Deborah Catchings-Smith
International President
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Cary, N.C.
Briefly state what your job entails.
As president of an international sorority, I represent the members and affiliates of the organization. I oversee the operations and programs of the sorority.
What type of meeting did you hold in Cleveland?
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., held the 56th Biennial Boule, or national sorority conference, in Cleveland from July 29 to August 2, 2016.
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most about Cleveland?
They enjoyed the downtown area. They also enjoyed many of the restaurants in the area. There were a lot of positive comments about the food in Cleveland.
Are there any experiences you would recommend for groups meeting in Cleveland?
Conference participants enjoyed many things in Cleveland. I would recommend the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a cruise on the river and sporting events.
Did you happen to host any fun off-site events?
The Alpha Lambda Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho in Cleveland worked with members of the Cleveland Kappa Alpha Psi Chapter to host a boat ride down the Cuyahoga River. This gave our members and guests a chance to see the true beauty of the city.
How does Cleveland compare to other cities where you have hosted meetings?
Our members were pleasantly surprised with what Cleveland has to offer. It was a very inviting city with state-of-the-art facilities combined with historic venues. The downtown area is lively and filled with attractions. There are diverse live concerts. Our members and guests had an excellent culinary experience. The city and its amenities were reasonably cost-effective too.