Bloggers Breakfast - RIP

To begin with the end in mind… There will not be a “Bloggers Breakfast” or “Social Media Lunch” at the Nashville Conclave this year. The way I look at it, this is a positive outcome that flows naturally from over ten years of advocacy by many of us who “toil in the vineyards” of individual chapters. We have seen social media evolve from a curiosity for geeks to an encompassing standard of communication that is used - and misused - by the entire population. I applaud the way SigEp Headquarters has adopted e-communication and is using the various channels to better connect with undergraduates and alumni.

Social Media Breakfast
Dallas Conclave 2013

I question if an independent "Social Media" event, such as a “Bloggers Breakfast” is worthwhile any more. Why would I say that? - you may ask…

1. When I started the "S&P" blog back in 2004 social media was in its infancy. Remember, this was before Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and all the other landscape-altering applications. Those of us who were interested were a group of 'odd ducks' and were viewed with suspicion by folks at Headquarters who were not comfortable with ‘bottom-up’ information sharing.
1. The SigEp website was a very static offering with lots of guides and general information but not much at all in the way of up to date news from around the chapters.
2. Management at HQ was not exactly friendly and accepting of the types of interactions we were creating. These connections were, by definition and design, decentralized and not subject to oversight.
3. An independent gathering was the only way to have folks of similar mindset find each other.
2. Over the 10-11 years since then there has been an explosion of connectivity. SigEp HQ with its access to resources is now doing much more than I as one individual, or even a team of volunteers, can do to bring all the chapter and alumni experiences together.
1. Further, most of the chapters have their own websites, Facebook pages, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
2. Many have embraced specific purpose-built tools such as ChapterSpot for their internal and external communications.
3. In a real sense, I feel like I have moved from being a leading advocate and champion to a (slightly) aging firehorse whose best days are behind him but who still gets excited when the bell rings.
1. The people who came to the last gathering were all embracing the technology. Many of them were/are surpassing my grasp on it. That is great, by the way!
2. The folks at HQ have more resources and have a leader at the helm who "gets it". He has also made sure that the staff is tech savvy. There is no feeling of trying to show "them" what can be done. "They" know. "They" are doing it.

The bottom line is there is more interest than ever in harnessing and managing the social media aspect of communications in the Fraternity. We have outgrown the "band of merry scoundrels" mentality; it’s time  to get on with real training in how to use - and not misuse - the very powerful tools available to us. For that level of training to be effective the resources of the fraternity are needed, not merely a breakfast club or lunch bunch.

I am glad to see that one of the educational offerings for undergraduates is titled ”Winning with social media: How to stand out from the crowd” It is scheduled for 2:30 PM on Thursday the 13th and I encourage any undergrads who want to learn more about positive and effective use of social media to attend. (Alumni who are not otherwise engaged will be welcome too.)

Help choose the Conclave 2015 theme! - Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity

This just in from Grand President Phil Cox:

Email - Help choose the Conclave 2015 theme! - Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity:

The 54th Grand Chapter Conclave is closer than you think!

Next summer, from August 12-16, 2015, more than 1,400 undergraduates, alumni and friends will gather in Nashville, Tenn. at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel to celebrate our 114-year legacy of daring to be different.

As we start to prepare for this historic event, SigEp is looking to you to help determine our theme. Conclave themes call brothers together and inspire us to continue our legacy of leading the way. Recent themes include:

Leave your Mark (2009)
This Fraternity will be Different (2011)
Flip the Switch: Sig Ep’s Future is ON (2013)

To submit a theme for the 2015 Conclave, email your idea to events@sigep.net with the words “Conclave theme” in the subject line. Submissions are due by Monday, May 12, 2014.

If your theme is selected, you’ll receive a free registration for Conclave and will be publicly recognized in Nashville!

There’s never been a better time to be a SigEp. Just think of the bright future ahead of us and all the audacious goals we've yet to conquer. You can show your pride by submitting a theme that will go down in SigEp history.

Fraternally,

Phillip A. Cox
Grand President

P.S. You may also submit artwork to go with your theme. Simply attach a .jpeg file to the email. If a brother other than you creates the artwork, be sure to include his name.

'via Blog this'

Stevens Sigma Phi Epsilon Accepts Outstanding Chapter Award from National Fraternity

Communication VPs: This is an example of how to get good publicity for your chapter. Pictures, a standout reason to get attention, and a well written story for the paper.

