Convention History

The first gathering of representatives of more than two chapters was in 1891; the first "real" Convention was in 1893, the second a year later; then Conventions were held triennially twice, and for over twenty years, 1912-1934, Conventions were triennial.  Other than these exceptions, Conventions have been held biennially.  Only twice, in 1918 and 1944, have Conventions been postponed, both due to war conditions.  The early Conventions were held on college campuses, with the local collegiate chapter serving as hostess and providing entertainment.  The last year a national Convention was held on a university campus was in 1922.

Conventions have been located in varying parts of the country so that difficulty of travel would not always fall on the same chapters.  At first expense of collegiate delegates' transportation was the responsibility of the chapter; later the Fraternity assumed this expense, but either way cost always has been a factor.  Since the earlier chapters were all in the east and mid-west, early Conventions were in those areas too.  In 1900 the first western chapter, Pi, was established; by 1913 there were nine more western chapters and so Asilomar, California, was the site in 1915.  In 1930 Toronto was chartered and the next year Manitoba, and in 1931 Convention was at Quebec.  And so it has gone.  For sentimental reasons the Fiftieth Anniversary Convention and the Centennial Convention were held near and in Boston.