The 2014 Phi Kappa Phi Biennial Convention kicked off yesterday, August 7, in St. Louis at the Hyatt Regency at The Arch. Keeping with tradition, this year’s Convention was preceded by Partnering for Success—an interactive workshop that provides strategies for chapter enhancement.

To start things off, generations expert and founder of XYZ University Sarah Sladek provided the plenary address. Sarah’s engaging speech to the nearly 175 attendees of Partnering for Success addressed how chapters can reach all generations: from boomers to millennials. 

Sarah posed the question, “What does Phi Kappa Phi do better than anyone else?” Knowing that answer—whether it is our awards or grants programs, service opportunities, or leadership and networking offerings—and using it, is the way to generating an engaged and meaningful membership across all generations, explained Sarah. 

“We must strive for must-have membership,” she said. “If you have must-have membership, people will never question if they want to be a part of your organization.” 

The rest of the first day involved a variety of other Partnering for Success sessions that offered tools, tips and resources to chapter officers. Topics for the sessions ranged from handling basic chapter administration skills to enhancing public relations to creating service initiatives and more. A panel including four chapter officers from across the nation also convened at the end of the day to discuss best practices for chapter management. 

The official kickoff of Convention 2014 happens today at 12 p.m. Central time as Dr. E. Gordon Gee, President of West Virginia University, delivers the keynote address to all Convention attendees. 

Check back on the blog or Phi Kappa Phi social media for the latest updates!