Your association cannot be effective and conduct its official business without an in-person meeting of the membership. This is true at the state level as well as at the national level. This article is more about conferences at the national level and not about the conferences that each state association or area holds.

Beginning in 1971 and every year since*, usually in the August timeframe, EANGUS conducts a national conference in a different host city. In August 2024, the 53rd annual conference will be held in Detroit, Michigan. Nominations for host states and cities are requested by the EANGUS time & place committee and presentations are made in the committee meeting. Usually the committee selects host states three years in advance. EANGUS is known for moving its conference site each year and not homesteading in one particular city every year. (As an example, the Association of the U.S. Army holds their annual conference in Washington, D.C. every year—it never moves).

* In 2020, due to COVID pandemic, no conference was held.

There are several cogent reasons for EANGUS to hold an annual conference. One of those reasons includes the election of national officers: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and area directors (who serve on the executive council—a de facto board of directors). Election of officers is staggered over a two-year period for continuity purposes.

Another reason is to conduct the business of the association, including any revisions to the bylaws and the adoption of legislation resolutions. Delegates from each state are appointed based on their association membership level, and those delegates are empowered to conduct such business. The larger the state association membership, the more delegates (and votes) they have and the more influence they have over what happens in the association. 

Several committees meet and discuss issues relevant to their jurisdiction. The committees include Air National Guard, Army National Guard, awards, bylaws, conference, corporate advisory, credential & rules, finance, history, insurance, investment, junior enlisted, legislative, membership, nominations, publications, resolutions, retiree affairs, scholarship, strategic planning, time & place, ways and means, and website. 

Guest speakers address attendees, either “en masse” or in breakout sessions. Guest speakers usually include the state governor; members of Congress from the host state; mayor of the host city; chief National Guard Bureau; senior enlisted advisor for the chief; directors of the Army and Air Guard; senior enlisted advisors for the directors; representatives from closely related Military Service Organizations like NGAUS, AUSA, and ROA. In the past, the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman joint chiefs of staff attended and spoke. Other motivational speakers may also address the attendees. 

Typically, the conference runs from Sunday afternoon through Wednesday evening. The unofficial start of the conference is usually a golf scramble the preceding Friday. Saturday’s events include exhibit set-up, registration, and an executive council meeting. 

Sunday morning kicks off with a chapel service followed by area caucus meetings and committee meetings. Each geographic area (areas I through VII) meet each morning to discuss area issues and conduct election of area directors. The exhibit hall opens at 11:00 a.m. At 1 p.m. the first business session starts, with welcome speeches given by state and local dignitaries. Each state association is introduced and has an opportunity to make a colorful, memorable presentation. The day concludes with Welcome Night, an opportunity for the host state to showcase their finest.

Monday begins with area caucus meetings and follows with committee meetings. The second business session is held, with more speakers. There is usually a senior leader panel. In the evening, there is a junior enlisted social event as well as open night for exploring the host city.

Tuesday continues with area caucus meetings and committee meetings. The third business session convenes with more speakers. There is usually a large breakout session with Army and Air Guard leadership. The evening activity is the famed All Area Hospitality Night, known for regional foods brought by the areas (e.g. lobster from area I, Tex-Mex from areas IV and VI). Also dubbed “Pin Night,” each state crafts a distinctive souvenir pin and they are exchanged during the meal. Although it may sound hokey, this event is one of the highlights of the conference. 

Wednesday is the final business session with delegates voting on bylaws changes and legislative resolutions. The resolutions are worked by the national office for the next year after the conference concludes. Elections are held for national level offices. Committees issue reports to the delegates of their work. The conference recesses at noon and reconvenes that evening at the All States Banquet. The banquet is a formal event. Besides dinner and dessert, the banquet is a time to honor each state, present national-level awards, announce scholarship winners, and conclude the conference. It is filled with pomp, circumstance, and of course fun.

Professional development sessions run each day for junior enlisted Soldiers and Airmen who are on active duty orders for the conference. National Guard Bureau issues authority each year to authorize funding for this conference as well as the NGAUS conference (for junior grade officers). In some cases their agenda includes the general sessions and in many cases it is a separate agenda designed just for them. 

In addition to the association members, the conference is where the EANGUS Auxiliary meets to conduct their business, mostly on Monday and Tuesday. The Auxiliary also conducts a silent auction to raise money for scholarships and other needs of the members. 

Typically, over 1,2oo people attend the conference, and over 100 exhibitors showcase their wares. Unofficially, the conference provides an annual vacation spot and place of comradery for retirees.