SIA's 49th Biennial Convention Guide
All Aboard to Incheon, South Korea!
From July 22-25, Soroptimists from around the world will come together in Incheon to connect, celebrate our impact and inspire dreams. We’re excited to welcome you to Korea and share the culture, traditions and hospitality that make this destination so special. Keep reading for important information and helpful resources to help you prepare for a successful and enjoyable convention experience.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Our sincere appreciation goes to every sponsor whose generosity has helped make this convention possible. Together, your support strengthens our mission and creates meaningful experiences for our members. We are proud to extend special recognition to our Visionary and Leadership Circle sponsors, whose exceptional leadership and contributions of $50,000 or more have made an extraordinary impact:
● Ohran Choe (Kyungdong Medical Foundation, Hyosung Hospital)
● Taehee Hong (PHC Big Tree Welfare Foundation)
● Jin Sun Kim (Dongwha Pharm)
● Youngwha Kim (Hanyoung Industrial Co., Ltd.)
View the full list of generous sponsors here!
Click on a topic to learn more!
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SIA’s convention is an opportunity to celebrate and increase our impact! Support women and girls in Korea by contributing to our convention service project. We are collecting school supplies and essential hygiene products for participants in Soroptimist Dream Programs and Big Goal Accelerator Projects.
How to Participate: Bring new or purchase school supplies, hand cream, sunscreen, and women’s underwear/panties to convention. Drop them off at our designated collection points during the convention. Or scan the QR code on the donation boxes to make a monetary contribution.
Distribution Information: All donations and contributions will be distributed locally through the Korea Region office to support participants in Soroptimist programs in Korea.
Impact Celebration: Join the General Session on Friday, July 24, to celebrate the impact of your contributions.
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Get your packing checklist ready and check it twice! Make sure you have these essentials before closing your suitcase.
Review attire recommendations for each event.
Earbuds or headphones for interpretation services.
Phone charger and charging cables.
International power adapter.
Prescription Medications. Some prescription medications will be prohibited from entering Korea if not registered in advance. Please review the official resources below for the most current application instructions, and file your forms through Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety portal or via email at narcotics@korea.kr. Here are links to helpful resources:
Travel Documents and Entry Requirements. If a permit or special approval is required, you may be asked to provide:
A copy of your passport
Flight itinerary or airline ticket
A physician's letter or medical certificate
A copy of your prescription
Medication information, including dosage and quantity
Three days before arriving in Incheon, foreign visitors should complete and submit an Official Korea e-Arrival Card online. You will need your passport, flight details, and the address of your first hotel or residence in South Korea.
Download SIA’s First-Ever Convention App
Make the most of your convention experience by following the instructions below to download the convention app, available in all SIA-supported languages:
Visit the App Store or Google Play Store and search for “SIA Conv 2026.”
Download the app and open it on your mobile device.
Tap the profile icon in the bottom navigation menu and log in using the same username and password you used to register for the convention.
Once you’re logged in, choose your preferred language: Select Profile Icon (at bottom) → My Event → View Profile → Settings → Language
Can’t download the app? Don’t worry, you can access everything via the web browser version.
Important Reminder: Printed programs will not be available at the convention. The app is your go-to resource for all things convention, so be sure to download it before you travel.
SIA's 49th Biennial Convention is a cashless event. Cash and checks will not be accepted for purchases or payments at convention-operated locations, including registration and the Soroptimist Store.
We accept major credit cards, debit cards, and other approved electronic payment methods. We encourage all attendees to plan accordingly before arriving at the convention.
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Shuttle Service from Incheon International Airport: The INSPIRE offers a free shuttle bus service from the Incheon Airport and select bus stops!
INSPIRE's shuttle service operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Boarding will be restricted once maximum capacity has been reached. (Capacity: 44 people)
The shuttle bus stop at Incheon Airport Terminal 1 (Level 1) is located across the central bus lane.
You can access more details, like the shuttle time tables and select bus stop locations, by visiting this link.
Parking: If you plan to park at the INSPIRE, 1 vehicle per room can receive free parking. You can access more information on parking and prices by visiting this link.
Official Hotels:
The INSPIRE Entertainment Resort
The INSPIRE is the official convention venue and home to all convention sessions, workshops and events. Visit the hotel page for information about the property, amenities and accommodations.
The Hyatt Regency Incheon Paradise City
Paradise City serves as an additional hotel option for convention attendees. Visit the hotel page for information about this property, amenities and accommodations.
Complimentary Shuttle Service Between the INSPIRE and Paradise City
Shuttle service will be available to transport attendees between Paradise City and INSPIRE Resort. Click here for the shuttle schedule.
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Experience Korean Culture: Dive into Korean culture and learn the following common phrases:
Hello → An-nyeong-ha-se-yo
Say it like: Ahn-nyung-hah-seh-yo
Thank you → Gam-sa-ham-ni-da
Say it like: Gahm-sah-hahm-nee-dah
Yes → Ne
Say it like: Neh
No → A-ni-yo
Say it like: Ah-nee-yo
Do you speak English? → Yeong-eo-reul ha-se-yo?
Say it like: Yung-oh-rul hah-seh-yo?
What is your name? → I-reum-i mwo-ye-yo?
