86th Grand Conclave · Chicago 2028
Conclave Committees
Review the host-committee committees below and express interest in serving. Each committee is overseen by a Deputy Grand Marshal; the Grand Marshal reviews every request.
Marketing
Strategic planning, design of a Grand Conclave logo, social media presence and strategy, digital marketing, signage and banners, presence at the 85th Grand Conclave, and standing up a local website.
- Chair:
- To be announced
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Karl Bryant
Website
Create and maintain the website for the Grand Conclave.
- Chair:
- Benny Parrot
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Karl Bryant
Registration
Work with IHQ on registration procedures. Pre-Conclave: forms, fees, dates, and the registration database. On site: check-in, materials (bags, badges), VIP and complimentary registrations.
- Chair:
- Lemarr Ketchens
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Karl Bryant
Youth Leadership Conference
A two-day event preceding the Grand Conclave for roughly 150-175 African American male youth. Workshops and sessions on life skills that empower the youth for future success; may feature several speakers.
- Chair:
- To be announced
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Charles Bruce
Protocol
Ensure all ceremonial and fraternal procedures are upheld to protocol standards, and that every plenary session, ceremony, and Grand Conclave event is handled properly.
- Chair:
- John Ball
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Charles Bruce
Transportation
Transportation of the Supreme Council and other dignitaries: airport to hotel, hotel to convention center, off-site Grand Conclave events, and Quettes.
- Chair:
- To be announced
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Brian Brown
Quettes Experience
Celebrate and engage wives and significant others through organized activities and hospitality - luncheon, activities, and registration (with a fee, deadline, and registrant limit).
- Chair:
- Larry Coleman
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Karl Bryant
Public Opening
Coordinate the on-site public opening with the Divine 9, elected officials, and dignitaries (in person and virtual welcome addresses), and organize a reception immediately following. Secure commitments and virtual addresses well in advance.
- Chair:
- Reggie Summerrise
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Charles Bruce
Vendors
Recruit, manage, and support vendors. All vendors must be licensed. Handle registration, location, and security, and set a target number of vendors.
- Chair:
- To be announced
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Karl Bryant
Security
Coordinate supplemental security with IHQ across three levels - hotels, CPD, and the convention center - and serve as the contact with the District Commander and the CPD Superintendent.
- Chair:
- Sidney Pennix
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Brian Brown
Administrative
Support internal operations, minutes, and logistics for the smooth functioning of all committees: scheduling Zoom meetings, taking minutes, working with IT, and running the calendar.
- Chair:
- Karl Bryant
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Karl Bryant
STEM
Plan and execute a one-day STEM program during the Grand Conclave that engages and inspires youth attendees. Male and female students are invited.
- Chair:
- Darryl Jones
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Charles Bruce
Food Trucks
Identify minority-owned food trucks, obtain city requirements, and organize their on-site presence, dates, and times.
- Chair:
- Chris Burney
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Brian Brown
Information Technology
Responsible for the smooth operation of all technology and technical operations - audiovisual needs, internet connectivity, and virtual components - working with most committees, including Marketing and Registration.
- Chair:
- Lemarr Ketchens
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Karl Bryant
Social Action
Organize and implement four to five social action activities, such as a book drive, blood drive, school visits, the DuSable Museum, and PUSH.
- Chair:
- William Hooks & Melvin Jefferson
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Brian Brown
Talent Hunt
Logistics, location, and program for the Talent Hunt, working with each district, and recruiting judges.
- Chair:
- LaDar Jones
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Charles Bruce
Step Show
Logistics, location, program, prizes, and practice for the Step Show, working with each district.
- Chair:
- To be announced
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Charles Bruce
Golf Outing
Organize a Grand Conclave golf outing: location, practice round, date, participation fee, a 50/50 raffle, and a dinner after golf. Target at least 72 golfers, with registration through the local website.
- Chair:
- George Henton & Ron Hughes
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Brian Brown
Bike Ride
Organize and implement a bike ride for 200+ bikers.
- Chair:
- To be announced
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Charles Bruce
Souvenir Book
Secure advertisements for the souvenir book, in hard copy, digital, or both.
- Chair:
- Jason Poindexter
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Brian Brown
Undergraduate Affairs
Coordinate planned activities for undergraduate brothers during the Grand Conclave.
- Chair:
- To be announced
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Charles Bruce
Sponsorship & Fundraising
Secure financial and in-kind support to offset Grand Conclave costs and ensure financial success. Sponsorships: identify and research corporate, organizational, and individual sponsors and define their benefits (branding, exhibit space, speaking, program ads). Fundraising: build a plan and revenue targets (ticket add-ons, donations and pledges, special events) and monitor progress.
- Chair:
- To be announced
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Karl Bryant
Entertainment
Curate events and activities across Chicago, Thursday through Sunday - museums, sporting events (White Sox, Cubs), clubs, parties, cigar lounges, rooftops, boat rides, cookouts, and shopping. All chapter events must have SECs.
- Chair:
- To be announced
- Deputy Grand Marshal:
- Karl Bryant
Serve on Marketing
Strategic planning, design of a Grand Conclave logo, social media presence and strategy, digital marketing, signage and banners, presence at the 85th Grand Conclave, and standing up a local website.
© 2028 One Omega Foundation, Inc. — 86th Grand Conclave Host Committee