Stevens Sigma Phi Epsilon Accepts Outstanding Chapter Award from National Fraternity | Stevens News:

9/30/2013

The Stevens chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon, New Jersey Alpha, received four prestigious awards at the fraternity’s national convention in Dallas, Texas this summer, including its third consecutive Buchanan Cup Outstanding Chapter Award. The Buchanan Cup is awarded to the highest performing chapters which excel in every area of operations and demonstrated superior and sustained achievement.

“Our goal is to get at least five in row,” said Stevens Chapter President Ed Watt ‘15.

In addition, the chapter learned it is one of three finalists for the Pay It Forward Grant, up to $5,000 in funding given to a deserving chapter to support housing or educational infrastructure improvements or operational budgets for activities and programs. The chapter would use the grant to improve its dedicated study spaces by purchasing new whiteboards, better seating and desk space and a new projector.

Stevens also took home the Man-Mile Award, recognizing chapters whose brothers traveled the most combined miles, and the Conclave Attendance Award, for chapters with the highest numbers of undergraduates in attendance at the convention.

“Everyone in attendance had a great time, and has been energized for a great semester,” said Watt.

Sigma Phi Epsilon, which has 66 brothers, organizes a number activities for the Stevens and Hoboken communities including, including Hall Brawls, a fundraising event in which freshman halls compete against one another in a variety of sports, and MLB Pitch, Hit & Run, a baseball skills competition for local children. 

'via Blog this'

Breakfast Of Champions

This gentleman brought his own cereal bowl to the "Social Media Breakfast" at the 2013 Conclave.
Fruit Loops and Buc Cups, what a concept! No doubt he got the idea after drinking, er, um, milk (yeah that's it - milk) from it last night.

Eating Fruit Loops from a Buc Cup - It just doesn't get any better than this!!!

This Guy is NUTS! About SigEp

Go, Renato, Go!

Renato Villacorte (CA Mu '91) is a loyal member of the NUTS! group that raises money for undergraduate scholarships to Conclaves. At this year's Conclave in Dallas Grapevine Several brothers challenged him to run in the "Sound Body 5K Run" and promised to donate to the NUTS! fund or the Fallen Brothers Fund (for families of those lost in service to their country). Brother Garry Keif even promised to double his $500 pledge if Renaton did the run in a purple and red wig!

As you can see in this picture Renato was up to the challenge! By completing the run in spite of the conspiracy to render him unfit by plying him with strong spirits the night before, and by wearing the aforementioned wig in the 90 degree heat, our stalwart brother has managed to single-handedly raise nearly $5000 for the NUTS! and Fallen Brothers funds.

Congratulations to Brother Villacorte and also to those loyal brothers who gave so generously to "incentivize" him to succeed in the 5K challenge. Maybe next time we can get him to run in a full wet suit!

▶ 2013 Sigma Phi Epsilon Honor of Philias

Thanks to Brother Renato Villacorte for posting this video on YouTube. It is a fantastic story of Brotherly Love.

▶ 2013 Sigma Phi Epsilon Honor of Philias - YouTube: ""

'via Blog this'

Steve Hofstetter's Closing Words at SigEp Conclave 2013

After an hilarious hour and a half show at the SigEp Conclave in Dallas Grapevine TX, comedian Steve Hofstetter shared how proud he is to be a SigEp. This is the last 2 1/2 minutes of the show. #SigEpConclave



You can watch the full show again, or for the first time.
Go to http://stevehofstetter.com/conclave.cfm and answer a few "SigEp" questions (this one is 'just for us') .

This clip is family friendly, but the full show is definitely NSFW!

