We are excited about our upcoming District Convention in Greenville, SC and hope you can join us! 

 Below are the rates and deadlines for each option.  

Online convention registration is now closed.  

Please email District Secretary Leah Moretz ([email protected]) to see if any spots have become available.

Carolinas Kiwanis Refund Policy

Full refunds (minus a $20 processing fee) will be processed for any registration cancelled in writing (mail to Convention Registration Cancellation, 184 N Water St., Suite 24, Boone, NC 28607) postmarked by 7/31/2024. We will not be able to accommodate any refund requests for cancellations for any reason after 7/31/2024. In the event of a last minute emergency, substitutions will be accommodated. You are responsible for canceling or modifying your own hotel reservations.

PLEASE NOTE:  This new software provides the opportunity for you to purchase event insurance (see below) should you wish to be fully covered and is separate from the Carolinas District of Kiwanis.  Should you choose the event insurance, it is your responsibility to contact them per their policies to invoke the insurance.  The Carolinas District has no involvement in that insurance policy.

Location Information

  • Embassy Suites Greenville Golf Resort & Conference Center
  • 670 Verdae Blvd, Greenville, SC, 29607
  • Google, Bing, MapQuest

The convention will take place at the Embassy Suites Golf Resort & Conference Center just 5 miles from downtown.  

Hotel reservations are separate from Convention Registration.  

Any hotel cancellations are the responsibility of the registrant and must be made directly with the hotel.

Special Kiwanis Rate for your hotel stay:  $169.95 per night (+ taxes and fees) 

Deadline:  EXTENDED TO JULY 22, 2024 

OUR BLOCK WILL MOST LIKELY SELL OUT. DO NOT DELAY.

Reservation Options:

1) Click on the following link: Kiwanis Annual Convention Booking Link

2) Or call 1-800-EMBASSY and ask for the Kiwanis Annual Convention and Education Conference special room rate.

Hotel Services:

Check-in time is 4:00 PM  and check-out time is 12:00 PM.

Complimentary Breakfast Hours for each hotel guest :  6:30 – 9:30 am  (Mon. through Fri )  &  7  - 10 am  (Sat. and Sun.) 

The Evening Reception Hours for each hotel guest who is an adult :  6  to 7:30 pm daily  (2 complimentary beverages) 

Friday, August 16

9:30 am - 12:30 pmLt. Governor Training Capstone Event

Incoming Lt. Governors will meet with Governor-Elect John Chiesa and work on setting their goals for the 2024-25 Kiwanis year.

11:00 am - 5:00 pmConvention Registration Check-in

When you arrive at the hotel, come through to the Kiwanis registration area . You will be given your convention materials, including a name badge. Please note that your name badge also serves as your credentials as an attendee, and needs to be worn for all meetings, including forums and all sessions for admission; please think of your name badge as a ticket to an event. Your name badge will be required to enter all sessions starting Friday, and shows that you are officially registered for the conference.

12:00 - 5:00 pmClub Leadership Education

Incoming Club Officers have an opportunity to attend a workshop, which will prepare them for their upcoming responsibilities. Note: this session does not include Club Secretary or Club Treasurer training. There will be a separate training for incoming Club Secretaries and Treasurers in September. This session includes lunch and is $50 through the regular rate and $75 for our late rate / on site.

12:30 - 1:30 pmDistrict Board & Lt. Governors Luncheon

Current District Executive Board, District Trustees and Lt. Governors

1:30 - 3:30 pmDistrict Team Meeting

Current District Executive Board, District Trustees and Lt. Governors

6:00 - 7:00 pmOpening Session

This session will include a special thank you to all club presidents.

7:30 pmDinner on your own

Time for you to explore downtown Greenville, SC.

Saturday, August 17

8:00 - NoonConvention Registration Check-in

When you arrive at the hotel, come through to the Kiwanis registration area . You will be given your convention materials, including a name badge. Please note that your name badge also serves as your credentials as an attendee, and needs to be worn for all meetings, including forums and all sessions for admission; please think of your name badge as a ticket to an event. Your name badge will be required to enter all sessions starting Friday, and shows that you are officially registered for the conference.

9:00 - 11:00 amHouse of Delegates

This meeting is the official Business Session for the district where we elect the 2024-25 District leadership and vote on amendments.

11:15 am - NoonForum Sessions 1

1) What’s Your Shape?
No matter the shape you find yourself in, this workshop will help you understand your strengths and weaknesses to better interact with others. “Why” does my spouse, co-worker, club member think and act so differently from me? You will find yourself nodding and laughing as you learn about different personalities.

