2025 International Conference Logo

DKG INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

NEW ORLEANS, LA | July 31 - August 2, 2025

Speaker Schedule Forms | Sign-ups | Volunteers






Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Let the good times roll! The 2025 DKG International Conference in New Orleans is just around the corner! Register now and book your hotel room to experience exciting speakers, insightful sessions, and the unique charm of the Big Easy.

Scheduled for July 31 – August 2, 2025, the conference will provide a unique opportunity to network with women from around the world while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans. The city is brimming with exciting attractions, including the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, the National World War II Museum, a scenic steamboat ride along the Mississippi, and the Sazerac House. Don’t miss a stroll through Jackson Square and a taste of fresh beignets. For an unforgettable experience, take a tour of Mardi Gras World to see the iconic floats and costumes up close. Register today to connect with inspiring women, explore historic sites, and savor delicious cuisine!

PHOTO RELEASE: By attending this event, you consent to being filmed, photographed, or recorded and grant permission for your likeness, voice, and words to be used without compensation. To opt out, please inform the photographer or camera operator directly.

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dkg app

Download the DKG Event App!

The event side of the DKG App will help attendees to stay up to date with the latest information and to interact with other registered attendees. The app itself uses the same protocols — including the login process — as it did in the 2024 Convention and 2023 Conferences. Available features will again allow members to view the agenda, post on the discussion board and the photo feed, view speaker information, and more! As we move toward the Conference and details are solidified, additional features and content will be made available on the app. Look for gamification opportunities, and interact with fellow attendees ahead of and while attending the conference!

 

CONFERENCE HOTEL

Sheraton New Orleans
500 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Phone: (504) 525-2500 | Toll Free: +1 888-627-7033
Email Sheraton New Orleans

Hotel Room Block Now Closed
The DKG room block at the Sheraton New Orleans is now closed. If you still need accommodations, please contact the hotel directly to inquire about availability and current rates.

Please note that room availability is not guaranteed and rates may vary.

TRAVEL ADVISORIES: Several international countries have issued warnings or advisories for travel.
It is recommended that you always check your country of departure's state government website for any and all relevant advice/tips when traveling to another country.
Stay updated and get more information about requirements when traveling to the USA on the Official U.S. Customs & Border Patrol website.

 

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
MERLYNA VALENTINE

Merlyna Valentine is a highly sought-after international speaker, author, and consultant. She was a highly accomplished educator who made a significant impact in the field of education as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and executive director. With a career spanning over 30 years, Ms. Valentine was recognized for her outstanding leadership and dedication to educational excellence. Her transformational leadership as a school principal enhanced the school’s climate and culture, which resulted in increased student achievement.

Despite facing a significant medical tragedy, Ms. Valentine unleashed a remarkable inner strength that enabled her to lead by example. She has learned some valuable lessons since 2007, when her life was forever changed, and she experienced the closest call to death imaginable. Harnessing her personal journey, Merlyna embarked on a new mission as an international speaker, captivating audiences worldwide with her authentic storytelling and profound insights. Her speeches not only highlight her triumphant victory over adversity but also inspire individuals to overcome their own challenges and embrace resilience as a pathway to success.

Purchase her books:

Amazon AbeBooks Barnes & Noble

 


REGISTER

Registration fees cover all conference events (on purchase days), including general meetings, breakout sessions, passion projects, and meal events.
Days can be purchased individually, or as a full package with a discount reflected in the package price.

Registration fees do not include the DKGIEF Fundraiser event.

All guests should register as non-members for full access to convention events.

If you require assistance during the event, including bringing a medical companion,
please submit your request to [email protected]. so we can ensure the necessary accommodations are in place for you.

Registration for the 2025 International Conference is now closed.
See you in New Orleans!

International Convention Logo Stamp

Conference Schedule (Draft)

Download Schedule at a Glance PDF (DRAFT)
Download Breakouts (Presenters & Descriptions) PDF (2nd DRAFT)

Thursday, July 31

Registration
7:30am - 6:00pm
Newbee Orientation
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Conference: Welcome/Opening
5:30pm - 7:00pm

Friday, August 1

Registration
6:30am - 4:00pm
Breakfast
7:00am - 8:15am
General Session 1
Keynote Speaker: Merlyna Valentine
8:15am - 9:30am
Breakout I
9:45am - 10:45am
Passion Project 1
11:00am - 11:30am
Luncheon with Speaker
11:30am - 1:00pm
Passion Project 2
1:15pm - 1:45pm
Breakout II
1:45pm - 2:45pm
Passion Project 3
3:00pm - 3:30pm
Breakout III
3:45pm - 4:45pm
Chorus Rehearsal
3:45pm - 4:45pm
DKGIEF Event or Evening on your own
5:30pm --

Saturday, August 2

Registration
6:30am - 9:00am
Breakfast
7:00am - 8:15am
General Session 2
8:15am - 9:30am
Breakout IV
9:45am - 10:45am
Passion Project 4
11:00am - 11:30am
Luncheon with Speaker
11:30am - 1:00pm
US Forum
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Passion Project 5
1:15pm - 1:45pm
Breakout V
1:45pm - 2:45pm
Breakout VI
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Chorus Rehearsal
3:15pm - 4:15pm
Cocktail Hour
(cash bar)
6:00pm - 6:45pm
Dinner w/ the International President
7:00pm - 9:00pm

 

DKGIEF
FUNDRAISER EVENT

WHEN:

Friday, August 1 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm

 WHERE:
The Creole Queen Paddle-wheeler, cruising along the Mississippi River

COST:
$150.00 per person
Tickets are available for purchase on the 2025 DKG International Conference registration form.
The last day to purchase tickets is Friday, July 25 @ 12:00pm. Attendees will not be able to purchase tickets onsite. A portion of the ticket price is tax-deductible and will support the work of the DKG International Educators Foundation while providing a fun evening for conference attendees


The Creole Queen Paddle-wheeler offers a unique opportunity to experience the charm of a bygone era while cruising the Mississippi River. On Friday evening, August 1, 2025, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, the DKG International Educators Foundation has reserved the entire boat for a special dinner and cruise event during the 2025 DKG International Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Victorian-Style Decor: The boat features three decks adorned in Victorian style, providing a nostalgic ambiance.
  • Louisiana-Inspired Buffet: A complete buffet dinner, showcasing Louisiana's culinary delights, will be served on the middle and lower decks.
  • Live Entertainment: The upper deck will host a five-piece jazz band, offering authentic New Orleans jazz music. The middle level will feature a DJ for those interested in dancing the night away.
  • Cash Bars: Available on all levels for your convenience.

Learn More & Register Here

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