Five Ways to Prepare for Convention

Dear 2018 Convention Attendees:

The Sigma Tau Delta 2018 International Convention in Cincinnati, OH, is just around the corner and as everyone makes final preparations to embark on this annual pilgrimage, here are five last-minute tips to help you prepare for your trip!

Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

The First Way: Download Our Convention App

In addition to this email, you also will receive an invitation to the Sigma Tau Delta Convention App tomorrow. Our app has the most up-to-the minute convention information and allows you to create your own personal agenda, connect with other convention attendees, and post photos and status updates to unlock achievements and vie for top spot on the leaderboard.

The Second Way: What to Pack

Be sure to pack “business attire” for your own presentation. For the Red & Black Convention Awards Gala, members are encouraged to wear Society colors for this semi-formal event. And while you’re packing, plan to show your school spirit with school apparel for Wednesday evening’s events and Friday’s business meeting if you aren’t dressed to present.

If your chapter helped to produce a literary arts journal, make sure to bring a copy of your journal with you to Cincinnati! When you arrive, deliver your journal to the registration desk so that it can join the literary arts journal display table.

The Third Way: Prepare for the Concurrent Sessions

Double-check the Concurrent Sessions schedule (posted also on the app under agenda) for the most up-to-date version of the concurrent sessions. The registration desk at convention, as well as the app and website, will post an errata sheet with any last-minute changes to the program. If you are a presenter, moderator, or chair, check the website for helpful tips and best practices. Presenters, before you pack that printed copy of your work in your carry-on luggage, practice reading in front of people you trust to tell you whether you are speaking clearly—and to be sure your presentation comes in under your 15-minute time limit!

The Fourth Way: Learn about the Workshops

Thursday morning offers a wide variety of workshops for convention attendees. The morning begins with the Student Leadership workshop, which will hone the leadership skills necessary to run a successful Sigma Tau Delta chapter. Other workshop topics range from career options for English majors to advice on applying for fellowship programs. And Sponsors should be sure to attend the two-part Sponsor Workshop!

The Fifth Way: Go to Registration First Thing!

When you arrive next week at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, make your way to convention registration. The registration desk will be located in the Mezzanine Foyer on Wednesday before moving to 4^th Floor Foyer for Thursday through Saturday. Registering gives you important materials for navigating through convention: your name badge, the printed program with hotel maps, and the convention T-shirt you may have ordered or purchase on-site. Convention registration is open

Wednesday     3:00-9:00
Thursday         7:00-6:00
Friday              8:00-2:00
Saturday          8:00-noon

The first event, Abecedarian: ABCs of Convention, will be the 4^th floor Pavillion on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. and is an excellent introduction to convention, especially for first time attendees.

See you in Cincinnati!

Lexey Bartlett, Chair
Sigma Tau Delta 2018 International Convention
[email protected]