Monday, September 5, 2011

Regional Conference Travel 2011



Have you ever been to all five DKG regional conferences in one summer? It is an experience. So much planning, packing, unpacking, repacking, catching a plane or two, speeches and presentations keep a person busy. But it provides new understandings, connections across the membership and incredible fellowship.

International Achievement Award
Recipients present in the NW
Reception held  in Baden- Baden, Germany
as part of Europe Regional
From the mountains in Colorado and Alberta to the racetrack world in Kentucky, from the chocolate infused world of Hershey, PA to the grape vine covered hillsides of the Black Forest in Germany, members greeted, attended a spectacular opening night, learned new things at general meetings, listened in at workshops and dressed up for a final banquet. Although each region has its own flavor, regional conferences have the mission of Delta Kappa Gamma running through the events. It is incredible to learn about regional differences but see the Society purposes in action at each regional event.


A field trip visit to Strasburg, France and
the Council of Europe
Personally, I have gained new experiences, met more members, shared a bit of knowledge in a few workshops and strengthen the collaborative ties that we have at Society Headquarters. I had the opportunity to see members in the Southeast and began getting to know more members in the Southwest. Sandi Causey is a Texas member and in my new chapter. She has served as the registrar for each region. Working with her has been a joy. Joan Hester, Alpha chapter president in Texas, joined other U.S. members in Germany and I had the honor of getting to know her better. Traveling with my companions; Corlea Plowman, Sandra Smith Bull, Phyllis Hickey, Becky Sadowski, leadership development chair and Dr. Jensi Souders, international president, has topped this experience. We are a team. We work as a team and travel as a team. We help each other, enjoy great meals together and support one another professionally and personal. I am so lucky.