Table of Contents. President s Message Message from the Southern Regional Director and Southern Regional Representative... 2

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2 Table of Contents President s Message Message from the Southern Regional Director and Southern Regional Representative Message from the National Convention Co-Coordinators Message from the Office of the Executive Director Registration Convention Tentative Schedule Accommodations and Hotel Rates Official Convention Hotels Housing Procedures and Instructions Orlando/Orange County Convention Center Map Performers Diversity Job Fair Souvenir Journal Ad Bass Fishing Tournament Golf Tournament Family Activities and Tours Airport and Ground Transportation Rental Cars Be Sure to Remember IBC

3 President s Message M y Sisters in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., ALL of you collegiates, alumnae, newly initiated Deltas, and Delta Dears, you are hereby called to assemble in Orlando, Fla. July 24-30, 2008 for our 49th National Convention. You are called from the North and the South, the East and the West; from the more than 900 chapters in the seven regions of our glorious sisterhood; from the United States, the Bahamas, Bermuda, England, the Republic of South Korea, Japan, Tokyo and Okinawa, Jamaica, Germany, and the Virgin Islands of our global membership. Come to Orlando, Florida so that we can conduct the business of our grand Sorority, as well as establish the agenda to continue the awesome mission of empowering communities through committed service. The need has never been greater as our country suffers the impact of a declining economy and the ravaging effects the cost of the war has had on housing, health and education budgets. As National President of Delta Sigma Theta, I am honored and privileged to issue this clarion call, officially summoning you to our 49th National Convention, and assure you that the Executive Board, National Headquarters Staff, and host sorors are working tirelessly to ensure that you will participate in one of the most exciting, enlightening, and exhilarating conventions in our history. Louise A. Rice, Ph.D. Orlando, also known as O-Town and The City Beautiful, will be even more beautiful when we arrive by the tens of thousands, wearing our crimson and cream, ready to further warm the city with our Delta love and sisterhood. We will begin our 49th National Convention experience with the ease and efficiency of completing convention and hotel registration online as we have done for our last three cycles of regional and national meetings. From the moment we arrive until the day we depart, we will experience that good ole Delta spirit as we greet and meet our sisters. Sorors, the emotions generated by the conventions are always diverse but positive. You will be inspired and invigorated during the plenary sessions, seminars, and workshops. You will be educated, motivated, and mesmerized. You will be heard through your voice and your votes. You will be celebrated and entertained. You will have moments to remember and memories to treasure forever. While you are in business sessions, your families and friends will be engaged in a variety of activities, including tours, cards, and a golf tournament. O-Town is consistently ranked as one of the top vacation destinations in the world with more theme parks and entertainment attractions (such as The Magic Kingdom, Disney World, and Sea World) than anywhere else. It also has one of the largest single-story malls in the USA with 250 stores. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, and the host chapters have gone beyond the call of duty in planning activities, especially for the men in our families and friendship circles. Incidentally, Orlando is located within six miles of the suburb Eatonville, Florida, the first all-black town to be incorporated in the United States. As for hotel accommodations, we have enough rooms for everybody, and, again sorors, we urge you to use the rooms that we have reserved to accommodate our members. When you book your rooms outside of the ones we have blocked exclusively for our membership and the Sorority does not use all the rooms reserved, it results in our paying a tremendous penalty. If you have already made a reservation outside of Delta s block, please consider re-booking your room within Delta s exclusive room allocation and canceling your outside reservation so that we don t have to continue to justify our existence when we negotiate hotel rates. I know that I can rely on your sisterly spirit of cooperation, and, for this, I am very grateful. My sorors, answer the Call to Convention and gather in Orlando by the tens of thousands. Come with your commitment, your creativity, and your conviviality. Leave encouraged, exhilarated, and energized by the experiences of the 49th National Convention. I look forward to seeing you in Orlando. Sisterly and sincerely, Louise A. Rice, Ph.D. 49th National Convention 1

