What Is a Fraternity or Sorority Convention, Conclave, or Boulé?

A fraternity or sorority convention is a major gathering where authorized members may conduct organizational business, elect leaders, receive education, recognize achievement, participate in service, and renew relationships. Some organizations call this gathering a conclave, Boulé, Grand Conclave, Supreme Convention, Grand Council, national convention, or international convention.

These names are not universal or interchangeable. The organization’s governing documents determine what the event is called, who may vote, and what authority the gathering possesses.

Is a conclave different from a convention?

Sometimes the difference is mainly organizational language.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity calls its gathering a Conclave. The fraternity’s official Conclave 2027 information describes a six-day program in National Harbor, Maryland, with business sessions, public events, networking, and community service.

Sigma Tau Gamma uses the title Grand Conclave. Its official Grand Conclave overview explains that members consider legislation and amendments, elect national leaders, attend workshops, participate in ceremonies, and recognize members and chapters.

A publication should preserve the organization’s official event name. Calling every gathering a “convention” can help a new reader understand the general concept, but it should not replace the formal title.

What is a Boulé?

Boulé is an organization-specific name used for certain major fraternity or sorority gatherings.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority identifies its international gathering as its Boulé. The sorority’s official 2026 announcement reports that its 72nd Boulé took place in Las Vegas and included the installation of Charletta Wilson Jacks as the 32nd International President and CEO.

The word may appear with or without an accent in public materials. Editors should follow the spelling used by the organization in the particular source or event title.

A Boulé should not be described as an event used by every historically Black fraternity or sorority. Other organizations use conclave, convention, grand chapter, supreme convention, or another term.

What happens during these gatherings?

A national or international gathering may include:

• Delegate credentialing
• Officer and board elections
• Constitution or bylaw amendments
• Financial and officer reports
• Committee meetings
• Educational workshops
• Leadership training
• Awards and member recognition
• Ritual or ceremonial sessions
• Foundation or affiliated-entity meetings
• Service projects
• Vendor exhibitions
• Step shows, performances, or social events
• Public programs
• Alumni, alumnae, graduate, or collegiate activities

Not every attendee participates in every activity. A guest may attend a public program or banquet without being eligible to enter a business or ceremonial session.

Who gets to vote?

Voting authority depends on the organization’s governing documents.

Possible voting participants include:

• Chapter delegates
• National officers
• Regional officers
• Former national presidents
• Board members
• Designated alumni or alumnae representatives
• Collegiate representatives
• Members with a particular status

Registration does not necessarily make someone a delegate. A chapter may have to elect or appoint its delegates before the event and submit credentials by a deadline.

Some matters require a simple majority. Constitutional amendments, dues changes, disciplinary appeals, charter actions, or other major decisions may require a larger vote.

Is a council conference the same as an organization’s convention?

No.

A council and its member organizations are separate entities. The National Panhellenic Conference, for example, is a trade association whose 26 member organizations remain autonomous. Its leadership structure includes a Council of Delegates with representatives from each member organization.

An NPC meeting is not the national convention of Alpha Phi, Delta Gamma, Pi Beta Phi, or another member sorority. Each organization holds its own meetings under its own rules.

The same distinction applies to campus councils, citywide councils, professional associations, and other coalitions.

Are conventions open to the public?

Some portions may be public, while others are restricted.

Public activities can include:

• Community-service projects
• Exhibitions
• Concerts
• Step shows
• Health fairs
• Vendor areas
• Award programs
• Educational sessions
• Religious observances
• Civic programs

Business meetings, elections, officer reports, disciplinary matters, and protected ceremonies may be limited to eligible members or delegates.

Anyone planning to attend should check registration categories, guest policies, age requirements, photography rules, accessibility details, and session restrictions.

Why do these gatherings matter?

A convention is more than a reunion or celebration. It may be the place where members exercise the organization’s highest legislative authority.

Delegates can decide who will lead, how money will be assessed, which programs will receive attention, and whether governing documents will change. Members also return to their chapters with training, policies, contacts, and assigned responsibilities.

Public coverage should therefore distinguish between the event’s social activities and its formal decisions.

Key takeaway

Convention, conclave, Boulé, and Grand Conclave can refer to major Greek-letter gatherings, but the correct term and legal authority are organization-specific.

Before describing an event, confirm its official name, dates, location, host, voting body, public activities, and restricted sessions.