Fellow Optimists
The Optimist International Convention is less than two months away and the excitement is building. The convention includes a wide variety of workshops and entertainment and is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with Optimists from years past and make new friends. We hope to see you there!
95th Optimist International Convention
(Cincinnati, Ohio)
Frequently Asked Questions
Need to rent a scooter during your visit? Looking for the nearest pharmacy? Wondering what is the best way to get around downtown Cincinnati? Answers to these questions and more can be found on the Frequently Asked Questions page. Print it out and bring it with you for easy access.
Volunteer Appreciation Banquet
One of the highlights of the convention will be the new Volunteer Appreciation Banquet. The event will include a banquet followed by an evening of entertainment and dancing with Optimist International President J.C. St-Onge and First Lady Marcelle. This event takes place from 6-11 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, and is something you don't want to miss.
The HitMan and his hostess will thrill you, starting with a crooner-style show, including romantic surprises for the ladies. This show will recapture all the greatest hits from Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdink and many more. It will be followed by social dancing with songs from the 1950s to 1980s, faithfully interpreted by Sylvain Desruisseaux, the HitMan.
- Ticket prices for registered convention delegates are $52 US per person. Non-registered guests are welcome to attend for $92 US per person.
- Attire is black-tie optional. For tuxedo rental information, call Mr. Tuxedo at 513-281-2400. Make sure to mention you are attending the Optimist International Convention on July 4 at the Duke Energy Convention Center.
- The banquet will be open seating this year. There will be no coupons to exchange for a table number as in past years.
Optimist Night at Great American Ball Park
Optimists are invited to enjoy the excitement of Major League Baseball during their visit to Cincinnati! Head on out to the Great American Ball Park and watch the hometown Cincinnati Reds take on the Seattle Mariners. Optimists have the opportunity to purchase discounted tickets in the "All You Can Eat" section where they will sit with other convention attendees. Game time is 7:10 p.m. on Friday, July 5, and the deadline to purchase tickets is June 1. For more information, click here.
Charity Chili Fest
Cincinnati is known for its delicious chili and Optimists are known for bringing out the best in kids. Combining the two will leave a footprint on our host city and will help serve the youth in the area. The event will take place from 6:00-9:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 6, and all proceeds will benefit Cincinnati Public Schools. The cost is $10 US per person and additional donations are welcome. For more information, click here.
Questions
If you have any questions, please call 800.500.8130 or e-mail convention @ optimist.org.