This year's convention, It Matters to Every ... 1, will be held April 25-26, 2008 at the Centennial Elementary, 910 Seventh Avenue SE, Altoona, Iowa.

The Iowa PTA holds a convention each year to conduct business of the association, approve recommended updates to the bylaws, and to adopt the legislative platform. Membership and Leadership awards are presented during the Convention and new officers are elected in odd-numbered years. Representatives of National PTA and other guest speakers provide motivation and inspiration and help PTA leaders and members to develop the knowledge and skills they need to strengthen and energize their local PTAs.

Members from across the state are encouraged to attend the Convention to learn new skills, network with other PTA members, and help conduct the business of the Iowa PTA. Convention fees are a legitimate expense for your PTA. Convention is held in a different town each year to allow more members to attend.

Each PTA may send as many delegates to Convention as they wish. However, only a limited number of delegates are allowed to vote during the business meeting. "Voting delegates" are limited to your PTA President (or alternate) and one additional voting delegate for every 50 members. Other PTA members who attend from your unit are designated as "non-voting delegates." Non-voting delegates may participate fully in all convention events, with the exception that they cannot vote on Convention business. Check the bylaws of your PTA to determine how your voting delegates are to be selected.

For the Convention brochure with registration form, workshop descriptions, speakers and event information, select:

• Convention Flyer

For a schedule of Convention activities, select:

• Convention Schedule

For information about the benefits of becoming a Convention Exhibitor/Sponsor, select:

• Exhibitor Letter
• Exhibitor Sponsor Opportunity Sheet
• Exhibitor Application and Contract

For additional information about the Annual Iowa PTA Convention, contact the Iowa PTA office.