46th Biennial Convention Update
Dear Soroptimist,
It is with a heavy heart that I report your SIA Board of Directors has discussed and decided for reasons outside of our control to cancel our 46th Biennial Convention in Bellevue, Washington, USA, July 22-25, 2020. We will be terminating our contract for cause with the Hyatt Bellevue because of the global public health pandemic.
For all of us, this opportunity to come together in person to celebrate our impact and plan for our future is a high point of membership in our global organization. But right now, with the coronavirus/COVID-19 still spreading, with international travel restrictions and limits on the number of people who can gather together, we know this is not the right time for our convention. At this time, we are focused on our families, our communities and the women and girls we can serve during this crisis.
This decision in no way diminishes our desire to share information and excitement about our Dream Programs, our next Big Goal or our Diamond Campaign. It does not diminish our desire to celebrate the outstanding work of clubs and regions. It does not diminish our desire to thank our donors. And it does not diminish our desire to thank our out-going leaders nor pledge our support to those who are taking up new leadership roles.
That is why, your Federation Board has decided to retain the club convention fee to cover the costs of terminating our convention and sharing the content in new and different ways. In addition, we will be exploring new ways to consider our proposed bylaws changes. While we know this is a difficult time for all of us financially, the convention fee allows us to share our on-going costs associated activities related to convention.
Finally, I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to thank Convention Chair Stephanie Smith and Co-Chair Sue Riney and their wonderful committee chairs: Colleen Schmidt, Program; Kathy King, General Session; Kelly Fogarty, Sponsorship; Leanne Davis, Marketing; Karen Marshall, Exhibitor; Ann Rutledge, Volunteer Coordinator; and Theresa Heidt-Vanderschoot, Hospitality. I know I speak for all our members when I say thank you and express my regret that we will not be able to experience all the wonderful things you had planned for us.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact siahq@soroptimist.org.
Sincerely,
Tina Wei Kang Pan
2019-2020 SIA President