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38 SAG-AFTRA | Summer/Fall 2017 | SAGAFTRA.org Curtain Ready to Go Up on 2017 CONVENTION T he Sheraton Universal in Universal City will soon be abuzz with activity, as members from across the nation descend on Los Angeles for SAG-AFTRA's third convention on Oct. 5-8. At the convention, which is held every two years following the election of SAG-AFTRA's president and secretary- treasurer, delegates will join National Board members, other elected leaders and staff for four days of intensive union work — as well as the opportunity to celebrate. This year's theme is Our Union, Our Strength, Our Future, which reects the strong bonds our members share and how that unity is key to our power as a union. ne of the rst orders of business will be to elect the executive vice president and the national vice presidents. Throughout the convention, attendees will hear from SAG-AFTRA's top ofcers, including the president, the executive vice president and the secretary-treasurer, along with the national executive director. In addition, staff members will report on union businesses in their areas of expertise. The convention features a resource expo on Friday and Saturday that showcases programs and services available to members through partner organizations. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet and network with peers in their work categories. The heart of the convention comes when delegates and other national leaders consider resolutions and constitutional amendments. These proposals, which were submitted by members a month prior, set the priorities and direction of the union for the next two years. Members' interests are represented by the delegates elected from each of the union's 25 locals. They comprise the bulk of the voting body that elects the vice presidents and considers the amendments and resolutions. On Friday night, attendees will let loose at A Legendary Evening at the Globe Theatre at Universal Studios Hollywood. This year's soiree pays tribute to iconic members and will include the annual American Scene Awards, which honors producers whose work reects the vibrant and diverse world in which we live. The gala will also include the reveal of the George Heller Memorial Award gold card honorees. Every two years, two or more members or staff are presented with the honor for the signicant contributions they have made to the union. All the information about the convention can be found at sagaftraconvention.org. Also, attendees should be sure to download the convention's mobile app, created specically for this event. t provides a schedule, updates, news, local deals and discounts, and more. Third Biennial Convention Kicks Off with Theme of OUR UNION, OUR STRENGTH, OUR FUTURE