Conferences in 2002 & 2003

Golden Key International Convention 2003: Passport to the World

• 31 July - 3 August, 2003
• Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Chicago, USA

From 31 July to 3 August, 2003, I attended the Golden Key International Convention 2003, held at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Chicago USA. This is one of the most outstanding experiences available within Golden Key, providing members with networking opportunities to a global community of achievers.

This year's convention was very much a reflection of the changing nature of Golden Key. A number of additional events, such as the Cultural Expo and the "Leadershape" luncheon and workshops, reflect the immense growth and structural change within the organisation.

The Cultural Expo provided exhibits from the seven member countries, as well as the opportunity for various universities to advertise their international exchange and graduate programs. These included several South African, Canadian, and US universities, as well as Macquarie, La Trobe, and Australian National University. Other organisations included student leadership development programs, corporate sponsors, and the Peace Corp.

During the Career Expo, corporate sponsors and leading academic institutions had a second opportunity to establish contact with students of the highest quality. As more leading companies and universities recognise the benefits of involvement with Golden Key, I can see a potential for growth in both the Cultural and Career Expo.

Golden Key award winners for 2003 gave excellent insight into the incredible standard set for chapters in delivering benefits for members and in becoming an invaluable part of their communities. Special mention for the Australian chapters must go to Curtin University of Technology who won both the Outstanding Campus Awareness and Best Membership Drive awards with the latter involving a member response rate of 47.5% in the 501 + members category. This sets an impressive standard for other chapters to seek and drive towards. Congratulations also to the University of South Florida, which received the 2003 Founders Award as the best chapter in the society.

Australian Society statistics:
24 chapters
13124 members inducted
38.4% average acceptance rate

May I encourage every member of the University of Sydney chapter to consider attending the International Convention next year. An important part of maintaining growth at local chapter level is attendance at this Convention. If an enthusiastic group of four or more students could attend, I believe that we can become a leading chapter in the Asia-Pacific region.

Nicholas Rozario
Immediate Past President (2002 - 2003)
The University of Sydney Chapter

Asia Pacific Regional Convention 2003

• February 6th to 9th
• Star City Hotel, Sydney (Australia)

	University of Sydney Chapter President (Nicholas Rozario) presenting a workshop at this year's regional conference.
	Chapter members and alumni enjoying a cruise around Sydney Harbour on the last evening of the conference.
	2002 Asia Pacific Regional Student Representative, Greg Hurrell, speaking to the 150 plus delegates attending the 2003 regional conference.
	TV and Radio Personality, Adam Spencer, hosting the Trivia Night on the first day of conference, and enjoying a round of karaoke with Golden Key CEO, Alex Perwich.

International Convention 2002

• August 7th to 10th
• Hyatt Regency, Atlanta (USA)

	Opening Night banquet in the Hyatt Regency Atlanta with over 1500 Golden Key delegates from around the world.
	Golden Key members are privileged to hear from Coretta Scott King on the opening night of conference.
	Asia Pacific delegates from Sydney University and Adelaide University enjoying the festivities of conference.
	International Convention provides a unique opportunity to meet a variety of people from all over the world, including some new friends of the University of Sydney Chapter from South Africa.