86th General Convention

Overview

June 17-20, 2027, at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Home is Where Your Brothers Are—See You in Grand Rapids!

Every few years, Phis from across the globe come together to celebrate what it truly means to be part of this brotherhood. The General Convention is more than just an event—it’s a homecoming for all Phis, open to families and friends, and designed to celebrate our shared brotherhood. It’s a time to reunite, share stories, and reconnect with brothers who have made lasting memories over the years.

This is your chance to return to the heart of Phi Delta Theta, to immerse yourself in our brotherhood, and to create new memories that will last a lifetime. No matter where life has taken you, General Convention is a place to rekindle your connection to the Fraternity and celebrate.

Join us for this unforgettable celebration of brotherhood, travel, and camaraderie. We can’t wait to welcome you—and your family—home!

Schedule

The General Convention begins on Thursday, June 17, 2027, with the Opening Session and concludes on Sunday, June 20, 2027.

Outside of official business, there are numerous opportunities for networking and socializing. Dinner, golf outings, local excursions, 5K races, and more promise to make each Convention an exciting experience for all Phis and their families. See what Grand Rapids has to offer!

About Convention

Every two years, Phis from around the world come together in the true spirit of The Bond for the biennial General Convention. This unique gathering offers Phis of all ages the chance to connect, share, and take part in shaping the future of the Fraternity. It’s a celebration of brotherhood and a forum for the most important decisions that guide Phi Delta Theta forward.

At the General Convention, three key responsibilities and powers are exercised:

1. Electing the General Council – Determining the leadership that will guide the Fraternity.
2. Consideration of Judicial Matters – Reviewing cases and ensuring adherence to the highest standards.
3. Enacting Laws for the Regulation of the Fraternity – Only the General Convention can amend the Ritual, Constitution, and General Statutes of the Fraternity.

One of the more important decisions a chapter makes is the selection of its delegate to the General Convention because all formal action taken at the General Convention is the result of democratic voting, and it is typical for chapter delegates to constitute 65 to 75 percent of the total vote. Those with voting privileges at the Convention include:

• Undergraduate chapter delegates
• Members of the General Council
• Past Presidents of the General Council
• Province Presidents
• Survey Commissioners
• The Executive Vice President
• Other commissioners that the General Council may appoint
• Alumni club delegates

This is your chance to be part of Phi Delta Theta’s future—where bonds are strengthened, and history is made. Join us for the next General Convention and experience the power of our brotherhood in action.

View the history.

Registration Types

Delegate or Visitor

Phi Delta Theta Conventions are widely attended by Phi Delts of all ages. Approximately half of all attendees are voting delegates, both alumni and undergraduate. However, many other attendees are chapter advisory board members, visiting alumni and undergraduates, non-Phis, spouses, children, or guests. Your role at the Convention, as well as your registration fee and schedule of activities, will vary depending on your registration classification.

Voting Delegates

Below are three classifications of Phis who have voting privileges on the convention floor. They will vote on important legislative business, as well as the election of the General Council. If you are a voting delegate, you will be expected to attend all business sessions and answer roll call at these sessions. 

Technical inquiries should be sent to helpdesk@phideltatheta.org.

Undergraduate Chapter Delegate

Registrants will need to register any additional registrants separately. Additional attendees cannot be added to this registration.

(One voting delegate per chapter)

• A chapter delegate will receive an allowance check toward one-half of a double room for three nights and travel expenses at the Convention.
• An undergraduate chapter delegate will receive the two luncheons and one Grand Banquet meal free at registration.
• He does not pay the registration fee for his convention meal events.

General Officer

(General Council member, Past President General Council, province president, commissioner, Trustee)

• A general officer receives an allowance toward one-half of a double room for four nights and travel expenses at the Convention.
• A general officer will receive the two luncheons and one Grand Banquet meal free.
• He does not pay the registration fee for his convention meal events.

Alumni Club Delegate

(One voting delegate per alumni club)

Alumni clubs must be certified prior to the Convention to become eligible for a vote.