2) SLP Advisors Forum
This working session will be a true round table discussion of 4 or more attendees per table discussing issues we face as advisors with elementary, middle school and high school K-KIDS, Builders and Key Clubs. Ideally, we will develop a ‘best practice’ for advisors to use as a guideline when becoming an advisor and when issues arise within the school environment for a successful SLP experience for students. Open to all current advisors and clubs looking to start an SLP in the future.

3) Build, Nurture and Retain: Membership Development Initiative
Join District Membership Chair Art Keinath to learn more about Kiwanis International's membership development initiative: Build, Nurture and Retain. During the session, discussion will focus primarily on how we can show collective efforts to nurture and retain our existing membership through a variety of focused club specific support.

4) Your Club’s New Member Orientation: Creating a Critical First Impression
The best way to keep members is to get them engaged in your club and serving the community on “Day 1”. In this session, you will learn some techniques used by successful clubs to introduce new and prospective members to existing service opportunities and encourage them to suggest new ways to serve your community. This “first impression” of the club can be critical in retaining
new members for the long-term.

5) Live Video Recording Session for Club Promotion
This is not your typical educational session; it's a live video recording opportunity to showcase your club or a project. After the recording, our District PR Chair will edit the video for your club's use. Reservations are suggested, contact Joe Crostic at [email protected]. Reserved spots will be given priority due to time constraints. If you wish to use a teleprompter, kindly provide the script to Joe by August 9, 2024. This session will continue through all forum sessions.

12:15 pm - 2:30 pmLuncheon

Featuring Keynote Speaker Chris Niles, Director of Alumni & Advancement, Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity
The lunch will be buffet style and will take into consideration meal preferences such as gluten-free, vegetarian, and keto. If you have severe food allergies, please contact District Secretary Leah Moretz by July 31st.

2:45 - 4:45 pmService Project

We are working hard to find a great hands-on project to help children in the Greenville, SC area. Stay tuned for details!

2:45 - 3:35 pmForum Sessions 2

1) Empowering Communities: From Idea to Impact
Learn from other clubs on their transformative journey of turning innovative concepts into actionable community service that foster growth, unity, and positive change. Key takeaways include collaboration, creative thinking, and actionable items for you to take back to your club.

2) Membership Chair Training
Membership chairs will receive training on how to create your club’s Membership Plan. Attendees should come with a goal for the number of new members their club wants to gain for 2024-2025.

3) Starting a K-KIDS or Builders Club
This working session will be focused on the issues club face when considering starting a K-8 program at a school which may include a K-KIDS or Builders Club. Attendees will be seated at round tables of 4 or more and discuss multiple issues before sharing the information with the larger group and develop a working blueprint of what has worked for other clubs and how to handle setbacks. Current SLP leaders are requested to be table facilitators and will be invited in the weeks prior to DCON to plan the session.

4) Live Video Recording Session for Club Promotion (continued)
Reservations are suggested, contact Joe Crostic at [email protected]. Reserved spots will be given priority due to time constraints. If you wish to use a teleprompter, kindly provide the script to Joe by August 9, 2024

3:45 - 4:45 pmForum Sessions 3

1) Leadership and Succession Planning
Come explore methods of identifying new leaders among your members and prospective members. Examine ways to train your members for future leadership roles. Discuss your need for succession planning and share ideas for fulfilling that need.

2) Unveiling the Grant Writing Journey: Why Me, Why Now?
Grants can be challenging for organizations, often seen as a solution to all funding issues or an exclusive opportunity for a select few. In reality, numerous grants are accessible to all nonprofits, irrespective of connections. Foundations, corporations, and governments offer funding to organizations with aligned missions. The key is to utilize the appropriate resources to identify grants that match your organization's objectives.

3) Kiwanis Collaborative Carousel: Round Table Discussion with a Lively Twist
Join your fellow Kiwanians for an engaging discussion where you can share ideas and gather inspiration. Come prepared with questions and thoughts on Service, Fundraising, Leadership Development, and Building Connections within the Kiwanis Family as we embark on a dynamic "Kiwanis Collaborative Carousel" together.

4) Live Video Recording Session for Club Promotion (continued)
Reservations are suggested, contact Joe Crostic at [email protected]. Reserved spots will be given priority due to time constraints. If you wish to use a teleprompter, kindly provide the script to Joe by August 9, 2024

6:30 - 9:00 pmBanquet

Governor Donnie will give his farewell address. 2023-24 Leadership will be retired and 2024-25 leadership will be installed. The banquet will be buffet style and will take into consideration meal preferences such as gluten-free, vegetarian, and keto. If you have severe food allergies, please contact District Secretary Leah Moretz by July 31st.

Sunday, August 18

9:00 - 10:00 amClosing Session

Come hear the plans for the 2024-25 Kiwanis year as Governor-Designate John addresses the membership.

