The first Kiwanis International convention

Perhaps nowhere else in the history of Kiwanis is there reflected more evidence of changing times and changing attitudes than in the story of the organization’s conventions. Early sessions reflected the understandable need to set up a better structure for the organization to ensure its success. But over the years, fellowship became more and more prominent, and elaborate programs of entertainment were eagerly anticipated by convention-goers.

Early in the organization’s history, convention sites were rotated among established Kiwanis regions, but by the 1950s it became evident that only a limited number of cities could host a Kiwanis International convention. Now made four to five years in advance, the selection of a convention city focuses more on available facilities and the interest and extent of support to be found in local Kiwanis clubs, the city, and local convention officials.

Music and other forms of entertainment always have been key elements of Kiwanis conventions. Past appearances have included Bob Hope, Debbie Reynolds, and Jay Leno.

By the 9th Annual Kiwanis International Convention, prominent speakers were invited to address the conventions on nonKiwanis topics. Through Kiwanis’ history, these speakers have included the Honorable Angus MacDonald, premier of Nova Scotia (1934); US Federal Bureau of Investigation Director, J. Edgar Hoover (1936); US Vice-President Richard Nixon; Christian evangelist Dr. Billy Graham; Roman Catholic Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen; TV personality Art Linkletter, and US President Ronald Reagan.

Regardless of programs, speakers, and Kiwanis business, the most important concern is always the inspiring effect the convention has on those attending. Many Kiwanians have said that they never truly appreciated the vast scope of their organization until they attended their first Kiwanis International convention. Almost everyone—whether a Kiwanian, a spouse, guest, son, or daughter—experiences a great thrill of unity and accomplishment when, at the convention’s close, thousands join hands to sing Auld Lang Syne. Then, the President sounds the Kiwanis gong and proclaims, “This convention of Kiwanis International is adjourned.”

HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS

1916
The first convention, May 18-19, in Cleveland, Ohio, unified the founding clubs into “The National Kiwanis Club,“ and a Constitution was approved. George F. Hixson was elected to the first of his two terms as President of the National Kiwanis Club. Later that year, headlines would proclaim “Kiwanis Becomes International,” when the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, Ontario, was organized on November 1.

1919
Kiwanis declared its independence in Birmingham, Alabama. In a wave of check writing, attendees raised $17,500 in one-half hour to buy Kiwanis from founder Allen Browne.

1922
The first convention staged outside the United States was in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

1924
Kiwanis’ six permanent Objects were adopted during the convention in Denver, Colorado, USA. During the same convention, the first song was written for Kiwanis. George Sanford Holmes, president of the Kiwanis Club of Denver, wrote the words to Onward in Kiwanis for the convention that year.

1927
Efforts to provide educational opportunities began with the convention in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. Various forums, workshops, and other instructional sessions have been provided over the years.

1935
The first nationwide broadcast of a Kiwanis convention was aired by the Columbia Network across the US by KTSA in San Antonio, Texas.

1943
The only interruption in annual conventions came when World War II made it necessary to substitute an International Council meeting for the convention. A small administrative convention was conducted in 1944 with limited attendance. In 1945, the International Council again conducted the necessary business, but in 1946, Kiwanis resumed its regular convention operation. With nearly 10,000 people present, the Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA convention of that year broke all previous convention attendance records.

1961
Delegates in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, adopted one of the most important resolutions in the history of Kiwanis: “Resolved, we favor the establishment of Kiwanis clubs in other countries in addition to Canada and the United States.”

1983
For the first time in its history, Kiwanis International stages its annual convention outside the US and Canada – in Vienna, Austria. The entertainment at the closing session included artists who performed in superb solos, duets, and group renditions. Kiwanis would return to Europe in 1993 with its 78th Annual Convention in Nice, France.

1987
The House of Delegates in Washington, DC, eliminated gender as a qualification for membership in all Kiwanis clubs.

2015
At the 100th Anniversary celebration of Kiwanis International in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, delegates elected Sue Petrisin to be Kiwanis International president—the first female president of Kiwanis International or any major international service organization.

Source: Dimensions of Service, The Kiwanis Story by L.A. “Larry” Hapgood.