Virtual International Convention 2021

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Virtual International Convention

After careful consideration, research and conversation, the Executive Board in partnership with AOII professional staff have made the decision to move our International Convention to a virtual experience. While we would love to be gathering in person this summer, this decision was made with the health and safety of our members in mind.

We know there are many questions surrounding what comes next, and we look forward to bringing all of your favorite things about Convention to a virtual experience this summer. As additional details are made available, this page will continue to be updated.

Participate in Convention

Registration Information

Members of Council have priority registration for Convention 2021 beginning Monday, April 5! To register, sign in to your AlphaLink account and access the registration form through the Convention 2021 tile on your dashboard. Instructions for sending an alternate were provided directly to members of Council in the event they cannot attend. Council members are encouraged to register before non-council registration opens Monday, April 12.

Registration Fee

Members of Council should plan to attend Convention full-time. This will include Rituals and Candle Lighting, engaging keynotes, sisterhood, education sessions, voting in business session, celebrations of the Fraternity, AOII swag and more for $189.70.

Registration has traditionally been a personal expense, however, chapters were asked to retain the cost of registration in their budget for Collegiate Chapter Presidents, Collegiate Chapter Advisors, or Alumnae Presidents to attend. International volunteers should plan for the registration fee to continue to be a personal expense.

Part-time registration is available for all non-council AOII members. This ticket will include Rituals and Candle Lighting, general sessions and keynotes, PIP Storytelling and Awards for $50. Swag boxes are not included in the part-time ticket type. A swag box can be added for an additional cost, but priority shipping is given to those who registered by May 31.

We look forward to a wonderful Virtual Convention, June 23-26, 2021. If you have any questions regarding registration, please contact Sarah Tuttle, Assistant Director of Events.


Keynote Speakers

Lindsay Boccardo Headshot
Lindsay Boccardo, Co-Founder of Careerhouse, Professional Speaker and Coach

Thursday Keynote Speaker:
Lindsay Boccardo, Co-Founder of Careerhouse, Professional Speaker and Coach

Our first speaker is Lindsay Boccardo, a professional speaker and coach who saw first-hand how members were uniquely positioned for leadership opportunities because of their sorority experience. Lindsay will be speaking about Leadership in High Achiever Land during our opening session, Thursday, June 24.

Learn more at lindsayboccardo.com

Friday Keynote Speaker:
Tunde Oyeneyin, Peloton Trainer and Founder, S.P.E.A.K Movement

Tunde Oyeneyin Headshot
Tunde Oyeneyin, Peloton Trainer and Founder, S.P.E.A.K Movement

During our General Session on Friday, June 25, we’ll be joined by Tunde Oyeneyin, one of Peloton’s Elite Cycling Instructors, Motivational Speaker, and Founder of S.P.E.A.K. (Surrender, Power, Empathy, Authenticity, Knowledge). Tunde quickly became known for her empowering and motivational cycling rides on Peloton. She realized her true calling was to motivate people to join her in becoming the best version of themselves. Through her Peloton Classes and The S.P.E.A.K movement, she gifts people with confidence and is ready to inspire!

Learn more at speaktunde.com

 


Frequently Asked Questions

What is International Convention?

International Convention is an event held biennially for AOII members to celebrate the biennium and conduct the business of the Fraternity. This event provides a unique experience to meet other sisters, hear great keynote speakers, learn during education tracks, and celebrate the accomplishments of the Fraternity, our chapters, and members. Attendees also have the opportunity to participate in AOII Rituals and traditions, and experience sisterhood with members from across North America. We encourage all of our members to attend.

When and where will International Convention be held?

Convention will be held virtually Wednesday, June 23 through Saturday, June 26. Registered attendees will have access to the Whova event app, and sessions will take place on Zoom.

Who is required to attend International Convention?

All voting members of council should attend Convention.

Council includes: all Past International Presidents, AOII Executive Board, The National Panhellenic Conference Delegate, AOII Foundation Board of Directors, AOII Properties Board of Directors, the Chairmen of the Standing Committees, Network Directors and Specialists, Collegiate Chapter Presidents, Collegiate Chapter Advisers, and Alumnae Chapter Presidents.

Will I be required to attend every session?

There will be specific sessions that all members of Council will be required to attend and participate in in order to represent your chapter or your International Volunteer role. Those sessions will be indicated on the Virtual Convention schedule.

When will registration be open?

Priority registration is now open for members of Council. Registration for all non-council attendees will open Monday, April 12 and registration for all will close Friday, April 30. Council members are encouraged to register before non-council registration opens next Monday, April 12. Members should log in to AlphaLink and access the registration through the Convention 2021 tile on their personal portal.

How much will it cost to attend Virtual Convention?

Participate in the full Convention experience, including Rituals and Candlelighting, engaging keynotes, sisterhood, education sessions, celebrations of the Fraternity, AOII swag and more for $189.70. Part-time registration options are also available, starting at just $50.

Registration has traditionally been a personal expense, but at this time, chapters are asked to retain the original cost of registration in their budget for Collegiate Chapter Presidents, Collegiate Chapter Advisors, or Alumnae Presidents to attend. International volunteers should plan for the registration fee to continue to be a personal expense.

