem. It is important to note that the non-refundable two night deposit will be deducted from the card that you enter at the time of booking your hotel room. The card entered at the time of booking will also be onfile with the hotel once our official housing company submits the final rooming list to the hotel. What if I don't have a credit card? Don't have a credit card to use? You'll need to keep a high balance in your checking account to cover debit card holds when traveling. Better yet, to safeguard the checking account where your bill payments and other transactions are withdrawn, open a second checking account used only for debits. Attendees must register for the conference prior to accessing the housing link. Our room block will open along with registration in March of 2016.
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Please make checks payable to: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. MEMO: 2016 SWRC Souvenir Journal Mail hard copy of ad(s) and check to: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. San Antonio Alumnae Chapter P.O. Box 1846 San Antonio, TX 78297 Attn: 2016 SWRC Souvenir Journal
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ADS ARE DUE JUNE 1, 2016 Please submit camera‐ready ads via email to 2016swconferenceads@gmail.com **Late ads will be assessed a $35 fee** Acceptable file formats JPEG, PNG & GIF QUESTIONS? Contact us: Sheryl C. Womble @ 210‐601‐9674 2016swconferenceads@gmail.com Download this form at dstsanantonio.com
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All Sorors interested in participating in the 45th Regional Conference Choir must complete and return this form by Saturday, June 17, 2016. Music will be forwarded to each choir member prior to conference rehearsals. Please complete this form and email it to: dstsat@aol.com. Please place Regional Conference Music in the subject line. Date: ______ / ______ / ______ Member #: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: _____________________________________ State: _____________________ Zip Code: _______________________ Home Phone #: (_______) ________ ‐ ___________ Cell Phone #: (______ ) ______ ‐ ____________ __________ Email Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________ Chapter Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________
Please list all instruments that you play:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CHOIR SECTION: Soprano Alto Tenor
OTHER TALENT: Section Leader Choir Director Lead Vocalist OTHER: __________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Talent Showcase / Variety Show The 2016 Southwest Regional Conference is pleased to present the Blazing Southwest Region Talent Showcase. Sorors will minister through movement, song and dance a passionate re lection of the many trials that women are faced with as we continue to lead our families and loved ones.
Eligibility:
Participants must submit a completed entry form.
Each team is only allowed three (3) stagehands maximum.
A current video representation/internet link of a previous performance should accompany entry form to kristenwlswrr@gmail.com
The registration deadline is Friday, June 17, 2016
The Team will be noti ied no later than June 21, 2016 after the Committee has reviewed entries.
Every participant must be inancial and in good standing for the 2016‐17 iscal year.
Every participant MUST be registered for the Regional Conference or the team must submit a $200.00 registration fee.
Spring 2016 Collegiate graduates are eligible to participate with their collegiate chapter.
***Early entries are strongly recommended. Any additional requirements will be provided separately. Please direct all inquiries to Kristen Wells‐Lewis at (832) 574‐‐0002 or via‐ email at kristenwlswrr@gmail.com. Email video clip and registration form to kristenwlswrr@gmail.com
Attention: 2016 Regional Conference Talent Showcase 15
Talent Showcase / Variety Show
ENTRY FORM Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Member No. _______________________________________________________________________________ Chapter: ___________________________________________________________________________________ College/University (if applicable) ________________________________________________________ Primary Advisor (if applicable) __________________________________________________________ Contact Phone: Daytime _________________________ Evening ____________________________ Description of talent/performance _____________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Please attach a separate sheet with the names of performers, props, and music assistants (which will count towards a stage hand). Everyone participating on a team MUST come from the same chapter. Please include each team member’s name and membership number.
Registration Deadline: Friday, June 17, 2016
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City Maps with points of interest at a glance
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AIRLINE American Airlines www.aa.com 1‐‐‐800‐‐‐433‐‐‐7300 Delta Airlines www.delta.com 888‐‐‐750‐‐‐3284 JetBlue Airlines www.jetblue.com 1‐‐‐800‐‐‐JETBLUE (538‐‐‐2583) Southwest Airlines www.southwest.com 1‐‐‐800‐‐‐I‐‐‐FLY‐‐‐SWA United Airlines www.united.com/ 1‐800‐UNITED1 (1‐800‐864‐8331)
BUS COMPANIES Greyhound www.greyhound.com 800‐‐‐231‐‐‐2222 MegaBus us.megabus.com 1‐‐‐877‐‐‐GO2‐‐‐MEGA (1‐‐‐877‐‐‐462‐‐‐6342) TRAINS Amtrak www.amtrak.com 1‐‐‐800‐‐‐USA‐‐‐RAIL
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