Very cold and overcast, but no snow. This is the weather that greeted Hawaii-Pacific Chapter members attending Congress in Chicago this past March. The Hilton Chicago and Conference Center offered a warm atmosphere of dark walnut paneling, Baroque art and velvet furnishings reminiscent of grand hotels of a golden era long ago. As always, the three-day event was filled from early morning to late evening with breakfasts and luncheons featuring interesting speakers and deserving awardees (including our chapter), a vast number of educational offerings on pertinent topics, a bustling vendor exhibit hall, and nightly networking receptions. In fact, the schedule was so full that the annual Fellows' reception was held at 9:00 p.m. on a Monday. That's 4:00 p.m. in Hawaii!! That same evening Regent Kevin Roberts, FACHE, and I hosted a chapter dinner at a nearby Italian restaurant. Twelve of us, including the parents of one of our members, cozied up in a private dining room and enjoyed a wonderful evening of wine, food and fellowship. Everyone wore artificial leis that I had picked up at Don Quiote's on my way to the airport. For me the dinner was surely the highlight of the trip. Next year when Congress attendees from Hawaii carry on the tradition of a chapter dinner, I'll make sure that the leis are there.

Hawaii-Pacific Chapter member dinner in Chicago.

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