ISDA, with its record-setting asset growth and thriving membership, is ready to ring in its founding tradition: the Biennial National Convention, for both the Order and Fraternal Association.
The 46th Order Convention and the 26th Fraternal Convention will be held at the elegant Westin Hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh from Aug. 19th – 23rd.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
The Western PA District, under the leadership of ISDA Vice President Sharon Cerrone, will host the 5-day event, and the committee has planned an unforgettable mix of activities for everyone.
Attendees will become part of ISDA’s leadership team while making new friends, enjoying the company of old friends, and creating family memories.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to celebrate our Italian American heritage together,” said ISDA National President Basil Russo. “The convention was launched nearly a century ago to establish a sense of identity among our first members. A fixture of our past, the convention is also the key to ISDA’s future, as we unite to celebrate and preserve our community, culture and time-honored traditions.”
The convention package is reasonably priced and includes a four-night stay at a beautiful, high-rise hotel with great views of Pittsburgh, the President’s cocktail reception on Saturday evening, the celebration of Mass and the convention’s opening luncheon on Sunday followed by a special tour and dinner at Pittsburgh’s National Aviary, dinner and dancing on Monday and Tuesday night, plus trips to the Heinz History Center and Rivers Casino.
ISDA Convention Special Events and Details
Sunday, August 20: We’ll be headed to the National Aviary, the only independent indoor nonprofit aviary in the United States. It is also the country’s largest aviary, and the only one accorded “National” status by the United States Congress. Attendees will have access to the Tropical Rainforest, Penguin Point, Grasslands, and Wetlands Habitats. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy both an owl and a penguin encounter.
If you don’t prefer birds, you can enjoy a beautiful dinner and conversation in the Garden Room, which overlooks Allegheny Commons and Lake Elizabeth, without any bird interaction!
Monday, August 21: Monday’s dinner event at the Westin is sports-themed, so put on your favorite team jersey for dinner and dancing, “Dr. Zoot” is performing!
Tuesday, August 22: To start the day, attendees will board buses at 9 a.m. to see Cabrini, a full-length motion picture, which has not yet been released in theaters. The film, based on the iconic Italian saint, Mother Cabrini, is outstanding.
In the afternoon, attendees will be provided complimentary admission to the Senator John Heinz History Center, Pennsylvania’s largest history museum and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. The Italian American Collection is one of the largest repositories of Italian American artifacts, photographs, oral histories, and archival materials in the United States. The museum has a robust collection of ISDA materials and artifacts in their archives, so be sure to inquire.
Alternatively, attendees can spend the afternoon at Rivers Casino, and/or the Pittsburgh Strip District for shopping and downtown fare.
***Buses will depart for the museum, casino and strip district at about 12:30 – 1 p.m., right after attendees return from the movie.***
Tuesday’s dinner and dancing event, at the Westin, is formal night. Come enjoy an elegant evening with “No Bad Juju” performing.
All ISDA members who are not selected as delegates can attend the convention as well.
If you have any questions, please email our staff at info@orderisda.org or call 412-261-3550, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
We are looking forward to seeing you this August in the Steel City!
For more information on local attractions, restaurants and shopping, go to www.visitpittsburgh.com.