• No expenses are covered by the Fraternity for an alumni club delegate to the Convention.
• He must pay the registration fee to attend convention meal events.
• It is suggested that his respective club sponsor his attendance as he is voting on their behalf.

Non-Voting Attendees

Chapter Advisory Board Representatives:

Chapter Advisory Board (CAB) members are encouraged to attend the convention. They do not have voting privileges, however:

• One CAB representative per chapter will receive a room allowance check from the Fraternity for one-half of a double room for three nights when he registers for the Convention.
• Additional members of the chapter advisory board for the same chapter may attend at their own expense.
• One CAB representative will receive the two luncheons and one Grand Banquet meal free.
• This same CAB representative does not pay the registration fee for his convention meal events. He must simply provide his own travel expenses.
• Additional members of the chapter advisory board for the same chapter may attend at their own expense.

Visiting Undergraduates and Alumni:

Any number of additional undergraduate chapter members are welcome to attend the Convention. This includes the business sessions. They are responsible for their own expenses and registration/meal fees and are considered visitors. Visiting Phi Delta Theta alumni are welcome to attend all convention business sessions or meal events at their own expense.

Families and Non-Phi Guests:

Alumni and officers of the Fraternity are often accompanied by their spouses and/or children to the General Convention. You can easily register your family members or guests along with your Convention registration in myPhiDelt when registration opens.

The Opening Session, as well as the Memorial Ceremony, are open to our non-Phi guests. Individual convention meal events or full registration may be purchased for family members/guests. No registration fee for meal events will be charged for children under twelve years of age.

Code Requirements

The General Statutes of the Fraternity require that each chapter send an official delegate to the Biennial Convention. (See General Statutes, Section 30). The delegate selected by the chapter must be an individual who will return to college as a regularly enrolled student following the convention. Failure to attend will result in an assessment toward your chapter.

Registration/Credentials

Registration is closed within myPhiDelt.

The registration/credentials (online registration) for the chapter delegate should be submitted as soon as he is elected. Credentials will be declared in order, provided the chapter is free of outstanding reports or money payments to the General Fraternity at the time the convention convenes. If there are no financial payments due to the General Fraternity, the delegate will receive his check for travel, room at convention. (See General Statutes, Section 31).

Official Alternate

Each chapter is required to elect an alternate who must meet the same requirements as those set forth for the delegate. If, for some reason, the delegate is unable to attend the convention, the alternate will become the official delegate and all information outlined above applies.

If both the delegate and the alternate attend the convention, the alternate will be expected to pay the registration fee and his other expenses, and should register as a visitor. The alternate is responsible for making his room reservations at the hotel if he will he attending the convention. The delegate and alternate, or other visiting members, may room together. Any delegate changes should be reported to General Headquarters as soon as possible, by contacting Renée Crist Lefter.

Registration Deadline

Registration will open late 2026.

Travel

Flying to Grand Rapids

If you are flying to the convention, you should fly into the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), which is about thirteen miles from the Westin Amway Grand Plaza.

General Officers (General Officers are alumni volunteers for the General Fraternity) – Please contact Renée Crist Lefter for more information.

Driving to Grand Rapids

If you are driving to the Convention, please indicate this on your registration, including your arrival and departure dates.

Attire

The Opening Session and the Grand Banquet are coat and tie. The Grand Banquet is a black tie (optional) event. During all other Business Sessions business casual is acceptable attire, however a collared shirt, dress slacks or khakis, and closed-toe shoes are required for entrance into the Convention Hall.

Family Program

Phi Delta Theta’s Convention isn’t just for members—it’s a memorable experience for the whole family! With a dedicated family program offering unique activities, outings, and social events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Families can explore vibrant museums, beautiful parks, and a buzzing downtown full of kid-friendly attractions, great dining, and local charm. It’s the perfect mix of fraternity tradition and family fun!

Get to know Grand Rapids and discover the best things to do around the city.