From the new SigEp Grand President, Phillip Cox

Dear Brothers, Thank you for a historic 53rd Conclave. Today I have a renewed understanding of the power of brotherly love, the importance of what we do, and the passion that will lead this Fraternity even further down our path to greatness. Here’s my commitment to you: As your Grand President, you can expect to see a lot of me during my term. Over the years I’ve dropped in on many SigEp chapters, calling ahead to have dinner with brothers. I plan to continue and accelerate that practice. And when I come to your campus, I’ll be there to listen. I want to know what challenges you and your chapter face, and how the Fraternity can better serve you and help you achieve your goals. We will continue to provide better support and direction for the Balanced Man Program, ensuring that all members, not just our chapter officers, have an outstanding fraternity experience. We will continue to look for ways to do a better job recruiting, training, and recognizing volunteers at the chapter level, putting great volunteers behind every chapter. To make these efforts possible, we will renew our fundraising efforts and make sure our undergraduate brothers get the fraternity experience they deserve. Let’s go out there and show the world who we are and what we believe in. Let’s live our values every day and spread the word that SigEp is different. Thank you for your passion for this Fraternity. I believe that together we can change lives. Sincerely, Phillip Cox Grand President

Conclave: What To Know Before You Go!

Going to Conclave? 

Here is the important information you need to get started.

Thanks to Stacy Nicodemus at HQ for the info.

In preparation for your trip this week, please review this summary of important information you will want to know before arrival.

Registration and Information
Our host hotel is the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center. Your first stop after checking in the hotel should be to the Conclave registration and information desk.  Here, you can pick up your name badge, schedule and much more.  Times and locations are listed below:

Wednesday:    1:00pm – 9:00pm                                              Grapevine 1-2
Thursday:    8:00am – 8:00pm                                              Grapevine Registration Desk
Friday:       8:00am – 8:00pm                                              Grapevine Registration Desk
Saturday:    8:00am – 7:00pm                                              Grapevine Registration Desk

What to Pack?
Several functions will be formal (coat and tie): the Wednesday evening Ritual, Thursday night Balanced Man Celebration, and the Saturday evening Alumni Awards Dinner (black tie optional).  If you are participating in legislation, which includes all delegates, business casual attire (slacks and collared shirts) is standard.  For all other programs and events, casual attire (shorts and polo shirts) is appropriate.

Who’s Coming to Conclave?
Are you wondering if a certain brother will be attending?  You can get a real-time listing of Conclave registrants both for undergraduates and chapter volunteers as well as all alumni and guests.

Airport Transportation
The resort is located approximately 6 miles from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

Transportation between the two is not provided; however a special arrangement has been made with Super Shuttle just for SigEps.  Through our designated website, you can make a reservation for their shared ride van service at a rate of only $10/person, one way.

If you are flying into Dallas Love Field airport, it is located approximately 20 miles from the resort.  Discounted airport transportation, through Super Shuttle, is also available at the link above for a cost of $21/person, one way.

Conclave App
Need a convenient way to stay organized on-the-go? SigEp is unveiling a customized app just for Conclave.  Visit www.psav.mobi/sigep/ from your mobile phone and download the app for your iPhone or Android device.  View maps and program highlights, create your personal schedule, get more information about speakers and vendors, and much more.  The app is available now, so download it today!

If you have specific questions about the program, please contact me at stacy.nicodemus@sigep.net or (804) 869-3838.

See you in Texas!

Sincerely,

Stacy Nicodemus, CMP
Programs and Events Director

Conclave goes social

This just in from SigEp HQ. (And don't forget the "Social Media Breakfast" at 8 AM Friday.)

 Conclave is less than one week away! As you’re getting ready, I wanted to share a few ways to stay on top of Conclave news and connect with other attendees.

1. The Conclave App. This is your on-the-go guide to Conclave. It has maps, program highlights, information about speakers and events, and links to our social media pages where you can join the online conversation. It also has a personal calendar tool to help map out your week. You can download the app today.

2. Twitter and Facebook. There’s going to be a lot of chatter online! You can join the conversation at #SigEpConclave and look for stories, trivia, and information about events. You can also follow us directly at @officialsigep and facebook.com/sigmaphiepsilon.

3. The Conclave Chronicle. The Conclave Chronicle, hosted on sigepconclave.com, will be your source of detailed, on-the-ground Conclave coverage. Check your email inbox each morning for daily digests of top stories. You’ll also find more Conclave information like daily schedules online through sigepconclave.com.

I look forward to seeing you next week when we Flip the Switch. SigEp’s future is ON!

Sincerely,

 

Stacy Nicodemus, CMP
Programs & Events Director

"Social Media Breakfast" - Riverwalk Cantina at Gaylord Texan

Once again the team from "Sanguine et Purpure" is having a breakfast gathering at Conclave. Come to the Riverwalk Cantina on Friday at 8:00 AM and look for the "Social Media Breakfast". Remember, breakfast is at your own expense.