4 Message from the Southern Regional Director and Southern Regional Representative Greetings Sorors! T he warmth of the Florida sunshine awaits, as the sorors of the Greater Orlando chapters prepare for the 49th National Convention, July 24-30, As we thrust open the golden gates of the City Beautiful, we unfold all of the wonders Orlando and Florida have to offer. We have encapsulated the fantasies of one of the most magical places on earth, just for you. The sorors of the 207 chapters of the Dynamic Southern Region are anticipating your arrival with excitement, exuberance, and exhilaration. We are committed to making the 49th National Convention the most fulfilling and memorable event that can be envisioned. We applaud the work of the Greater Orlando Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta with approbation. Sorors, we, the sisters of the Dynamic Southern Region, are ready for you! For your enjoyment and enrichment and that of your families and friends, many activities and adventures are being planned. The sky is the limit as you choose from the best amusement parks, golf courses, sightseeing tours, shopping excursions, historical venues, and cultural events in the world. The ceremonies, plenary sessions, workshops, and subscription events of the 49th National Convention are unparalleled with any other. The luncheons, dinners, and banquets are unrivaled. The hotel accommodations and transportation network are unmatched. In the words of a nostalgic song, When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are... The stars are cast in the Florida sky just for you, sorors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Make a wish dare to dream. Read more about the convention in the pages that follow and make your plans now to register and attend. Gather by the thousands in Orlando, July 24-30, For when Deltas are together this summer at the 49th National Convention, you will find that your dreams have come true. Eagerly awaiting your arrival, Christine M. Nixon Christine M. Nixon Southern Regional Director Nailah R.Tillman Nailah R. Tillman Southern Regional Representative Christine M. Nixon Nailah R. Tillman 2 CALL TO CONVENTION 2008 z

5 Message from the National Convention Co-Coordinators Greetings Sorors: I t has been over ten years since our National Convention took place in Orlando, Florida, affectionately called The City Beautiful. Who could ever forget the enchantment of thousands of Sorors from all over the world who graced this land of make believe? The memories of that 39th National Convention lingered in the city long after the closing prayer. Those memories will grow larger than life as the 49th National Convention draws near and reaches a crescendo on July 25, Orlando continues to be a favorite family destination worldwide. It was built for memories that last a lifetime. And, there are many offerings and opportunities to create lasting memories of your own during the 49th National Convention with theme parks, shopping, museums, world-class restaurants, arts and entertainment. Once we have taken care of business, it s time to get out, have fun and fellowship with other Sorors. For those who enjoy retail therapy, we have over 52 million square feet and over 1200 retail shops. Golf enthusiasts will find hundreds of challenging golf courses. Orlando is also home to many world famous chefs who have opened restaurants in the area, including Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, and Roy Yamaguchi. African- American restaurants are also represented. Johnson s Diner is one of the oldest soul food establishments along with Queen Bees, owned by Soror Eloise Reddick, and Mama Nems another fine soul food restaurant. Our cultural heritage is teeming here in Central Florida. Visit Eatonville, Florida, the nation s oldest incorporated African-American municipality, home of renown author Zora Neale Hurston and the Zora Neale Festival. A tour of the Wells Built Museum of African-American History is also in order. The Sorors from the four host chapters Orange County Alumnae, Orlando Alumnae, Sanford Alumnae and Mu Iota Chapter are excited and committed to making the 49th National Convention the best ever. With our vision, faith, and dedication, we will meet this challenge. Just picture the more than 15,000 beautiful women of color, with all that talent, solidarity and strength gathered in the Orlando Convention Center on July 25, What we do in 2008 will long be remembered. This will be the catalyst for our growth, our future and our legacy. Let s make it our finest hour. Avis Monica Bolden Riley Brenda J. Kidd Woodbury Yours in Delta, Avis Monica Bolden Riley Avis Monica Bolden Riley National Convention Co-Coordinator Brenda J. Kidd Woodbury Brenda J. Kidd Woodbury National Convention Co-Coordinator 49th National Convention 3

6 Message from the Office of the Executive Director Dear Sorors, W e hope that you are making plans to experience Orlando, Florida, the City Beautiful site of the 49th National Convention. The National Headquarters staff is a key member of this team which is chaired by the National President and includes the Executive Board, National Committees, Task Forces and Convention Coordinators. We are committed to providing support and ensuring that every aspect of this convention meets the Delta standard of excellence. This team is involved in carefully designing every aspect of the Convention; from the selection of the convention bag to logistics and everything in between. We are confident, as we work with the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, that Orlando possesses the most successful ingredients for our Convention. As we carefully attend to every detail, you, the membership are foremost in our thoughts. As you make preparations to carry out the very important business of Delta at this convention, please use this CALL as a resource and guide. Let s all pray for a successful and memorable 49th National Convention in the City Beautiful. We ll see you there!!! Sincerely, Roseline McKinney Roseline McKinney Executive Director Directors (1ST ROW, L TO R) Deborah Somerville, Interim Director, Information Systems; Roseline McKinney, Executive Director; Ella McNair, Director Programs and Public Relations. (2ND ROW, L TO R) Gwendolyn K. Dailey, Director, Finance; Deirdre Shoulars, Director, Membership. 4 CALL TO CONVENTION 2008 z