Convention FAQs

How is GFWC keeping attendees safe during the pandemic?

The city of New Orleans requires that guests five(5) and over either provide proof of:

• Up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination status, or
• Test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before arriving into the city.

As part of the registration process in the Member Portal, there is an option for you to upload a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination card. Please note that the total file size uploaded, including the card of your spouse or other guests, cannot exceed over three(3) megabites. Convention attendees will also need to bring a physical vaccine card or a photo/photocopy of the vaccine card. Please note that fully vaccinated requires that the final dose of the guest’s vaccine was administered at least 14 days prior to the event.

GFWC will continue to comply with and encourage everyone to follow all health and safety guidelines and precautions recommended by the CDC, and as posted by the New Orleans Government.

There will be hand sanitizer stations throughout the hotel.

Why is the Official Call to Convention now only online and not printed in Clubwoman Magazine?

The Official Call to Convention is now exclusively online so that we can focus on providing regular updates to you as Convention details are confirmed or need to change. A digital format also enables GFWC to offer the Convention Agenda as an easy-to-print PDF and as an interactive calendar.

To print a web page, there is a pink magenta printer icon available along the right margin of Call to Convention pages accessed on a desktop device. To print the Bylaws and Resolutions (see the Resolutions-specific FAQs), both documents will open in a new window.

How do I obtain a wheelchair while in New Orleans?

You can rent a wheelchair to use during Convention from mrwheelchair.com,  or order by phone: 504-834-2810. Mobility City also rents wheelchairs as well as power chairs and scooters; to order by phone, call 504-380-9031.

These rentals will be both delivered and picked up from the Convention hotel.

 

Do I need to be registered for Convention to use the interactive calendar?

No, the interactive calendar format of the Convention Agenda operates independently of the registration process in the GFWC Member Portal. You can add events to your personal calendar or subscribe to event updates whether you are or aren’t currently registered for Convention.

How do I add an event to my personal calendar?

Click on the desired event in the full calendar listing. There are two blue-outlined button options at the bottom of the page: “+i Cal/Outlook Export” and “+Add to Google Calendar.”

Are there any other interactive options besides a Google and an Outlook calendar?

These are the only interactive options available, and ways to stay up-to-date on any changes to specific events onsite. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer real-time updates to the PDF version previously offered.

How do I subscribe to event updates within the interactive agenda calendar?

Select the specific event(s) by clicking on the link within the full listing of the interactive calendar on the Convention Agenda page. Enter the email where you’d like event updates to be sent into the field with a grey envelope.

Can I subscribe to a group of events in one step?

Unfortunately, this option is not available at this time, but we are looking into what may be possible for the future.

I want to register someone for Convention using the “Invite Others” button in my Google Calendar. Why isn’t it working?

This is a local setting on your personal Google Calendar, which you could use to suggest that someone register for Convention. However, please direct everyone to the GFWC Member Portal to register for Convention.

Why can’t I see who is registered for Convention by using the “See Guest List” button in my Google Calendar?

This is a local setting on your personal Google Calendar, which you could use to keep track of who you’ve told that about the 2022 GFWC Annual Convention. To register for Convention, please direct everyone to the GFWC Member Portal.

What if my interactive calendar question isn’t answered here?

Please contact our webmaster with any additional questions, or to provide additional feedback.

First-Time Attendee

What should I bring with me while attending Convention events?

Wear layers, and bring a sweater or pashmina in case you get chilly. You will also need your official name badge to be admitted to all business sessions and workshops.

How do I participate in Business Sessions?

The primary purpose of this Convention is to process the business of GFWC, the proposed Bylaws amendments, and the proposed Resolutions (new, amended, and those to be rescinded). Only voting delegates wearing white badges may speak to an issue or make motions and vote. Please sit with your state or delegation and take pride in representing it.

View the Convention Agenda for the session times. To print the Agenda, there is a pink magenta printer icon available along the right margin of Call to Convention pages accessed on a desktop device.  To print the Bylaws and Resolutions (see the Resolutions-specific FAQs), both documents will open in a new window. There will be a printer icon in the upper right.