We will be discussing how Social Media is affecting the way chapters recruit, communicate with each other (both internally and externally), the role of internet tools in mentoring, and how to become a "Virtual AVC".

As always, we hope to get good cross pollination, so come and bring stories of your chapter's successes and challenges using social media. We'll see you at Conclave!

#SigEpConclave is the 'official' hashtag for Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and other apps that can use it.
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*Reservation Confirmation - Riverwalk Cantina at Gaylord Texan - "Thank you for your reservation at Riverwalk Cantina at Gaylord Texan. We are pleased to confirm the following:

Reservation Name:   Social Media Breakfast, THE POINT

Date: Friday, August 2, 2013
Time: 8:00 AM

NUTS! McAuliffe Society - Conclave Scholarship Awards.

This from Brandan Haines, This year's chair of the NUTS! Scholarship Committee.
Congratulations to all who will be attending Conclave courtesy of the NUTS! McAuliffe Society

NUTS! McAuliffe Society:

 "I made phone contact with all of the recipients last week and today, I will be eMailing them their award letters. The fol
lowing brothers were selected:

Steven Jones, MA Alpha, University of Massachusetts Amherst *FULL*
Roman Galmiche, TX Delta, University of Houston
Aaron Cromer, OK Alpha, Oklahoma State University
Evan Nelson, NJ Alpha, Stevens Institute of Technology
Tyler Aldren, SD Alpha, South Dakota State University
Trevor Larrubia, CT Epsilon, Quinnipiac University
Jake Barkin, MA Gamma SEC, Boston University
Mark Rust, MI Theta, Lawrence Technological University
Nick Zappia, CA Upsilon, California State University San Bernardino
David Trump, KY Eta, Northern Kentucky University
Sunil Motwani, TX Delta, University of Houston"

'via Blog this'

NUTS! McAuliffe Society Scholarship

From RD Kurt Hutson. 
If you are an undergrad and want to go to Conclave be sure to apply before April 21.

NUTS! McAuliffe Society Scholarship:

The NUTS! McAuliffe Society is a group of SigEp volunteers who believe in the lifetime brotherhood of the Fraternity and strive to make it the best undergraduate experience possible. Knowing that Conclave is the ultimate SigEp experience, the Society can help by providing undergraduate registration scholarships for worthy undergraduates. Applications are due by April 21st and scholarship recipients will be announced by June 1st. Click here to download the application.

As always, feel free to contact me with questions.

Fraternally,

Kurt M. Hutson

Regional Director
Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity
www.sigep.org
310 South Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 310-7257 (c)

NUTS! McAuliffe Conclave Registration Scholarship Available

Guest Post by Sam Moschelli, District Governor for Michigan

I have been a volunteer for SigEp since I graduated college in 2000.  I immediately was "pulled" onto my chapter's AVC by my mentors.  I had great volunteers as an undergraduate.  They had all been volunteers for around ten years, and had taken me under their wing early on as an undergraduate.

At my first Conclave in 1997, I became truly hooked on SigEp.  My chapter had won a Buchanan Cup.  It was the third in a row for us, but the first time that I had contributed to their success.  I was excited to be a part of that legacy.  There was about ten undergraduates and alumni there from my chapter to celebrate that experience.

What’s in a NUT?
Those alumni in attendance were the long time volunteers I had mentioned above.  My chapter isn't unique.  It's the volunteers like many of you reading this that bring consistency to our chapters and help them grow.  At that 1997 Conclave those volunteers met with other long time SigEp volunteers and came together to form a Society that would celebrate our dedication as volunteers to SigEp and share the fun and fellowship that they had together at Conclave.  Loosely, this was the foundation of the Anthony "NUTS!" McAuliffe Society.

These volunteers felt so strongly about the Conclave experience that they began to raise money and sponsor Conclave registrations for deserving undergraduates.  At my first Conclave as an alumnus in 2001, I joined this group.  In 2011, I was elected as the "Brigadier General", leading this group over the two years between Conclaves.

This happens to be a Conclave year, and I'm happy to announce that we are offering our scholarship once again.  We have guaranteed that 4 undergraduates will get registration scholarships, but we may be able to offer more as our group grows leading up to Conclave.  The application is linked below.

