Convention Management Committee

Annual Report 2006-2007

           This past year, the Convention Management Committee focused upon developing a strategic plan and defining the purpose of the standing committee, as well as continuing to refine the “manual” outlining guidelines for Convention Planning.  In addition, the committee continued to serve as a resource and active partner in convention planning in conjunction with the host committees, headquarters, and the Board of Directors.

            The Convention Guidelines Manual that was originally designed to serve as a reference for the host committee, headquarters, and the Board of Directors continues to be revised and redesigned.  To date, a Statement of Purpose, guidelines for speakers, and roles of the host committee, headquarters, and the Convention Management Committee have been developed.  Guidelines regarding convention budgets, technology issues, strategies for identifying speakers and updating procedures for working with the speakers are currently being discussed.  The result of the Convention Guidelines review will be a more up to date and concise set of guidelines that can be used to more effectively plan and implement conventions.

            Other activities of the committee included maintaining communication with convention planning committees for the 2007, 2008, and 2009 conventions.  The 2007 convention scheduled for June 10-17 in Hays, Kansas, offers exciting events and activities designed not only to inform and educate participants about their Geman Russian heritage, but also highlight their “newfound” heritage in their adopted state of Kansas.  Our sincere thanks to Leonard Schoenberger, Kevin Rupp, Leona Pfeifer, Sister Alice Ann Pfeifer and their planning team for their hard work in planning this exciting event.

           Patti Sellenrick, representing the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia and Al Feist, representing the Germans from Russia Heritage Society are co-chairing the first joint convention for the two societies.  The event will be held in Casper, Wyoming at the Parkway Plaza Hotel July 27-August 3, 2008.  To date, the planning committee has met four times and committee co-chairs representing each of the societies have been identified to work on the planning committee.  Although a theme and logo have not been clearly identified, a proposed theme for the convention is “Celebrating Our Common Heritage.”  This is a unique opportunity to share not only our common German-Russian heritage and history, but also our traditions, and culture. 

            The 2009 convention will be held in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada.  The convention planning committee chaired by Mabel Kiessling has already begun their planning process.  Not only have they focused upon the logistics of convention planning similar to those faced by other planning committees but they have been working on addressing the issues surrounding international issues.  For example, participants from countries outside of Canada – including participants from the United States – will need to get passports in order to cross the border. 

            The Convention Management Committee will continue to work on identified goals as well as review new ideas during the 2007-2008 year to effectively provide input, guidance, and collaborative planning for conventions for AHSGR.

Respectively Submitted

Patti Sellenrick

Chair