Remember the a la Mode! RHS 2016 International Convention

Hatter History LessonThere was a time in recent history where dessert was not given its proper due and the world politely waited for their dessert — understanding that it was supposed to be done AFTER the meal! It was a dull and dreary time in history until the women of The Red Hat Society came along! These trail blazers lived for the joy in all aspects of life! They knew the symbolism behind eating their dessert first. Although the dessert was tasty,

eating dessert first meant that they were living life to the fullest and not waiting to enjoy all the fun it had to

offer!This merry band of Sisters vowed that they would never stop spreading the joy of Fun, Friendship, Freedom, Fulfillment and Fitness with women everywhere. And thus, as a salute to their belief in the enjoyment of life they would rise and shout, “Remember the a la mode!” and proudly partake of their favorite dessert.

This convention, we’ll pay tribute to these Sisters and proudly eat our dessert first at each gathering.

A la Mode Agenda

Welcome to San Antonio!City Tour and Lunch9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

“There are only four unique cities in America: Boston, New Orleans, San

Francisco and San Antonio.”

– Mark Twain

And what Mark Twain didn’t know is that RHS has been to all of them!!!

Join your Sisters for an exclusive tour of the great city of San Antonio. Experience the sights and sounds of one of the most popular cities in the world. You’ll be whisked away on an air-conditioned motor coach (with bottled waters available) and a dedicated tour guide ready to answer all of your questions.

San Antonio is home to one of the few National Parks located within an urban setting, the Mission Trail. Our first stop will be Mission San Jose, located just south of downtown. You’ll look forward to viewing a film about the Mission, tour the Indian and Spanish soldiers’ quarters, tour San Jose’s church filled with elaborate carvings and be given the opportunity to walk the grounds of the largest and most restored San Antonio mission. From the famous Rose Window and the cemetery from the 1770’s, you’ll travel back to yesteryear and experience the Spanish influence on the city of San Antonio.

Then, it’s on to The King William Historic District where prosperous German merchants of the late 1800’s made their mark in the city by building grand homes!!! Enjoy the tree lined streets and visit Steves Homestead which still contains some of the original pieces of the era and is home to the very first swimming pool in Texas! You will tour the Guenther House located on the grounds of the Pioneer Flour Mill and explore their delightful gift shop filled with darling surprises for those who love to cook – or eat. And…in honor of our salute to “Remember the à La Mode,” each Hatter in attendance will be gifted a sample pastry to enjoy! How perfect!

Next, we’re off to El Mercado, the Mexican Market, world-famous for offering as close to a real Mexican market as you can get on this side of the border! The market is filled with every souvenir and trinket imaginable! Talk about a Hatters’ dream shopping day!!! Then, we’ll enjoy lunch at Mi Tierra Cafe, located within the Market. This restaurant will inspire you with its amazing décor and hand painted murals. Oh, and did we mention the Mexican bake shop within Mi Tierra Café?!!! Be sure to pick up some of the scrumptious desserts!

Then we’ll enjoy a driving tour of downtown San Antonio where we will see the Spanish Governor’s Palace, a national historic landmark and considered the sole remaining example of an aristocratic early Spanish house in Texas. Next we’ll be driven by the San Fernando Cathedral, the original church of the Canary Island settlers built in 1731 and one of the oldest churches in continuous use in the country.

Final stop… La Villita! Built in 1939, La Villita is a Historic Arts Village housed within one square block of the city. Its treasured buildings tell the story of San Antonio. You can look forward to amazing galleries and shops offering unique art by local & regional artists in the forms of oil paintings, sculptures, water-colors, metal art, rock art, textiles, copper wares, pottery, jewelry, stained glass and regional folk art! Our dedicated tour guides will share the history of the buildings which have been preserved in this urban park- like setting.

Hat District9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

The Red Hat Society believes that every event deserves its own shopping district! After all, it is our sport of choice! So…live out our salute to live life to the fullest by enjoying our official sport—shopping!

You can look forward to a group of carefully selected vendors showcasing their best product lines, specifically with Red and Pink Hatters in mind! Unlike a traditional shopping experience, The Red Hat Society knows how to turn the Hat District into an event in and of itself! There will be plenty of time to dance and play, while enjoying the ultimate shopping experience.

 

Social Butterfly School2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Would you like to learn more about how to use the RHS website? Have questions about how to use social media? Say no more! The RHS Hatquarters team is delighted to offer this fun and interactive look at all our website and social outlets have to offer. Each Social Butterfly School session will be individually tailored to the women in attendance. Come one, come all!

 

First Timer & Gutsy Gal Meet & Greet4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

So it's your first time at an RHS Convention or you had the "guts" to come all by yourself! What a trailblazer you are! Well, we want to celebrate with you and make sure you get a personal introduction to one another from the moment the Convention starts!

You may have come alone, but from this moment forward you'll be surrounded by Sisters!

9:00AM-10:30AMLa Fiesta Roja (The Red Party!)