Also if you're a dedicated volunteer interested in finding out more or even joining the NUTS! Society, please ask.  There will be NUTS! at all the Carlson Leadership Academies and they will make themselves known at the alumni receptions.

See you at Conclave!

Sam Moschelli, MI Theta, Lawrence Technological University ‘00
NUTS! Brigadier General 2011-2013
Sigepsam [at] gmail [dot] com

Conclave 2007 Fred Turner Citation

Fred Turner's Sigma Phi Epsilon Citation acceptance speech.

Sigh - It's always something...

After one of the better Conclaves of recent memory - and they have all been pretty outstanding - it really is a bummer to see some of the best moments have been lost. I hope they get recovered, but if not I think the HQ staff should be required to re-enact the speeches using sock puppets

.

Conclave Attendees, I hope you are still feeling energized from last month’s Conclave. We had an exciting, safe and well-attended celebration. However, there were a number of items that did not make it back to Zollinger House. While most of the missing items are replaceable, one is not. A box of videotapes and DVDs of our keynote speakers and the Balanced Man Celebration disappeared. We have exhausted all avenues of searching with the hotel and in our storage areas. Fortunately, we have a second box of tapes of our main meal functions and the Ritual. SigEp uses this video footage in a number of ways, providing clips for those who could not attend and developing other videos to promote our programs. There are two reasons why I want you to know about the missing videos. First, I am asking you to keep an eye out for the box or individual video tapes and DVDs. If you happen to come across them or hear anything, we would be pleased to accept these items back with no questions asked. Second, I wanted to let you know that, unless these items turn up, we will unfortunately be limited in sharing the Conclave experience through video. If you do have anything to report, please respond by e-mail. Thanks. Sincerely, Brian C. Warren Jr. Executive Director

PS: want more sock puppets? Click here.

Grand President's Remarks #SigEpConclave

As is our tradition (meaning we have done it twice before) we are pleased to present the remarks made by newly elected Grand President Burt Harris on the last night of our Phoenix Conclave. 
Brother Harris, you have the floor:

Not many pics
of Bert on the 'net

Thank you for the great Honor of holding the gavel and leading this Great Fraternity for the next two years…...

I will tell you that during the Brotherhood Celebration, I was close to withdrawing my name from consideration.    

Who in their Right Mind would want to follow Grand President Garry Kief !   

But Yesterday, the Grand Chapter Conclave Changed my mind.   

Yesterday---the 52d Grand Chapter Conclave assembled and RAISED the mark.   

Yesterday,   YOU said, we can do better.     YOU Set OUR direction for the coming two years.

The Clear Message I heard from the debate and votes of the Conclave Assembled is that YOU demand of yourselves……Better academic performance, Better Brotherhood and Better Member Development.   
From YOUR commitment we will build stronger chapters, stronger leaders, smarter Brothers.   

We will more strongly embrace the principals of SOUND MIND, SOUND BODY AND THE BALANCED MAN!

I look forward to working with OUR best and brightest to make our Sig Ep experience the best Life Changing experience in the University System.

By the way…….My Daughter Katherine told me that if I talk too long, she’s leaving.

VOLUNTEERS    
One focus of this Conclave is to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to the many alumni and volunteers who so strongly support our fraternity…..

To our volunteers…..WE COULD NOT DO  SIG EP WITHOUT YOU !   

Without you…we would not have the  manpower or money to deliver the service and wisdom which you GIVE.    

During the next two years, we will continue to strengthen our commitment to better support the time and talent you bring………..

During this process, I was asked why I continue to support  Sig Ep.    

My answer --like so many in this room……because of what this fraternity did for me as a young man…..AND because of the many Friendships that continue to this day.

I want to dwell one more moment on volunteer support.   In my chapter THE key volunteer was Dave Hendon.  May he rest in peace.   For more than 50 years he was the heart and soul of Florida Alpha.   He raised money, he built a MAGNIFICENT house (PRISON GRADE CONSTRUCTION THAT 60 YEARS OF FRATERNITY HAS NOT COMPROMISED), and he told us how to act.  He was responsible for building one of the Best chapters in SigEp.

I tell that story not because of Dave Hendon.   

That story exemplifies the impact of Good Alumni and Volunteer support OVER TIME.     Alumni and Volunteer support over time is a critical to the strength of our Chapters.

