What are conventions all about? |
| This page is all about what goes on at a Michigan Jaycees state convention. After viewing this page we think you'll be ready to join the fun and want to get your registration in as soon as possible. For any convention your registration is the first step. You can get a registration form by clicking here . Filling out the registration form is easy. Check off the convention events you most want to attend, or like most people do, just check off the box marked full registration which is almost everything. The only thing not included is the Sunday morning fellowship breakfast. |
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| Once filled out, send the registration to Michigan Jaycee Service Center before the deadline, so you won't incur any late fees. Now the only thing to do is to make hotel arrangements, which you must complete in advance with the convention hotel. The phone number is always listed on the registration form and in the web events section. Most people stay at the convention center hotel, but sometimes if you wait too long you'll have no choice but to go to an outside hotel. So make those reservations early. | |
| When you arrive at the convention center, and after you move your gear into your room, you should go right down to the Michigan Jaycee convention registration desk. Here you will claim your convention event tickets, and get a weekend program agenda. After-you pick up your event tickets., do not lose them, they can not be replaced. It's a good idea to put your room number on the back, so it can be returned if lost. Now let's check the list of Friday night activities. If this will be your first convention, we encourage you to attend the first timers program. It only takes a few minutes and you could get a free registration to the next convention. You might want to check into the Individual Development competitions, including: Speak-up, Write-up, Armbruster, Brownfield or Jaycee Jeopardy. Contact the Michigan Jaycees Individual Development Vice President for more information on these programs. | |
| The Michigan Jaycee Board of Directors meeting also takes place on Friday evening, which you are welcome to observe. The Friday night party is your chance to join your fellow Michigan Jaycees for a little fun. The Friday night party is a good time to renew old friendships and get acquainted with other Michigan Jaycees. The party is usually scheduled for 9:00pm until 2:00am. | |
| Each convention has a different theme for the Friday night party. The summer convention has traditionally been a beach party theme. The fall convention includes candidate booths and caucuses. The winter convention many times takes on a Valentines theme, so no matter which convention is coming up, the Friday night party is a great start to a fabulous Jaycee weekend. A lot of activity takes place on Friday night, but don't stay up too late, Saturday is an action packed day at any Michigan Jaycee convention and you'll want to be ready to go. |
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| Saturday morning
starts out with General Assembly shortly after 8. After the Michigan Jaycee board of
directors is introduced, a brief business meeting of the Michigan Junior Chamber of
Commerce is conducted, then it's at this first session of the day that programming awards
are presented to individuals and chapters. Following the morning general assembly, you'll
be able to take part in various training programs. The weekend Training Agenda will give you a complete run down of what
training programs are available and where in the conference center they will be
held. There is something for everyone, whether your a chapter board member or a
general member. The Michigan Jaycees training committee develops these training programs
to meet the needs of you the member, based on surveys, the time of the year and what the
chapter needs are for the next quarter. If you won't be able to come to convention until Saturday, the registration desk is open from 8 till 10:30. |
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| Seating for the luncheon is
assigned by region. Look for the tables marked for your region. A small sign in the center
of each table will indicate the regional designation for that table. A myriad of things take place at the luncheon, including a healthy nutritious meal. After lunch, the awards program continues. Presentations are made to chapters, individuals, and state board members. |
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| It is also during the luncheon that the winners of the competitions are announced. The First Timers program, Armbruster, Brownfield, Speak-up and Write-up, and Jaycee Jeopardy. The Speak-up winner is also given the privilege of addressing the audience with their winning speech. The luncheon program includes an opportunity to offer new member adds and new chapter extensions, to the state president and membership vice president. The program continues many times with a motivational talk from a guest speaker, more award presentations. Through out the weekend pay close attention for the presentation of presidential medallions. This is the highest honor that can be given to an individual by the State President. A new medallion is designed each year and a limited number are hand crafted for the President to award. | |
| Following the luncheon program, you will have a few hours of free time to enjoy the hotel facilities visit nearby attractions and recreational facilities go shopping or maybe get a little rest before the evening banquet business to semi-formal attire is the general recommendation for the awards banquet, and the seating for the Saturday night banquet is again reserved by region, look for the regional designation on the table. Following the formal introduction of the board of directors and honored guest, the banquet meal is served. The evening program includes an exciting video review of the quarter, with pictures of chapter projects from around the state. | |
| The Saturday night honors banquet also features the helping hand or partner awards, presented by the first partner of the Michigan Jaycees to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding support of another Jaycee in a leadership role. Announcement and presentation of what are know as the best of the best awards are also reserved for Saturday night. The top chapters in each population group, top chapters in each Area of Opportunity and the overall chapter of the quarter. The Saturday night honors banquet also includes the keynote speaker and presidential address, which are sure to fire you up and recharge your Jaycee batteries. |
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| Following the banquet, everyone gathers again for the Saturday night afterglow party. It's a celebration of the weekends big winners and one more chance to spend some time with your fellow Jaycees from around the state. | |
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Sunday mornings fellowship or prayer breakfast is presented by the Michigan Jaycee Chaplain. It begins with a good breakfast, described by some as the best meal of the weekend, and is followed by a brief non-denominational spiritual awareness program. This event is not included in the regular full registration, so if you would like to attend, you will need to add it on. Before you go home on Sunday, you might be able to take a little time to check out some of the attractions in the convention host city. |
| What are state conventions about. It can be a great weekend getaway. It can be an opportunity to celebrate, learn and meet old and new friends. Make it happen! Come to a Michigan Jaycees state convention soon. Will be lookin' for you. |