Join The Red Hat Society for a Mexican Fiesta with a Hatter-twist! We’re going to Fiesta like there’s no mañana! This festive opening ceremony will include Mexican inspired entertainment, food and more!!! Bring your dancing shoes—or boots!

Dress: RHS inspired Folklorico Dresses, Sombreros or Southwest Best—with Rhinestones, of course! Traditional RHS regalia is always in fashion.

Food: Plated Mexican-Inspired Breakfast with plenty of desserts!

10:45 AM - 3:00 PMOff-site Optional Tours

Rafting on the Guadalupe River Cave Walking Ranger Creek Brewing

& Distilling Missions of San Antonio

3:30PM - 4:30PMPinkies Party!!!

For those new to RHS, that’s a meeting of Members under the magical age of 50. RHS wants to celebrate you and give you a chance to meet other Pinkies from near and far. All Pinkies, please wear your favorite Pink and Lavender attire. An official Pinkie photo will be taken at the event.

4:30PM - 5:30PMInternational Attendee Reception& Photo Session

The Society’s Members who are traveling from countries outside of the US are welcome to join Queen Lady Bug, Debra Granich for a special gathering and official photo session. We’ll spend time getting to know one another and sharing our favorite dessert recipes! Be sure to bring copies of your favorite dessert recipe to exchange with the Sisters present.

Dress: RHS Regalia as formal as you so chooseFood: Plated Dinner

7:00 PM - 10:00 PMA La Mode Ball

Did you know that there is an entirely different meaning for “a la mode?” The French translation is “How Fashionable!” Red Hat Society Queens and Members have defined fashion for over 17 years. Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Balmain have nothing on us! Tonight, we invite you to join your Sisters for a Fashionable Night in Paris! We will board the ‘Red Hat Express’ to Paris for the evening. We will spend the evening in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.

You are welcome to seize this opportunity to design and put together a unique creation to wear. Parisian couture is all about creativity and leading the way in fashion. Although not a requirement, this is a fun way to showcase your creativity with a playful ensemble.

Each attendee will receive a souvenir passport upon boarding the Express and one lucky winner will win a French inspired, couture chapeau!

8:00 AM - 9:30 AMSweet ’N Sassy Texas Breakfast

We’ll start off with a little “sweet” dessert and follow it up with a whole bunch of sassy entertainment.

RHS is fixin’ to blow your mind with this mornin’s Hat-venture. We’ll enjoy an improv show, “The Battle of Confections” starring our Hatters of the Year—Linda Theriot (2011), Barb Lesiak (2012), Mary Mimbs (2013), Marilyn Cresci (2014) and our 2015 recipient!

Followin’ our show, we’ll spotlight the nominees for Hatter of the Year and crown our 2016 recipient (bless her heart!)

Have you nominated a special Sister? This could be the moment she so deserves! Click here to nominate her.

Then, hold on to your hats! We’ll enjoy more time to show off our dancing moves!

Dress: RHS RegaliaFood: Plated Breakfast

 

10:30AM - 11:00AMLadies in Waiting No More! REDuation Ceremony

11:15AMClass of 2015Photo Session

An RHS Exclusive Event!

Turning 50 in 2016? Turned 50 a while ago but never had a REDuation ceremony honoring the occasion? It's time to have a celebration! After all, this is a magical birthday.

All Red Hat Queens and Members are invited to join Exalted Queen Mother Sue Ellen Cooper, Queen Lady Bug Debra Granich and Esteemed Vice Mother Linda Murphy for this special REDuation Ceremony honoring the REDuation class of 2016!

If you are a Red Hatter who has not taken part in this ceremony at previous events, please RSVP during registration.

 

10am - 12pmAmbassador Gathering(By Invitation Only)

The Society is so thankful and appreciative of the women who make up the Official Ambassador Program for The Red Hat Society. From their passion to their dedication, the Society wants to spend some time recognizing all they have done. This gathering will include acknowledgements, a “State of the Ambassador-ship”, and time to share with one another what is happening in their local area.

An official RHS Ambassador photo will be taken at the gathering.

 

1:00PM - 2:30PMRoyal Queens’ Coronation

Presided over by Founder, Sue Ellen Cooper, Queen Lady Bug Debra Granich, Esteemed Vice-Mother Linda Murphy and the Queens of the RHS who were recognized at the Foundering Sisters Ball. This RHS exclusive ceremony will offer you bragging rights like no other! Where else can you be coronated by Exalted Queen Mother Sue Ellen Cooper, Queen Lady Bug Debra Granich and Esteemed Vice-Mother Linda Murphy? Let them salute you in true Red Hat Society fashion.

For a Queen who has never been given her own Coronation Ceremony, it is our distinguished pleasure to honor you in this way. Please make sure you RSVP for the experience.*

All attendees are invited to come and be a part of the ceremony as royal spectators.

All newly Coronated Queens who take part in the ceremony will receive a commemorative ribbon and are invited to be a part of the official Coronation photo.

Dress: All things Queenly. Bring your “crown of choice.”

