LOOK BACK KAPPA HISTORY
Compared to previous decades, the host GCM chapter has very few, if any, opera- tional support tasks. The GCMC now sources the required services involved in executing Conclaves, such as ground transportation, security, catering, show management, vendor booth setup, production, cameras, lights, decora- tions, and photography, which were previously the responsibility of the local host chapter in the early GCMs. The host chapter’s primary role now is to provide hospitality to the brothers and their families during their visit to the host city. Among the host chapter’s responsibilities: • Promote the host city, its accom- modations, and the city’s points of interest to the membership • Market the GCM and its public events to the local community • Coordinate with the Kappa Alpha Psi Journal staff on development of the pre-Conclave Journal issue including securing ads from chap- ters and provinces • Plan the family outing/picnic • Recommend the names of poten- tial recipients of the Distinguished Citizen Award to the GBOD • Sponsor a community service event during Conclave Week INITIAL STEP TO HOST A GCM IHQ emails members an official com- munication ( see Exhibit 1 ) to inquire whether their chapter and city are interested in bidding to host a future GCM. Responding to IHQ’s commu- nication ensures that their city’s CVB receives an RFP. When a CVB is composing its response to an RFP, a local chapter
Exhibit 1
“THE GBOD MEETS AGAIN IN THE HOST CITY ONE MONTH BEFORE CONCLAVE WEEK. THIS MEETING USUALLY IS THE LAST IN-PERSON GBOD MEETING BEFORE THE CONCLAVE.”
can assist with its CVB. Some chapters accompany their CVB when the CVB presents its proposal in person to the GBOD. LEAD UP TO CONCLAVE Twelve months before the Conclave, the GBOD meets in person in the host city. The purpose of the meeting is for the Grand Officers and other brothers to familiarize themselves with the city, convention center, and convention logistics. The host city’s CVB typically
conducts a press conference and other public events with fraternity leaders to publicize the upcoming GCM. This GBOD also provides an opportunity for the host chapter(s) to hold an event in honor of the visiting GBOD and other visiting brothers. The GBOD meets again in the host city one month before Conclave Week. This meeting usually is the last in-person GBOD Meeting before the Conclave. Continued on page 56
54 THE JOURNAL ♦ SPRING 2025
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker