March 31, 2019
Exciting News A bout Our
45th Regional Convention in 2020
From:     Region 16 Regional Executive Committee
To:          All Members of Region 16
 
What a thrilling time of year it is! As we prepare to head to Syracuse to share hugs and harmony with each other, we couldn't wait any longer to share some exciting news regarding our 2020 Regional Convention.
 
We have heard your requests to move our annual Convention to Canada! As mentioned in our 2018 Post Event Survey, a Site Search Task Force (SSTF) was appointed and has been actively researching alternative locations beyond this year. They have been working hard and were committed to finding a venue that would provide our members the same quality that we have all enjoyed in Syracuse for many years.
 
We are thrilled to announce that our 45th Annual Regional Convention, April 2-5, 2020, will be held at the:
 
First Ontario Performing Arts Centre, Partridge Theatre 
250 St. Paul Street, St. Catharines, ON L2R 3M2
Opening just four years ago, the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre has a beautiful stage and provides state of the art technology. This venue fulfills all the Sweet Adelines standard requirements for competition. Please click on this link so you can see for yourself!   First Ontario Performing Arts Centre . There are so many great things about this venue, including an abundance of restaurants on the same street!
 
You will notice that the seating capacity in this theatre is smaller than in Syracuse. Over the past year we have experienced a reduction of members in our region and therefore we are confident that this space will be sufficient for 2020.
 
The SSTF will be meeting with the Tourism Bureau of St. Catharines and hotels in May so more information will be forthcoming in the next few months.
 
A big thank you to our SSTF: JD Crowe, Shelley Snoulten, Barb Jacobs, Cathy Stovold, Colleen O'Dwyer and Diane Seaward who spent many hours researching and weekends travelling across Ontario visiting numerous locations. Their combined Convention experience and knowledge was a key factor in the success of their search. A job well done!
 
We felt it was important to share this with you before we all arrive in Syracuse so that you could have the opportunity to thank the staff at the hotels and theatre and show your appreciation for their awesome hospitality. Many of us only know Syracuse as our annual Convention location and the men and women who we see every year are a big part of making it familiar and comfortable.
 
We thank the City of Syracuse for a beautiful and generous relationship nurtured over more than 25 years!
 
In Harmony,
 
Cathy Stovold
Regional Administrative Director
Sue Melvin
Regional Education Director
Sue Heighway
Regional Membership Director