Therefore……the first thing I do as Grand President is to thank the many  MANY alumni and volunteers who serve our Fraternity…..and especially those who serve over time.  (clap)

STAFF.  
I am Proud to report that Sigma Phi Epsilon is truly blessed with a  BRIGHT, and  DEVOTED Staff!!   
They maintain a true Line of Sight Focus on the objective…..to implement our Strategic Plan and to make our Brothers and Chapters Better.   

The only way to successfully answer the call of the Undergraduates, will be a strong coordinated effort by our Staff and Volunteers.

THE FOUNDATION
We will work with the Foundation to bring greater strategic alignment, to focus attention on the needs of our Undergraduates, and to raise more money  to support The SigEp Nation. Our  work with the Foundation will begin First.

UNDERGRADUATE BROTHERS
To my undergraduate brothers…….A couple of points.

I encourage you to seek out, thank, recruit, thank, ask, thank, bring to conclave, …and ….did I say thank….your alumni and volunteers.  

It costs so little to say thank you……and it means so much.    

Tell them that you appreciate what they do and the time they spend.   

Tell them that they have made your lives better.

I encourage you to call on YOUR staff.   They are here to help you meet your goals.   I am firmly convinced that they work to help you.

You will find that our entire Sig Ep Team--- our ALUMNI, our VOLUNTEERS, our FOUNDATION, and our STAff are all working together to help you develop a Sound Mind, a Sound Body so that you may live a Balanced Life.

In Sum……THIS WEEK –IN Conclave – YOU raised  the Bar for our Brotherhood.

Quite Frankly, YOU—our undergraduate Brothers -- Compel our STAFF our ALUMNI and OUR VOLUNTEERS to Kick it up a notch as well !   

We will find better ways to support Your Chapter Development and Your Personal Development.   We will find the Money.   We will find the Volunteers.  We will better Support our Volunteers.

Past Grand President Kief…….You did really did a good job.    

And  we thank you for your work !  

BUT….. when we gather again in Dallas in 2013, WE WILL BE DIFFERENT……

……...WE--WILL—BE--BETTER !

Blogger's Breakfast recap #SigEpConclave

The "Blogger's Breakfast" was well attended by 30 or so,equally divided between alumni and undergraduates.

We opened with some history - since the blog is now 7 years old some may not remember the beginnings. Early on we were perceived with some suspicion and hostility from HQ. Possibly because we were showing the places where SigEps were coming up short as well as the successes. We also did not hesitate to call BS when we saw it at the local, regional, or national level. Fortunately, as we have continued to offer straightforward news and honest (if not always welcome) opinions we have developed a collegial relationship.

We continued with a few facts about where S&P is today. A few current items of interest:

• Sanguine & Purpure (sigepblog.org) is now 7 years old.
• We now have a Twitter account (@SigEpBlog) with nearly 1000 followers
• All posts are also sent to the Twitter Feed
• There is a "Sanguine & Purpure" Facebook page that also gets the posts redirected to it
• Our "Sigma Phi Epsilon" LinkedIn Group has 9400 members - the largest LinkedIn group for a social fraternity. HQ has partnered with us and two staff members are also administrators of the group.  

The larger story is how much HQ has accomplished lately:

• RD Blog - on-the-road musings
• Official SigEp Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/sigmaphiepsilon) - 16,000+ likes
• @OfficialSigEp twitter account. And they are making good use of it
• Conclave website set up extremely well.
• Conclave smart phone app was well done and well received.

We then opened up for a comment and question session that brought out a number of suggestions for improving the state of communications, some of them even suitable for publication. The suggestion and ideas centered around how to use the current state of tech and social media to enhance a chapter's performance, a brother's development, and alumni participation. We will be compiling the ideas and sending them on to HQ.

... And they better not drop the ball! We know where they live.

Conclave Wrap-Up #SigEpConclave

You probably noticed that the blog has been quiet the last few days. There are a few reasons (as opposed to excuses) for that:

• The Phoenix Conclave is for all purposes a non-stop event. There are people to see, events to attend, and legislation to follow. Short story - it is tough to find time to sit quietly and write.
• The events his year were quite compelling, and while I did not always have access to a laptop, I and it seems like every other attendee have smart phones and were 'tweeting' profusely to the #SigEpConclave tag. Look it up. You will be overwhelmed. 
• The HQ staff and Conclave team actually did a heck of a job this year in raising their game by using email, twitter, smart phone apps, and web sites to increase the level of communication. It did not seem so much like "If I don't do this it won't happen" this year.
• I deliberately slowed my pace this year. Rather than run around like the intrepid reporter covering everything and learning nothing I chose to relax more, enjoy the experience more, spend more time connecting to old friend and making new ones, and soak up more of the fantastic programming. That meant less blogging and less picture taking.