 

3PM - 4:30PM2016 Royal Court of Queens Gathering

The Red Hat Society is very proud to invite all Queens, Vice-Queens, Co-Queens and first Queen Mothers of Red Hat Society Chapters to join us for an official gathering of The Royal Court of Queens.

Take part in the Queens’ pledge, learn the official greeting (as created by the Founding Royal Court of Queens from the 2013 event) and learn new ways to keep your Chapter activities fun and exciting!

Each Queen in attendance is asked to bring eleven (11) copies of their best Chapter activity*. These copies will be shared with the Queens in your group. The eleventh copy will be given to the Hatquarters’ team. As a courtesy, Hatquarters will return from the Convention and create a master PDF document** that will be emailed out to all Queens in attendance.

At the conclusion of our time together, pose with the Royal Court for an official 2016 Royal Court of Queens photo! It’s only the second time in the history of RHS we have done a gathering of this sort!

*Those Queens who were a part of the Royal Court of Queens in 2013 are asked to bring a new activity to share. Let’s keep building our Fun list.**Due to printing and mailing costs, RHS will not be able to send physical copies to Queens. An email copy of all activities will be sent after the convention concludes. Please coordinate an email female who can receive and print on your behalf. Thank you!

 

6:00 PM - 11:00 PMRhinestone Roundup at the Knibbe RanchOff-site Dinner Event

Just imagine the most beautiful setting in the Texas Hill Country with plenty of fresh air, flowing creeks and wildlife and you’d be describing Knibbe Ranch! For over 150 years, the Knibbe family has been farming the land and providing visitors with a true Texas experience. Tonight, we’ll visit the Knibbe Ranch, have a Texas sized BBQ dinner buffet, enjoy line dancing led by Knibbe Ranch line dance instructors and be entertained by the Jody Jenkins Band, one San Antonio’s favorite bands who combine contemporary country covers, original tunes, and classic rock for an interactive, crowd pleasing performance.

Don’t forget to pose for an optional photo opportunity—with a live Texas longhorn!

Dress: Boots ‘n Bling!Food: Dinner Buffet

 

 

11am - 1pmSocial Butterfly Social (Incremental)Price: $45

New to social media and/or RHS? You are invited to join our RHS Social Butterflies. You’ll learn from the best!

It’s time for a good ole fashioned ice cream social! Join the Social Butterflies as we “Remember the à La Mode” and socialize with Sisters we chat with online! Oh, and after dessert, we’ll eat a fabulous brunch!

The social media world is growing by leaps and bounds while bringing Sisters closer together. Our international conventions are the perfect place to bring our “Social Butterflies” together for a gathering like none other! If you take part on the QMB, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, or read our Red Hat Chat blog we invite you to join us!

Look forward to social media scavenger hunts and contests.

Dress: Wear a pair of butterfly wings and if you are a QMBer, wear a nametag showcasing your online persona! Bring your smart phone, as we’ll be using them throughout the event.

Food: Brunch Served

Registration and Cancellation

Extra Day Convention Package $475Main Convention Package $375

Registration and Cancellation: per person. Those registering by check must send in your payment within 15 days of registering or you will lose your reservation.

Refund/Cancellation Fees

All Cancellations received by May 25, 2015 will be assessed a $50 processing fee. Cancellations after May 25, 2016 will forfeit 50% of their Convention fee. Cancellations after June 23, 2016 will forfeit 75% of their Convention fee. Cancellations after July 25, 2016 will forfeit 100% of their Convention fee.

Payment Plans

The Red Hat Society is delighted to offer Hatters a payment plan option. There is a non-refundable, handling fee for these requests and independent of the cancellation fee, should you choose to cancel your reservation. Payments are structured monthly and the monthly amount is based on the remaining months until convention.

To explain:

You registered for the Main Convention$375 One-time Processing fee$50 Total Paying$425

Start payments October (10 months of payments) – payments need to be paid in full by July 2016.

Your monthly payment is$37.50 ($375 ÷ 10) Your first payment is$87.50 (includes $50 fee) All payments thereafter$37.50

Start payments November (9 months of payments)

Your monthly payment is$41.66 ($375 ÷ 9) Your first payment is$91.66 (includes $50 fee) All payments thereafter$41.66

No-Shows / Late Arrivals / Early Departures

All Cancellations received by May 13, 2015 will be assessed a $50 processing fee. Cancellations after May 13, 2015 will forfeit 50% of their convention fee. Cancellations after June 12, 2015 will forfeit 75% of their convention fee. Cancellations after July 14, 2015 will forfeit 100% of their convention fee.

CONTACT US

If you have any further questions, please email us at events@redhatsociety.comor call us at 1-866-FUN-AT50 (1-866-386-2850)International: 1-714-738-0001

See you in San Antonio!

The Red Hat Society431 S. Acacia Ave., Fullerton, CA 92831www.RedHatSociety.com

 

This agenda is subject to change The Red Hat Society, Inc. 431 S. Acacia Ave. Fullerton, CA 92831 866-386-2850 (U.S.) 714-738-0001 (International)