Hello Fellow Lions,
It is with much disappointment that we must announce that the MD-1 State Convention to be held May 13-16, 2021 at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield will now be a virtual convention. This unanimous decision was made by the Executive Committee in a conference call on Friday, February 5, 2021 with input from their colleagues.
In regular dialogue with the hotel they do not believe the restrictions on gatherings will be relaxed by mid-May to the point of being able to host an in-person meeting the size of our state convention. In addition, the health and well being of our Lions is always the top priority. I will note that the hotel has been very gracious in working through this with us as they have several other times this past year as we have now cancelled 3 other events with them in addition to this one due to the COVID-19 restrictions.
We will now pivot and begin planning our first virtual convention. We still expect this to be a fun and successful event!! We need to conduct the business of the Lions of Illinois as there will be 4 resolutions that need to be voted on, an international guest to hear from, and several other things to be accomplished. More details will be sent out as they are firmed up and it will take some time to figure it all out.
I have also spoken with Lion Trish Fisher, the Executive Director of the Lions of Illinois Foundation, to inform her about this development. The LIF team will be determining how to best handle the Sight and Sound Sweepstakes and other LIF business. Look for more information when it becomes available.
We will also work with the incoming council of governors to make arrangements for them to move forward with their selections of state chair positions for next year.
I want to thank you all for everything you are doing to serve your communities during these challenging times. We will get through this and come out of it stronger than ever - better days are ahead!!
Please stay tuned for more information about our convention as it becomes available. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me.
Thank you,
MD-1 Council Chairperson Joe Vinyard