So what do I have to show for the Conclave? What has impressed me, good or bad? Well...

• The two events I was directly involved with were successes in my opinion. 
• The "Blogger's Breakfast" had about 30 folks show up and was pretty evenly divided between undergrads and alumni. We had some spirited discussion about how social media can help chapters and there were some top notch suggestions I will be taking back to HQ to try to integrate into the overall plans.
• The "Bill W." meeting was also a success. Several people showed up to 'touch base' or to learn about the AA program. Most encouraging was the undergrad who was concerned about his drinking progression. No major decisions, but maybe a seed was planted. 
• The program quality was better than I have seen in a while. I actually enjoyed all of the programs I attended and most of the major events. 
• There has been a lot of discussion about 'raising the bar' for undergraduate and chapter expectations. I hope that we are being realistic in those expectations. No reason to think otherwise, as we have risen to meet previous challenges. Still one wonders if the bar may get too high.
• The behavior of everyone was top notch as far as I saw. The letter shared previously by Bro Kief attests that I was not just imagining it.
• I am particularly impressed by the way the Conclave staff 'raised the bar' on more and better communication. From an online daily newsletter to twitter tags, to a very helpful Conclave smart phone app, and more attractive programming it all was a fantastic experience. I didn't miss any events because I was so busy renewing friendships that I forgot. The reminder alarm let me know what was coming.
• the Twitter hashtag (i.e. #SigEpConclave) screen was very cool. I hope we have more than one next time. 
• Legislation - well, few surprises. most of the mundane stuff passed. Much of the more 'special interest' stuff didn't. Some of the more knotty pieces will need further work by task forces and such ans should be back next Conclave.
• Elections - Bert Harris will be a good steward for the next two years, if not as flamboyant as Garry (but then, who is?). Dan McVeigh is a good choice for a new NBD member. I see him every year at CLAs and respect his commitment and SigEp 'chops'.

Lets start making plans now for Dallas in 2013!

Best. Conclave. Praise. Ever. #SigEpConclave

Garry Keif got this email and shared it with several of those who were involved with the Phoenix Conclave. I think it speaks volumes about how well SigEp is making a difference in young men's lives.

 From: Benjamin Coberly [mailto:bcoberly@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2011 7:59 AM
To: Garry Kief
Subject: SigEp praise
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2011 7:59 AMTo: Garry KiefSubject: SigEp praise

Dear Mr. Kief,

Friday afternoon my family and I checked into the JW Marriott Desert Ridge.  I noticed a lot of college age guys milling around the place and immediately started to panic.  I panicked even more when I found out from one of them that they were all here for a fraternity conference.

I didn't go to a college that had fraternities, so pretty much anything I've ever heard about fraternities is what great parties they throw.  I was beginning to brace myself for a hectic weekend and beginning to form explanations in my head of what I would have to tell my 3 year old daughter about the behavior she was seeing.

I have to tell you though, I was pleasantly surprised.  Even with getting up to our room (there's a lot of baggage with me, my wife a 3 year old and a 1.5 year old) my fears were beginning to subside when one of the SigEp's held the elevator for us, called me sir and even assisted with one of our bags when he heard that my daughter wanted me to hold her and my arms were full!!

When we got poolside on Saturday there was not exorbitant partying, no heavy drinking and no rudeness going on.  I had the pleasure of floating in the "lazy river" for a while with some of the guys from the USC chapter and they were friendly and knew how to hold a conversation with someone they've never met before.  I work with high school and college age students at my church and there are MANY of them that can't hold a simple conversation with someone 10 years or more older than them.

A year ago my wife and I were at the same hotel and had a horrible experience.  I was really worried history was going to repeat itself, but your guys actually made it a more positive experience for my family and I.

Thank you for training up the next generation of men and teaching them to be "Balanced Men".

Sincerely,
Ben Coberly