Oriental Guide Conference and Kosair for Kids Shrine Leaders Conference Return to Tampa

We all know that Shriners are serious about having a good time with their fraternal brothers, but many are just as serious about their leadership growth. Whether a noble has just joined the Divan of his temple (chapter) or has served on it for a few years, Shriners International recognizes that continual improvement is key to best serving our philanthropy, Shriners Children's, as we have for more than a century.

That’s why, amid the plethora of educational opportunities for Shriners of all levels, we also host two back-to-back conferences, the Oriental Guide Leadership Conference and the Kosair for Kids Shrine Leaders Conference (formerly known as the Assistant Rabban Conference), to offer continuing education and training to our temple officers. The events run March 6-8 and March 10-12, respectively, at the Tampa Airport Marriott Hotel.

The second event is possible thanks to the support of Kosair for Kids. The nonprofit is a powerful force in Kentucky and Southern Indiana to enhance the health and well-being of children by delivering financial support to healthcare, research, education, social services and child advocacy. An extremely generous grant from Kosair for Kids enables Shriners International to equip its Assistant Rabbans with the training necessary to lead a chapter to include the provision of child-focused services.

The event is packed with top-notch learning opportunities, as evidenced by positive evaluations received from attendees. “I would tell other Shriners that the benefits of this conference are being able to exchange ideas. One, not only to network with their counterparts and Imperial officers, but, two, to try to figure out what they don't know,” said Charles E. Maddox, Assistant Rabban of Ben Hur Shriners in Austin, Texas.

Over the years, some aspects of the conferences have changed due to the times or member demand. For example, the leadership module was expanded, and a complete ladies education component was added, featuring presentations on social media, mentoring and public relations.

“In the grand scheme of things, we all have some very similar issues, and so it's been great just to problem-solve and do some strategizing and then come up with some ideas that maybe we can take back to our shrine,” said Rhonda Denney, Divan lady of El Riad Shriners in Sioux Falls, North Dakota.

Despite any changes, the goal of the conferences remains unchanged: to provide the knowledge and tools needed to successfully lead as a member of the Temple Board of Directors and in preparation for ascending to the office of Temple Potentate.

The Oriental Guides will arrive on registration day, March 5, which will feature an opening reception from 5-6:30 p.m. for the nobles and their ladies. A social event will also take place on the second evening. In addition to leadership training, they will have several breakout workshops on topics ranging from budgeting to shrine law to fundraising, all designed specifically for their roles as chapter leaders.

The Assistant Rabbans, who will arrive on their registration day, March 9, will have an advanced version of the leadership training along with breakout workshops on such topics as risk management and Divan planning. The second evening will feature a social event for attendees.

This year’s theme for both conferences is Around the World, celebrating our international reach both within Shriners International and Shriners Children’s. Attendees and presenters are encouraged to celebrate their roots by dressing to reflect their ancestry, culture or region. (Note that the dress for the seminar will be business casual for both men, including fez, and ladies.)

Each conference will host a general session as well as a visit from a current or former Shriners Children’s patient – an inspiring way to cap off nearly three days of intense training.

Please note that the events are open only to temple leaders.