Tampa Bay is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to welcome the esteemed members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for their 84th Grand Conclave. This momentous event marks a historic return for the fraternity to Florida after over four decades, with the last Conclave held in the state back in 1982. The anticipation surrounding this year’s gathering is palpable, with registration numbers already surpassing those of the fraternity’s centennial conclave in 2011, indicating an overwhelming response. Over 10,000 individuals are expected to attend, with total attendance estimated to reach between 20,000 and 25,000, potentially making this the largest Conclave in the fraternity’s history. The event’s impact on the local economy is already evident, with 12,000 room nights secured, underscoring the substantial economic boost the Conclave will bring to the Tampa Bay area.
Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “The Grand Conclave is a landmark event for Tampa Bay in that it sends a strong signal how prepared and welcoming Hillsborough County, its residents, and its facilities are to host groups that are as diverse as we are.” He added, “As the second of the Divine Nine to host their national convention in Tampa Bay, we are proud to support such a meaningful and historic gathering that stresses community engagement, social impact, and economic growth.”
This year’s Conclave, themed “Conclave with a Purpose,” is not just about celebration and camaraderie, but also about making a tangible difference. While conducting the fraternity’s essential business, the event will prioritize giving back to the community, focusing on key areas of community support and engagement. Dallas Thompson, Special Assistant to Omega Psi Phi’s Grand Basileus, Ricky Lewis, explained the driving force behind the Conclave’s location, saying, “The decision by Fraternity leadership to bring our Grand Conclave to Tampa was influenced by the eagerness of the city leadership to embrace our vision of a ‘Conclave with a Purpose’.” He further expressed gratitude for the support received and the city and county’s alignment with the fraternity’s efforts. Thompson emphasized, “This will be a festive and celebratory gathering, but our aim is to be deliberate in providing a forum where tools to shape a more equitable future can be discussed, leveraged, and amplified.”
The Divine Nine organization has unveiled a series of impactful initiatives planned for their Tampa event, showcasing their commitment to making a real difference. These initiatives include financial empowerment workshops, voter registration and mobilization drives, book drives to promote literacy, a youth symposium to engage young minds, and a community forum to address pressing issues.
The Conclave promises a diverse range of events, including:
*
Thursday, June 27th:
[Event details will be added here]*
Friday, June 28th:
[Event details will be added here]*
Saturday, June 29th:
[Event details will be added here]The 84th Grand Conclave is poised to be a transformative event for both the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Tampa Bay community. It’s a testament to the fraternity’s dedication to social impact and their commitment to leaving a lasting legacy.
