Convention Highlights
Thank you to all our speakers, talent, and attendees for making our Virtual 47th Soroptimist Biennial Convention an event to remember! We are now even more energized and inspired to reach our Big Goal of investing in the dreams of half a million women and girls through access to education by 2031. Here are a few convention highlights.
Headquarters Report
SIA Executive Director/CEO Michelle Burnett celebrated our successes and laid out the path forward to reach our Big Goal. She stressed the importance of being mission-focused, and how that focus is our pathway toward achieving our next big goal and movement toward gender equality.
“This is not the time to slow down or ease up. Now more than ever, so many women and girls are counting on us to keep pressing forward. To move past whatever obstacles, we face. And I’m certain that by working collectively, we will overcome them all. ”
Learning Opportunities
Several speakers provided useful tips and strategies to help us reach our Big Goal. They also took live questions from the audience. Topics included:
Engaging globally through Soroptimist International
Importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in membership
Gaining tools to develop effective leadership skills
Supporting our Big Goal through philanthropy and being involved in our programs
Storytelling for impact / #SoroptimistStories
Fun & Entertainment
No convention would be complete without some fun and entertainment—even at a virtual convention!
Attendees explored various rooms throughout the platform, shopped the Soroptimist store, chatted with each other in all languages, played games and earned badges and points. One lucky attendee will also win a free registration to SIA’s 48th Biennial Convention in Bellevue, Washington, in 2024. The winner will be announced soon!
In addition, each day ended with fun entertainment. On day one, the Flying Ivories delivered an interactive musical concert. They entertained attendees by singing and playing their pianos, while taking live song requests. “Oh what a night” it was!
Sand artist Joe Castillo created beautiful works of art live on screen for the second day of entertainment. Many of his creations represented countries from our federation.
Members’ View
We asked members to share on social media their favorite parts about convention. Thank you to everyone who shared. Here’s what some members had to say!
“I loved the interview with Malala, and I also thought the session about SI that featured Dawn Marie Lemonds and SI President Maureen Maguire was great. Very informative.” —Chari Bobb Grant
“Have enjoyed the opportunity to attend as I would not have been able to attend otherwise.” —Theresa Vanderschoot
“The workshops were very helpful. The highlight was Malala.” —Carol Adams
“The entire convention was my favorite. Very well organized, great speakers and programs, great entertainment. Sure am looking forward to Bellevue, Washington, in 2024. LET'S DO IT.” —Deb Gura Mackes
“I didn’t miss a minute and loved it but I can’t wait for a live in-person event. Thank you for all the hard work put into making this happen for us. Obviously, seeing Malala was the A+ but I really enjoyed the workshops as well, especially when you came back live with the presenters. There was something for everyone.” —Pam Parker
“I enjoyed the session on telling stories! #SoroptimistStories” —Donna Dwan De Belen
View slideshow below for convention photo highlights.
Photo Slideshow
View photo highlights.
On-Demand Details
If you were unable to attend convention or were there and want to view certain parts again, here’s your chance!
Convention registrants received a special link in their email after convention to view the program on demand until July 21, 2023. Note: the opening general session, including Malala’s keynote, is only available until August 22, 2022, at 12:00am ET.
Members who did not register for convention may still purchase on demand viewing for $199USD. You will need the following information: member ID # (contact siahq@soroptimist.org if you don’t know); club ID # (find it here); and club name (find it here).
Non-members may purchase on demand viewing for $249USD.
Save the Date
Join us for SIA’s 48th Biennial Convention!
Bellevue, WA, USA
July 24-27, 2024
Follow and share convention news with hashtag #SIAConv2024.
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