Yes, Your Chapter Can Do It! Hosting a Regional Convention

Jason Charneski and John Dixon

Tuesday, June 21, 8 AM

Has your chapter been hesitant to apply to host a regional convention because it seems too daunting or because your chapter is too small? Come to an interactive workshop that is designed to allay these and other worries. You'll be able to learn from and ask questions of two members of the AGO's Committee on Conventions who have served as coordinators for successful regional conventions within the past ten years. Conversation will focus on topics such as creating a compelling program, building the convention team, entering into an agreement with a hotel, fundraising, and marketing. Think of it as a brainstorming "boot camp." Your chapter CAN do it and can reap tremendous reward in both its reputation and its finances.

Jason Charneski served as coordinator for the 2013 Regions I and II Convention, which was held in Hartford. Prior to that, he served as Publicity Chairperson for the 2005 Region I Convention, also held in Hartford, also serving as sub-dean and dean of the Greater Hartford Chapter during the run-up to that convention. Since 2002, he has been the Director of Music and the Arts for The First Church of Christ in Hartford, known more widely as "Center Church," an historic (founded in 1632), urban, diverse, and Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ.

John Dixon co-chaired the 2009 Region III convention, headquartered in the city of Norfolk, Virginia. He subsequently completed two terms as dean of the Tidewater Chapter. Since 1998 he has served as organist and composer-in-residence at Providence Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach. He currentlyhas close to 600 compositions in his catalog. In 2003 he was appointed executive director of the Academy of Music, a non-profit community music school in Norfolk, with the mission of bringing the joys and benefits of learning music to those who do not have the resources to pay for lessons. Both presenters are members of the AGO Committee for Conventions.