Sheraton Downtown | Denver | June 12-14, 2009
On 143 prior occasions we have convened the supreme authority of our Fraternity. We’ve visited New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, San Francisco, and let's not forget last summer in New Orleans!! This June, we will come together in Denver, Colorado!
What is Congress?
Congress is the supreme authority of the Fraternity. The days are spent conducting the affairs of the Fraternity and the evenings are spent enjoying the host city. Everyone will come from different parts of the country, but the Brotherhood and coordination that will take place over three days will strengthen our Fraternity and leave Chi Phi better than it was before.
During the Congressional sessions, Chapter, Colony, and Alumni delegates will each have their own place on the floor of Congress. Over the weekend, Congress will meet to consider the establishment or revision of policies and initiatives, adopt Chi Phi’s 2010 budget and consider any of its own legislation. Congress will also install a new Grand Councl and recognize our 2009 award winners.
We’ve learned that Chi Phi and family complement each other nicely. The wives and spouses program has built many lasting friendships of its own that have been credited with increasing alumni participation greatly. While our Brothers conduct the business of the Fraternity through committee meetings and four sessions, our sweethearts will tour Denver and get to know each other as well.
Who Goes to Congress?
Including delegates, national leaders, spouses, guests, honorees, and banquet/leadership dinner participants, nearly 200 people participate in the annual Congress. Every Chapter is entitled to and obligated to send two voting delegates. Every Colony is entitled to and obligated to send one voting delegate and one non-voting delegate. Every registered Alumni Association and Chi Phi Club is entitled to one voting delegate. House Corporations are encouraged to attend but have no voting rights.
Typically, the Alpha and Beta or the Alumni Association President serve as their group’s delegates, however any member elected to serve as his Chapter, Colony, Club or Alumni Association’s delegate may do so.
In addition, Regional Alumni Counselors, the Grand Council, the National Staff, the Board of Governors, and the Board of Trustees will also be present. Additional non-voting or alternate delegates are welcome to attend, however all participants must pay the full registration fee per delegate to attend and/or participate in any Congressional activities. Registration as a delegate does not constitute or include registration with the Sheraton Downtown.
All delegates, both alumni and undergraduate, should register by May 15, 2009. All delegates will receive a registration confirmation by email no later than June 1.
Schedule of Events
Congress is busy but fun. Part celebration, part legislation, this long weekend will include a packed schedule of legislative sessions, banquets and awards luncheons and free time.
Thursday: Denver certainly has much to see. Some participants will arrive a day early to explore the city or surrounding area. No Congressional activities are scheduled except for the Chi Phi Educational Trust’s Leadership Dinner (invite only).
Friday: Delegate Registration & Check-In will take place from 10:00am to 1:30pm at the Sheraton. The Congressional Session One will convene to seat delegates and review the reports of Council and the State of the Fraternity address at 2:30pm. Friday evening will feature a dinner buffet. Most delegates will then take to the streets to enjoy Denver's nightlife.
Saturday: The most intense day, Saturday will feature Congressional Sessions One and Two, separated by the Fraternity’s annual Awards Luncheon. Individual Committee Meetings will be spread throughout the day and the Congressional Banquet will conclude Saturday’s activities by awarding the 2009 Walter L. Cronkite Congressional Award.
Sunday: The morning will feature a final round of committee meetings. Congress will then convene its Fourth and Final Congressional Session to wrap up legislative loose ends and adjourn by 12:00pm.
Details of Attending
Congress is the Fraternity’s supreme authority. It is composed of delegates from Chi Phi’s many Chapters, Colonies, Alumni Associations, and Clubs. It meets annually to celebrate the Fraternity’s success, review the state of the Fraternity, elect certain officers and attend to legislative business.
The presence of two delegates from each Chapter and Colony and one from each Alumni Association and Chi Phi Club is hereby requested pursuant to the Constitution and Laws of the Chi Phi Fraternity.
Location: Sheraton Downtown - Denver, Colorado
Dates: June 12-14, 2009
Lodging:
Registration: All Chapter, Colony, Club and Alumni Association delegates must register online. Chapters and Colonies have already been automatically billed for two delegate registrations. Alumni Association delegates and additional Chapter/Colony delegates must satisfy all registration fees prior to being seated.
Check-In: 10:00am – 1:30pm on June 12, 2009 at the Sheraton Downtown
Travel: Arriving flights should arrive no later than 12:00pm. Other sessions, activities, and banquets will convene throughout Saturday. Congress will conclude by 12:00pm on Sunday, June 14, 2009.
If you are flying to Denver, you should purchase your plane tickets as early as possible, at least 21 days in advance for the best fare.
Attire: Congressional sessions, banquets, and activities are business attire (coat and tie) events.
Guests: Chi Phi is proud to host another year of its enormously popular spouses and guests program. Contact congress@chiphi.org for more information.