What personal development opportunities does Convention offer?

Plan to attend one of the Affiliate Organization Workshops , and at least one GFWC Workshop during the two sessions. Dates, times, and locations are listed in the Convention Agenda.

How do I get to know other attendees?

Take advantage of the Social Gatherings each night; use this time to meet new friends or reconnect with those friends you have met at one of the meal functions.

And don’t forget to visit the Vendors and Affiliate Organizations at their booths!

How do I notify GFWC of my dietary restrictions?

Meal Tickets/Dietary Restriction cards (if applicable) are needed for all meals. Please adhere to seating assignments at meals. View the Convention Agenda for meal times and locations.

What if I have lost something at Convention?

Laurie O’Kelly handles lost/found and announcements. Don’t hesitate to call if you need her: 803-530-9665. If you have lost tickets for an event, a GFWC staff member is happy to help you.

Where can I purchase GFWC Merchandise?

GFWC Marketplace will have a booth (opposite from the Registration Counters) where you can buy new things for your wardrobe and buy other GFWC-branded items.

What if I have questions not answered here?

Please see the other FAQ topic areas. Convention and Meetings Chairman Laurie O’Kelly and Events Manager Nishu Raina are also available to answer any questions.

Onsite, the first place to get your questions answered is at the GFWC Registration Counter or GFWC Convention Welcome Desk.

Which airport is closest to the Hilton New Orleans Riverside?

The Convention hotel is 14.8 miles form the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY).

How do I travel from the airport to the hotel?

Private transportation is the best option to travel to Hilton New Orleans Riverside. You can book an airport shuttle or arrange for a taxi or other private transportation.

Public transportation does not stop in close walking distance to the hotel. To drive to the hotel, take airport road to the I-1o East ramp toward New Orleans. Stay on I-10 East until exist 234 B, where you will exit left toward the Poydras Street Superdome. Drive on Poydras Street for approximately 12 blocks. The hotel will be on your right at 2 Poydras Street.

Does the Hilton New Orleans Riverside have shuttle service?

Unfortunately, the Hilton New Orleans Riverside does not offer shuttle service for its guests.

What is there to see and do in New Orleans?

Visit the Tours page in this Call to Convention for details on tour options that you can book through GFWC during the Convention registration process. To plan self-guided itineraries, visit www.neworleans.com.

Why are there so many more proposed changes to resolutions again this year?

The 2020 GFWC Strategic Plan directed the 2020-2022 GFWC Resolutions Committee to “review the complete list of GFWC Resolutions…and recommend a restructure of the resolutions by broadening and combining the content to reduce the overall number.” The first year of the Administration, the Resolution Committee reviewed resolutions in the Arts and Culture, Environment, Education and Libraries, and Health and Wellness Community Service Programs (CSP) with recommendations presented at the 2021 GFWC Annual Convention. This second year of the Administration, the Resolutions Committee reviewed resolutions in the Civic Engagement and Outreach CSP and two Special Programs, Juniors’ Special Program: Advocates for Children and Signature Program: Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention to be presented at the 2022 Annual Convention. Each year of this Administration, there were double the usual number of resolutions required for review by Standing Rules to account for the large number of proposed changes.

What is the difference between the resolutions in the newly-proposed resolutions sections?

New resolutions are those proposed by State Federations or others listed in Standing Rules. The other resolutions in these sections, which include a number of resolutions, are an update, broadening, and consolidation of current resolutions with a similar focus. If the newly-proposed consolidated resolution is adopted, then the current resolutions will be proposed to be rescinded.

Why are there sections of the Call to Convention with headings of Civic Engagement and Outreach/(Arts and Culture) and Civic Engagement and Outreach/(Juniors’ Special Program: Advocates for Children)?

The resolutions in these sections are currently assigned to the Civic Engagement and Outreach Community Service Program. Upon complete review of the Community Engagement and Outreach CSP, the Resolutions Committee has determined these resolutions have a focus more germane to the Arts and Culture CSP or Juniors’ Special Program: Advocates for Children.