SIA Board to Offer Assistance for Convention Fee

Hi, I am Bobbi Enderlin, your 2023-2024 SIA President. Since we announced the Mandatory Convention Club Fee for SIA’s upcoming 48th Biennial Convention in Bellevue, Washington, there have been some concerns regarding the $800 fee.  

I want you to know that the SIA Board of Directors struggled with establishing this fee for some time, and I’d like to provide you with a few of the significant factors that went into our decision: 

• Everything costs more these days. If you are scheduling an event in your area, I’m sure you are aware of the rising prices. We see it at the grocery store, the gas pump, and housing costs.  

• With this, we needed to budget conservatively to get as close to a break-even budget.  That is one that does not yield a gain or loss for the organization as a whole  

• We also want to provide you with a first-class memorable experience. This decision was based on feedback received from you in previous surveys.  

• And finally, with the convention fee, we are including the costs to attend the Friendship Evening, coffee breaks, and the Gala Dinner on Saturday night. This is unprecedented, in past years these events have come with an additional cost over.  

But we heard your concerns. And understand that, for some clubs this fee may cause financial hardship.  As a result, the SIA Board of Directors has approved using Disaster Funds to support those clubs. Affected clubs are asked to apply for a $200 USD reduction in the Mandatory Convention Club Fee. Applications will be processed in the order they are received or until the designated funds are depleted. Please be on the lookout for both your invoice and the assistance application form which are to be issued during the week of January 7, 2024. Applications must be submitted by March 15.  

I want to tell you that our goal is to support as many clubs as we can. We have not had a face-to-face convention since 2018 and we are so looking forward to a wonderful event of fellowship, education, inspiration and fun! 

If you have any further questions or concerns, please email SIA Headquarters at siahq@soroptimist.org.  

Thank you all! 

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