My Convention Ramble 2025

National Council 2025-2026

Dear Gentle Reader,  (Strike that, wrong audience)

Hey Heyyyy Sisters!

If you weren’t in Costa Mesa this past weekend, you missed the best National Convention to date. Seriously, girl.

Of course, I can only share my perspective but it’s too good to keep secret.

Four of us from Wichita arrived early Thursday morning and were amazed that our rooms were ready. This was at 9:00am in a busy hotel.

After checking in, we crawled into a black limousine to visit some Temecula wineries. Crawling was the only way to get into the limousine. My grandmother would have been appalled by my lack of decorum.

When we returned to the hotel and crawled out (I won’t say if crawling out was due to the limo or wine), half of National Council was waiting for an Uber at the curb. We made quite an impression.

Friday morning was a tour to Balboa Island. The island was an explosion of color, scents and sounds with amazing shopping and food options. Transportation employed included a big bus, two ferry rides and occasional Ubers.

Friday night during Selling of the Wares, I witnessed something totally unexpected. All of National Council performed a skit in bikinis, prancing around the room, introducing themselves to everyone. And dang it, they looked awesome.

As always on Saturday morning, we woke early for balloting. Delegates gathered in a cavernous hallway with one small padded bench. Although I wasn’t a witness to conversations around that bench, I imagine there was concern over how long the wait would drag on . Surprise! Unlike past years, balloting was completed in under 15 minutes, including the counting. Delegates were released to enjoy coffee with others.

The beautifully moving memorial service began at 9. We were humbled by the recounting of our departed sisters’ accomplishments. The emotions at the service ranged from sorrow to pride.

The memorial service was  followed almost immediately by our business meeting. No time was wasted. We got down to business without unnecessary breaks and finished all business before our luncheon. I love this efficiency.

Our luncheon speaker was Sue Watson, a motivational speaker from Business Initiatives. Dang, she was good. I applaud National Council for breaking out of the box and trying something new,, something to benefit our secret club rather than focus solely on fundraising.

After lunch, we remained at our assigned tables and had well-planned, thought-provoking round table discussions. I found it to be a valuable sharing of information and ideas while bonding more closely with others at our tables.

Banquet was amazing. As toastmistress, Jeanie Smith had the incredible honor of recognizing the outgoing National President, her own daughter, Dena Kennedy. We also honored five Silver Award recipients and one Gold Award, Diane Dagastino.

After banquet, I couldn’t wait to kick off my shoes. Our chapter changed into pajamas and toured the room parties. We went from silvers to gold to the holy grail…Madeleine’s Slippery Nipples.  Thanks to all of the room party hostesses! You never disappoint.

I nearly forgot to mention balloting and the Heartspring funding. It was no surprise that everyone on the ballot was voted in unanimously. Branson was selected as the convention location and we fully funded Heartspring’s request. As Dena said, we may be small but we are mighty.

On Sunday, our outgoing president made her speech and toastmistress Sue Townsend inspired us with her words. Most impressive, in my opinion, was instead of a speech from the newly elected president, it was a compilation from the board as a team. This bodes well.

I do hope all chapters and councils enjoy the cash I spent on losing raffle tickets again this year. Even though I never win, it’s a fun way to close out convention.

Thanks for letting me ramble. Attend next year in Grapevine, Texas and experience National Convention yourself!

Love ya!

Beth