Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, one of the world's largest women's organisations, is hoping to entice more than 1,500 professionals to Bermuda for a regional conference.

The Bermuda Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance Paula Cox, will welcome the overseas executive board of the Sorority, at a special reception on March 20.

According to Bermuda Alumnae Chapter President, Andrea Daniels, this month's reception, which takes place at Fairmont Hamilton Princess, is a prelude event aimed at assisting Bermuda to secure a much bigger event – the upcoming Regional Conference in 2011.

Ms Daniels revealed that the Bermuda Alumnae Chapter has already won the first round bid to host the 2011 Regional Conference in Bermuda.

"Typically, the Regional Conference attracts over 1,500 members from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Bermuda."

Other local dignitaries at the reception will join Mrs Cox who is scheduled to deliver the welcome message.

Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler will introduce the Gombeys and former Premier, now Deputy Speaker of the House, Dame Jennifer Smith will also be present.

Minister Cox said that she was pleased to be able to participate in this event.

"I have no doubt that the Bermuda experience is one that the National Executive Board of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will find memorable," she said.

"As an international financial centre, Bermuda is a premier jurisdiction of choice and this Regional Conference now offers an opportunity for our jurisdiction to be showcased as a premier conference venue.

"Clearly they represent phenomenal women and an august grouping of high-achieving women and I anticipate that the event will truly be a spectacular prelude aimed at ensuring that Bermuda is the selected venue of choice for the upcoming Regional Conference in 2011."

The importance of the March 20 event has the attention of the Premier, Dr Ewart Brown. He and his wife, Wanda Henton Brown, long-time friends of Dr. Louise A. Rice, who hail the visit as a validation of the Island's tourism product.

Premier Brown added that this is a very special visit by Dr. Rice and her team.

"Regrettably I will be off Island, however, the Deputy Premier, Minister Cox is keen to ensure that the group receives the warmest of welcomes, as their potential hosting of the 2011 event on our shores will bode tremendously well for Bermuda's tourism product and our economy," he said.

Offering further insight into this month's upcoming reception, second vice president Lisa Lister Currin said that the Executive Board, led by the national president, Dr. Rice, consists of a contingent of 65 dynamic women leaders who have selected Bermuda as the location to host their first overseas Executive Board meeting.

"While this occasion isn't considered the official site visit, the principle decision makers including members of the site team will be present," said Ms Lister.

"The local chapter recognises that this is a significant opportunity to provide the visiting participants a once in a lifetime opportunity to savour the culture and excitement that Bermuda has to offer."

Delta Sigma Theta is the largest public service organisation in the world with over 250,000 members and 900 chapters throughout the world, most notably, Bermuda.

Ms Currin added: "The welcome event is aimed at providing a magnificent backdrop that will paint a lifetime of memories for the 65 overseas guests.

"The evening is intended to provide a cultural exhibition of the sights and sounds of Bermuda with the hopes of influencing their future decision to select Bermuda for leisure and business travel, and as well, future meetings and conferences."

The reception will also include 75 prominent Bermudians who will serve as Bermuda Ambassadors.

"They will network and engage the guests in a cultural exchange by learning about the women of Delta and their demonstrated commitment to public service, and by sharing, not only the best of Bermuda, but also the issues that impact our Island," Ms Currin concluded.