Now that You are Home...

If you were able to participate in the 2016 International Convention in Nashville earlier this month, then you know how inspiring, uplifting and exciting it was!  Share your excitement with your chapter at the first meeting this fall.  Report about the events of the week and share what you learned. Summarize the actions of the business meeting and share "snip-its" from the speakers and the many members who inspired us with their reflections on "85 Years & Beyond."

We hope to provide on-demand viewing of some sessions through the DKG Website, so keep your eye on www.dkg.org for details.

And, if you missed the fun in Nashville, begin planning now for Austin, Texas, in 2018.  Until then, see you in Spearfish, Honolulu, Windsor, Myrtle Beach or Tallin next summer!

Europe Regional Conference Meets in Amsterdam

From canal cruises to workshops, the members who attended the Europe Regional Conference in

Amsterdam enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship, fun and professional growth.  Sessions were filled with speakers from around the globe and workshops included topics from Society business and membership challenges to educational issues and global change.  We even learned how to utilize YouTube in the classroom and enjoyed a panel discussion on the topic. How delightful to experience DKG in so many different languages and from so many varied perspectives!  As if the events of the conference would not be enough, the warm smiles and friendly spirits of the Europe members will draw me back again and again. 

We are home now and back in the office.  So, I look forward to hearing from all of you who promised that now you will call or email!  If I do not see you along the way, I hope to see you next summer in Indianapolis.  Start planning now!

Northwest Members Enjoy Cheyenne

The Northwest Regional Conference provided a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the flavor of Cheyenne, Wyoming, without ever leaving the conference. In addition to exciting speakers, great workshops, delicious meals and a "starlight chat" with Society administrators, the conference

included the colors and culture of the local area. We enjoyed visits with the Mayor of Cheyenne, the Governor of Wyoming, and  the Cheyenne Trotters. With the Denim and Diamonds theme for the Celebration Luncheon, we even enjoyed a chance to dress the part! Although I was not able to pack my boots (not enough room in my suitcase this time), I certainly enjoyed the beauty of the location and the warmth of the fellowship during our time in the Northwest.

Northeast Regional Conference Attendees Enjoy Portland

During the Northeast Regional Conference in Portland Maine, we enjoyed sea breezes by the bay and the flavors of the state.  Lobster, scallops and prawn were favorites at most meals, bay cruises and shopping downtown kept us busy in the evenings and presenters challenged us to explore new possibilities during workshops and general sessions. 

As a guest at the Canadian Forum, I not only enjoyed their hospitality but also learned much about the educational issues in Canada. Provincial presidents shared their goals for the biennium and members reported on the activities of the forum during the past year.

What a lovely week in Maine!  If I have not seen you along the way, there is still time to join us this summer in the Northwest and Europe!

Missouri Hosts Southwest Regional Conference

Wow! My first Southwest Regional Conference is a wonderful memory filled with the colorful banners and beautiful languages of the various countries in the southwest region. We learned, laughed and shared in English, Spanish and Japanese.  We sang, danced and even dressed our international president in a kimono. I was privileged to join the Latin American Forum where I was not only welcomed but included (with a little help from my Spanish speaking friends there) in the activities of the meeting.
What a wonderful time in Branson!  I hope to see you down the road in Portland, Cheyenne or Amsterdam.

Florida Welcomes Southeast Regional Conference

I just enjoyed a wonderful week in Orlando, Florida, with DKG members from the Southeast region. State organization officers developed their leadership skills during pre-conference activities. Florida night brought us a celebration of talent shared by Florida dancers and musicians.  We heard from amazing women speakers such as Kate Campbell Stevenson, Carolyn M. Fennell and Sandra Ford Walston.  Siobban "Sam" Bennett joined us for the U.S. Forum session.

If you missed the Southeast conference, join us this week in Branson, Missouri, for the Southwest conference.

If I don't see you this week, I hope to see you in Portland, Cheyenne or Amsterdam!

Will I be Seeing You This Summer?

I hope you have made your plans to attend a regional conference this summer!  With five exciting locations, an awesome array of speakers, an innovative new Info Fair, a variety of workshops, shopping opportunities at the conference vendor area, and the entertainment, dining and shopping available at each venue - you won't want to miss your regional. A regional conference is a perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.  I am planning to do just that!

So, whether we are reconnecting or meeting for the first time, I am looking forward to visiting with you and hearing your membership story.  Plan to join us at a regional conference!