My 2017 Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma National Convention Experience

July 18, 2017.
Hilton Buena Vista Palace – Disney Springs.
Orlando, Florida.

Brothers and sisters from across the country arrived to pick up their registration packets for the 2017 National Convention of Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma. After months of work and years of anticipation, people would get to see what we had been working on. It was on this day that much of my work was finally released into the wild. Seeing people rave about the official convention shirt and flip through their convention souvenir program/schedule really made me happy. I pour a lot into the branding of every national convention. I want my designs to not only look good but work well. Many confirmed to me, throughout the week, that I had achieved both. I never do what I do for attention, accolades, or praise. Those things are the beautiful by-products of the time and effort put in. The appreciation received validated that effort.

That effort was applied but not limited to:
– Official logo (and branding all the forms)
– Social media promo campaign
– Official souvenir program
– National Intercollegiate Band (NIB) concert program
– Official T-shirt
– BOHopoly (game board for contest encouraging workshop/keynote attendance)
– Kappa Kappa Psi Capital Campaign, “Advancing The Traditions” branding, including logos for 1919 Society & 1919 Biennium Challenge and video kicking off the campaign
– Vice President Manual (163 pages) & Membership Candidate workbook (113 pages) for the Kappa Kappa Psi National Membership Education Program: The Road To Wisdom
– 2019 National Convention logo & location announcement video

I derive great joy from bringing not only my vision but others’ vision to life as a designer. For example, The Kappa Kappa Psi Curriculum Committee had spent (and continues to spend) many, many hours putting together a national membership education program for the betterment of the Fraternity. With the content ready, I was tasked with designing the manual & workbook that would be presented at National Convention. After many meetings and revisions, we produced something that we were proud of. I was very blessed to be in a position to bring their vision to life and work on something that will have a lasting impact on the organization. Presentation matters and I’m so happy I could help in constructing something that was so well received. I wanted to do my best to visually validate and elevate the importance and quality of their outstanding work.

A trend that continued this convention was me getting emotional after the video announcing the next convention location was played. I’m always overwhelmed by the positive response and thankful to be in this position as National Publications Manager & Multimedia Designer. I’ll never get used to seeing live reactions to my work on such a massive scale. It’s confirmation that I’m where I’m suppose to be and motivation to continue to improve.

From visuals big and small, I wanted to do everything in my power to add to the overall experience of National Convention. There were moments where I stood in disbelief that brothers and sisters were walking around in a shirt I designed and logos I designed graced big screens. Everything was created to properly tell the story of this historic event, showcase the work and ideals of the organizations, and live forever in the annals of time.

I love Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma from the depths of my soul. I love graphic design from those same depths. Doing what you love for a cause you love is the dream. My heart shines with joy every day playing a small yet valued role in the advancement of these premiere band organizations.

~b.