To: Open Letter to Alpha Delta Kappa Members
From: International Executive Board
Date: May 2024
The International Executive Board (IEB) always considers Alpha Delta Kappa's financial health as the primary influence on decisions. Your understanding of this crucial aspect is invaluable to us. To ensure transparency and accuracy of information, the IEB is committed to sharing information with members through meetings, letters, the International News, and Zoom sessions.
International conventions and regional conferences impact our finances. Since COVID-19, the hotel industry has changed its traditional booking practices. These changes affect the negotiations and pricing of contracts for our conventions and conferences. Member attendance at conventions and conferences has decreased significantly Continuing our current practices will result in a significant financial impact on members and the organization. Simply put, a change is needed. In response, IEB has investigated current industry trends to find the best solution.
In the fall of 2023, an IEB ad hoc committee on regional conferences was formed. The committee meticulously researched data on past and current regional conferences—contracts, attendance, meeting room availability, other costs (e.g., food, break-out rooms, technology/AV, etc.), and the conference format of other professional organizations. This thorough process, including input from the 2024-2026 Regional Presidents, led to the decision to reduce the number of regional conferences to three, which aligns with new industry trends. This decision enhances our negotiating power with conference venues and underscores our commitment to strategic planning.
IEB deeply appreciates your understanding and patience as it continues to work with regional leaders to redesign regional conferences. Your support and patience are invaluable to us. We will share accurate and timely updates as they become available.
May 15, 2024