LOOK BACK KAPPA HISTORY
designated time slot. The GCMC strives to keep the GCM events on schedule because the Fraternity is assessed for the overage, resulting in an additional expenditure for the wait staff, as they cannot clean up until we leave. If a keynote speaker has 20 minutes to give remarks, at the 18-minute mark, the OST team flashes lights to the speaker to signal that time is almost up. The OST team also plays low “reminder” music during a speak- er’s remark to signal that their time has expired. This is not out of disre- spect, but we are trying to respect everyone’s time. ON-SITE TEAM Chaired by Linwood J. Smith, Jr. (Delta Nu 1976), the On-Site Team (OST) executes daily operational tasks and logistical duties during Conclave Week. Numerous GCMC members are OST members. During Conclave Week, the OST team regularly communicates with convention center representatives, operations staff, host hotel staff, the fraternity security committee, and local law enforcement. The OST team also coordinates with vendors regarding the production of business meetings, award presentations, the Closed Banquet, and other GCM events.
GCMC Chairman Micheal Brewington conducting an on-site walk through of the Phoenix Comvention Center, May 2025.
“THE OST TEAM MEETS EVERY MORNING AT 6:00 AM LOCAL TIME DURING CONCLAVE WEEK. THEY ALSO CONDUCT A NIGHTLY OPERATIONAL DEBRIEF, WHICH INCLUDES THE IHQ DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ...”
next day. Throughout the week, the OST team meets and communicates constantly, both internally with the committee and externally with various entities, such as the Public Safety Committee. The OST team also orchestrates pro- duction meetings. For example, if the Public Meeting is on Tuesday night, the OST has a production meeting on Monday where they conduct a dress rehearsal. OST must also be agile in adjusting operations, such as attending meetings to discuss requests from the Grand Polemarch or IHQ.
The OST team handles everything from operations, logistics, security, production, and staging. For example, they have stage managers who manage the flow of speakers and dignitar- ies onto and off stage. They have a complete run of shows outlined to the minute. They have teleprompters for the speakers. EPILOGUE This article concludes the five-part series chronicling the development of the Grand Chapter Meeting. The
OST DURING CONCLAVE WEEK
The OST team meets every morning at 6:00 AM local time during Conclave Week. They also conduct a nightly operational debrief, which includes the IHQ Deputy Executive Director, to recap the day and prepare for the
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58 THE JOURNAL ♦ SPRING 2025
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