Members of Council should plan to attend Convention full-time; all other collegiate and alumnae members are welcome to select a full- or part-time registration option. Council includes: all Past International Presidents, AOII Executive Board, The NPC Delegate, AOII Foundation Board of Directors, AOII Properties Board of Directors, the Chairmen of the Standing Committees, Network Directors and Specialists, Collegiate Chapter Presidents, Collegiate Chapter Advisers, and Alumnae Chapter Presidents.

Can we use Corporation Funds to pay the registration fee?

Corporation funds typically are applied to Room & Board expenses or travel for additional attendees at Convention. Because Virtual Convention fees are a registration fee only and do not include room & board or travel, you may not use Corporation Funds to pay for registration for Convention 2021. Please contact your Assistant Director of Properties regarding alternate uses of Corporation funds.

How will I register for Virtual Convention?

Registration for Convention will be accessible through AlphaLink starting with members of Council on April 5 and for all members April 12. To access to the registration form, log in to your AlphaLink account and click the 2021 Convention tile.

How will I access sessions throughout the weekend?

We will be utilizing three primary pieces of technology to facilitate virtual engagement – Whova, an event app, as the central location to find information about the event, VVoter, a virtual voting platform for members of Council to use during business sessions, and Zoom for video components. As a registered attendee, you will receive an invitation to access the Whova app prior to Convention. It is important that you download the app, as this is how you will be able to view the event schedule, access Zoom links to sessions, and network with other attendees. There will be voting practice sessions that participants and attendees will be invited to attend in order to be familiar with our different technology platforms.

Are we still conducting elections?

Yes! Elections will be conducted during the Business Sessions of Convention. Council members will be invited to practice sessions prior to Virtual Convention in order to be familiar with our virtual voting platform.

How can we securely vote virtually?

We will be utilizing a voting platform during the Business Sessions of Convention. Voting members of council will have a unique log in and will be required to log in during Business Sessions to submit their votes. Council members will be invited to practice sessions prior to Virtual Convention in order to be familiar with our virtual voting platform.

Will we be having Ritual and Candle Lighting Ceremony virtually?

Yes! Candle Lighting and Ritual are cherished traditions at every Convention. While participating virtually will be a little different, these will still be memorable components of the Convention program. Participants in Candle Lighting and Rituals will be contacted prior to Virtual Convention with specific instructions.

Candle Lighting is a ceremony where every collegiate chapter is represented by lighting a single candle while their sub-motto is recited.

What is the schedule for Convention 2021?

Times below are listed in Central Time and are subject to change. The final schedule will be provided prior to the start of Convention in the Whova Event App, which will be made available to attendees on Monday, June 14th.

The schedule below shows the general schedule for Convention with sessions mandatory for council members noted in bold. Only sessions noted with an asterisk are open to part-time attendees.

How do I make changes to my registration?

Please contact Assistant Director of Events, Sarah Tuttle or (615) 370-0920 to make updates or changes to your registration.

How do I transfer my registration?

Registration can be transferred from one attendee to another at no charge until June 9, 2021. No transfers may be made after June 9. Swag boxes may be shipped to the initial registered attendee. To initiate a transfer of the registration and payment information, contact Sarah Tuttle.

Are swag boxes available for Convention 2021?

A box of AOII swag commemorating Convention 2021 is included in all full-time registrations and will be shipped to the address listed under Registrant Information. Part-time registrants wishing to add a box and full-time registrants wishing to add additional box(es) may do so for an additional charge. All additional swag box purchases will be shipped to the address on the registration. You may not request to have the additional swag box shipped to another location. Boxes will be shipped several weeks in advance of the event and it is our hope that they arrive prior to Convention. However, we appreciate your patience as shipping has been delayed due to the pandemic and the contents of the box are not required for participation in Convention 2021.

Can I purchase an extra swag box?

Yes! While all full-time registration tickets come with one swag box, additional swag boxes can be added to your registration for $50 each. All additional swag box purchases will be shipped to the address on the registration. You may not request to have the additional swag box shipped to another location.

Are Rose Tributes available for purchase at Convention 2021?

Rose Tribute sales begin May 1.

A Rose Tribute is a wonderful way to show a sister that you care! Virtual Rose Tributes will be available for purchase beginning May 1 on the AOII Foundation website. Rose Tributes are $5 each and benefit the AOII Foundation Loyalty Fund. Recipients will be notified via email and additionally, donors who purchase 10 or more Rose Tributes will receive a limited-edition Foundation sticker!

What sessions can I watch with other sisters?

We strongly encourage participants to gather in small groups to experience the camaraderie, excitement, connection and FUN of International Convention, while also acting in accordance with local ordinances and health expert guidelines with regards to COVID-19. All sessions open to part-time attendees – general sessions/ keynotes, Rituals, Candle Lighting, PIP Story Telling, and Awards Night – will be webinar-style (camera off), so watch parties are encouraged during these sessions. A watch party guide will be provided to registered attendees to assist you in planning Convention watch parties.

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