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Endangered Species Conservation Federation
Annual Convention
Each year (usually in August) the LIOC-ESCF holds it's annual convention. This is an opportunity for each member to take an
active part in the LIOC-ESCF on the national level.
At each convention, a General Membership meeting is held. During this meeting, members have a chance to voice their views
and oppinions on topics the Executive Board will be
addressing. Prior to the convention, there will be a call for an agenda in the Newsletter. This gives everyone, whether
they are able to attend the convention or not, the opportunity to ask the Board of Directors to discuss topics or concerns
facing the LIOC-ESCF. At the General Membership meeting, these topics are brought up for input from those present and any
discussion they may have on that subject.
Then Vice President, George Stowers, speaking at the
General Membership meeting at the 2000 Convention.
At a separte time, the Executive Board meets. Having heard the discussion from the general membership they then vote on these subjects. Each Branch is permitted to have a representative present at the Board meeting; although they do no have a vote (only the Officers & Directors may vote) they are allowed input.
Besides the "business" conducted at convention, it is also a great opportunity to meet other LIOC-ESCF members. There is ample time allowed for visiting and organized forays for sight-seeing as well. Also, depending on the whims of the host, there are speakers on the various aspects of cat care, housing, etc.
A few of the LIOC-ESCF convention 2000 attendees on their way
to the Carnivore Preservation Trust in Raleigh, North Carolina.
In order to get as many folks involved on the national level as possible, the location of the convention varies from year to year, making it possible for members around the country to attend as convention moves to various parts of the country.
One of the highlights of every convention is the banquet. It is held on Saturday evening. During the banquet the Lotty is presented, as well as the awards for "Reporter of the Year" and the voting for the "Photo Contest".
Life Director Shirley Wagner presents the Lotty.
The "Reporter of the Year" is chosen by the Editor. This is the person who the Editor deems to have contributed the most to the newsletter. The recipient receives a "Reporter of the Year" plaque in recognition of his or her contributions.
Throughout the year photographs with an exotic theme are contributed and printed in the Newsletter. These photos are then displayed at the convention and those in attendance are asked to vote for their favorite. The winner is given a prize for the best photo.
Also occurring at convention on banquet night is the LIOC-ESCF auction. Items are donated to raise funds for the LIOC-ESCF. These items (most are cat related) are offered for sale at a fixed price throughout the convention. Items that have not been sold prior to the banquet are then auctioned off the the highest bidder. Besides being the largest source of funding for the LIOC-ESCF, the auction is a lot of fun and a highlight of the convention weekend.
The tension rises for young bidder
Noel Maxwell at the 2000 LIOC-ESCF auction.
This years convention takes place in Portland, Oregon from August 8th-12th. For more information, please see: http://www.lioc.org/Convention/Convention01.html
Source: LIOC-ESCF Membership Handbook
Photos: Kate Conner Kahn
Copyright © 2000 LIOC-ESCF
