1. GET INVOLVED AT A REGIONAL LEVEL

Steering a regional convention is the perfect way to take a huge step in your leadership experience in BBYO and your region. 

2. PLAN PROGRAMS & SERVICES FOR YOUR REGION

A steerer plans a program and/or a service. This is essential because the convention is all about programming! As a steerer, you will plan a part of the convention that everyone there will never forget and have the opportunity to learn new skills.‍

3. LEAD THE PROGRAMS FOR YOUR REGION

Now that you have planned your program, you have to lead it! Show all of your mad skills and talent to your region! (Go you!)

4. WORK WITH NEW PEOPLE IN YOUR REGION & MAKE NEW FRIENDS 

A steering team is made up of many different passionate teens (just like you!) from many different chapters. You will have the chance to work with them and form new, lasting friendships. ‍

5. STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Whether you are a programming expert, or you have never planned a program before. Steering a regional convention will surely push you out of your comfort zone. You could be challenged to try to plan a program you have never thought of before or to elevate your idea to a whole new level. The best part of planning programs for a convention is that they are on a totally bigger scale than your chapter programs! Which means even cooler and bigger ideas!

6. KNOW ALL ABOUT CONVENTION, BEFORE CONVENTION

Besides knowing the programming, you can find out all about the convention way before you check into the hotel. You will be coming up with all the surprises, secret activities, and special programming. You have bragging rights. Like at my last convention we had TopGolf at chofesh! 

7. EXPERIENCE CONVENTION THROUGH A NEW LENSE 

Conventions are always fun but they can be even more meaningful when you get to leave your own mark on it. When you steer a convention you get the chance to see the other side of the work that goes into making the weekend as special as it is. You get to run the programs and know what’s going on. You will still have just as much fun, you’ll just be the one putting on the fun for all your friends!

8. BECOME CLOSER WITH REGIONAL STAFF & REGIONAL BOARD

Before convention can even happen, it must be planned which includes many steering meetings. Your regional staff will be present at these meetings so this is a great opportunity to get to know them better! Also, they will be eager to get to know you better as a person and as a leader. Sometimes regional board comes to meetings as well! They will chat with you about your programs and learn more about you so you can establish new friendships with the current leaders of your region!

9. GAIN LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE THAT WILL HELP YOU THROUGHOUT BBYO & LIFE

Before the convention begins, and during the convention, you will learn many valuable skills. Such as: how to control a room, how to make decisions on the spot, how to go with the flow, and much more! Everything you learn from convention steering, the before, during, and after aspects will come in handy not only later in BBYO, but they are great skills to have for life!

10. IT WILL BE FUN 

Steering a convention is an experience like no other. It is tons of fun and you are able to see all of your hard work come to life! I encourage you to apply to steer your next convention so you too can experience it! 

These are my top 10 reasons why you should apply to steer a convention (there are many more!) so go out and apply and figure out your top 10 reasons to plan convention!