Speakers

Donnie Ellis District Governor

Chris Niles Keynote Speaker

John Chiesa Governor-Elect

Maddie Litvan CKI District Governor

Aleksei Sample-Kietrys Key Club Governor

Steve Ingram Kiwanis International Trustee

Candidate for Governor:  John Chiesa, Pawleys Island Kiwanis

Candidate for Governor-Elect:  Jon Hethcox, Columbia Kiwanis


Candidates for District Trustee

3 Candidates for 3 Vacancies

Helen Lukow-Williams, Moncks Corner Kiwanis

Biography

Helen is married to Terry Williams, President of the Monkcs Corner Kiwanis Club. They share seven children, 19 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.  She is a retired educator.  Having been in Kiwanis 28 years, she is a former Key Club advisor and presently serves as a board member.

Why do you wish to be a District Trustee?

I believe in the Kiwanis objects, follow its mission, share its vision and love its motto.  When you find an organization that aligns so closely to your own values, it is easy to want to serve along others.  Serving as a trustee allows me to serve others within the family and to make decisions aligned with the mission and values of Kiwanis.

What qualifies you to become an officer of Kiwanis International?

First, I have a servant heart, love people and the Kiwanis family.  Second, I have a business mind, having obtained a B.S. in Business Administration with certifications in Education, A&M, and counseling.  I have multi-experiences in these areas, all of which I can use as a Trustee.  My various roles in Kiwanis give me insight into the workings of Kiwanis having been a Club Coach, Lt. Governor and District Trustee.

How will you leave your mark on Kiwanis?

I want to serve the children of our communities and help them develop good character and become leaders.  I want to serve along side other like-minded people to improve our communities.  If I can be known as a good Kiwanian, I will be greatly honored.  This will leave my mark on others.

Cindy Miller, Kernersville Kiwanis

Biography

Cindy is married to Donald Miller, has two children, two cats, and a turtle.  She is a member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Banner Elk.  She retired in 2022 after 30+ years with Hanesbrands, Inc..  She joined the Kernersville of Kiwanis club in March of 2023 where she currently serves as the Vice President and Board Member.

Why do you wish to be a District Trustee?

Children's advocacy is near and dear to my heart. Kiwanis gives me the opportunity to live my passion on a daily basis.  After attending the Kiwanis International and seeing the many opportunities to ensure children have a level playing field, I wanted to use my skillsets to give back.  Being a district trustee positions me to learn more about Kiwanis and find ways to help us make decisions that grow the organization and the mission.

What qualifies you to become an officer of Kiwanis International?

I have been at the CXO level of a global fortune 500 organization.  Through that role, I have been exposed to and learned from various cultures around the world.  I love to learn and love to give back!  While only with Kiwanis for a year, I have been the Vice president, board member, communications committee chair person, and chaired the largest fundraiser for the Kernersville team.  In addition to Kiwanis, I spend time with the kindergarten children in a school with a 21% literacy rate teaching them fundamentals such as ABC's and numbers.

How will you leave your mark on Kiwanis?

At the end of the day, if we see children's lives positively impacted by engaging them from the time they enter school in K-kids, Builders club, Key Club, CKI and see them become the next generation of Kiwanians, I will feel that we have made an impact.  

Ann Wolf, Banner Elk Kiwanis

Biography

Ann is a former elementary education teacher.  Her interest in helping children has been a lifeline ambition. She has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk for 5 years and Club President for three.  She has been the chair of a major fundraiser and on the board of another major Kiwanis fundraiser.

Why do you wish to be a District Trustee?

I believe children need to have exposure to many opportunities and Kiwanis can give them opportunities they may not have otherwise had the ability to experience.  Helping Kiwanis Clubs with ways to help children in their communities is a goal I would like to meet.

What qualifies you to become an officer of Kiwanis International?

I am a hard worker and with my expereience as Kiwanis Club President and chairing a major Kiwanis fundraiser, I believe I can help others become leaders in Kiwanis and their communities.  Earning a PhD in Computer Education shows that I am not afraid of hard work by reading and listening to others.

How will you leave your mark on Kiwanis?

I will leave my mark by guiding others in helping their Kiwanis Clubs help the children of their communities.

The Carolinas District has one amendment to be voted on in the House of Delegates on Saturday, August 17: To Add the Position of Vice Governor to the District's officers. This amendment was approved by the Carolinas District Board. The cost to district would only be travel costs reimbursed to the new officer to attend District and International events - estimated cost: $2,500 - $3,000.

Reasoning: Kiwanis International encourages each district to add the position of Vice Governor. When surveyed all Past Governors from the past several years agreed that having an extra year to plan and ready themselves for the position of Governor would have been very beneficial to them. Once elected this person would begin meeting with the Executive team monthly and the District Secretary weekly in order to prepare for their year as Governor. Currently, each Governor has stated they needed more time to plan for their year before taking office.


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