Say it like: Ee-room-ee mwoh-yeh-yo?
My name is Anne. → Je i-reum-eun Anne im-ni-da.
Say it like: Jeh ee-room-un Anne eem-nee-dah.
Tipping culture: Tipping is not customary in Korea, because they are known for providing excellent service. Simply say Gam-sa-ham-ni-da (thank you).
Enjoy Korean Cultural Events and Activities Before the Convention Officially Begins: Your 49th Biennial Convention Committee, led by Ohran Choe, SIA’s 49th Biennial Convention Chair, has planned an unforgettable kickoff to the convention. Be sure to add these cultural events and activities to your personal schedule through the convention app.
Korean Cultural Event: Inspire Ballroom
Be captivated by traditional dance and music brought to life on stage. From the elegant sweep of fan dance to the thunderous energy of drum performances, each act pulses with the artistry and spirit of Korean heritage. You won't want to miss it!Korean Cultural Game: Yut Nori: Mountain 1
Get ready for some friendly competition! Yut Nori is a classic Korean game traditionally played during Lunar New Year with family and friends. Easy to learn, endlessly fun, and full of strategy!Korean Cultural Crafts: Mountain 2
Dive into Korean culture and create something beautiful to take home! Explore bojagi (decorative wrapping cloth), maedeup (symbolic decorative knotting), and fan painting, each carrying centuries of history and meaning. No experience is needed, and all materials will be provided!Each event and activity runs twice, so you can experience more than one!
Session 1: 1:30pm – 2:15pm KST (Wednesday, July 22, 2026)
Session 2: 2:45pm – 3:30pm KST (Wednesday, July 22, 2026)Spots are limited for the game and crafts, so sign up on the app today to reserve your spot.
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Your convention badge is your all-access ticket. For faster check-in, have your QR code ready when you arrive. You can access your QR code in the convention app or in the original confirmation email you received when you registered. Registration confirmation emails, containing QR codes, will be resent on Thursday, July 9th.
Registration Location and Hours
Registration is in the INSPIRE Foyer in the Ocean Tower, outside the Mountain Rooms.
Wednesday, July 22, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (KST)
Thursday, July 23, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (KST)
Friday, July 24, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (KST)
Saturday, July 25, 9:00 am - 12:00 p.m. (KST)
Reminder to in-person delegates to bring a government-issued photo ID to registration. In-person delegates must complete registration by 8:30 a.m. (KST) on Thursday, July 23.
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Are you a delegate? You play an important role in conducting federation business. Please review the Delegates Handbook and the information below before you arrive to ensure you’re prepared to participate.
Delegate reminders
Voting information
Mobile voting requirements
Interpretation information
Important delegate dates and sessions
Please note the following important requirements for in-person delegates:
Government-issued photo ID is required for registration.
Paid Mandatory Convention Club Fees or an approved payment plan in place.
In-person delegates must register onsite no later than 8:30 a.m. (KST) on Thursday, July 23, to ensure the credentials report is accurate.
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Interpretation for General Sessions: Live, simultaneous interpretation will be provided for all general sessions, including the Business Meeting. Every attendee, regardless of which language they speak, will require interpretation equipment. There will be a table in the Inspire Foyer to pick up your interpretation equipment. Please note that interpretation equipment must be returned after the Closing General Session, or a fee will be assessed.
Interpretation for Workshops: Workshops in the Mountain Rooms will be interpreted using an AI service, Wordly. Attendees will need headphones or earbuds* and their smartphones to access interpretation. A QR code will be displayed on the presentation slides at the start of each workshop. Scan the code to access app-based interpretation on your mobile device. In accordance with SIA’s language policy, please remember that the official language of SIA is English, and this interpretation is being provided as an aid to attendees.
*Headphones or earbuds are required so as not to disturb other workshop attendees. A limited number of earbuds are available for purchase at the Soroptimist Store for $5.00.
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Food and Beverage: Food and refreshments are important to your overall experience. Breaks, meals and receptions are noted below and will be served in the Inspire Foyer or the Inspire Ballroom.
Wednesday, July 22 - Opening Friendship Reception
Thursday, July 23:
Coffee Break: 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (KST)
Lunch with Keynote Speaker
Coffee Break: 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. (KST)
Club Giving Reception (Invitation Only)
Laurel Society Event (Invitation Only)
Friday, July 24:
Coffee Break: 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (KST)
Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
Coffee Break: 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. (KST)
The Presidents’ Ball
Saturday, July 25 - Fiesta en Blanco Reception
Important Note: Bars at the INSPIRE will only accept credit cards or room charges. Cash is not accepted.
Reserved Seating in General Sessions: Several leadership groups will have reserved seating during the General Sessions. Tables near the front of the room will be clearly identified with tent cards to help you find your designated seating. You will have a star icon on your registration badge if you have reserved seating.
Incheon is waiting, and so is an extraordinary Soroptimist experience! Whether it's your first convention or your tenth, arriving prepared means you can spend less time navigating logistics and more time doing what matters most: connecting with fellow Soroptimists, celebrating the incredible impact of our programs, and renewing your commitment to the women and girls whose dreams we champion together. We can't wait to see you there. Safe travels and get ready to be INSPIRED! Don’t hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance siahq@soroptimist.org.
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