What to Expect/Prepare to Attend

Arrival and Departure Suggestions

Ideal arrival time is Tuesday, August 5.  Grand Chapter Congress “proper” begins Wednesday, August 6, with the Welcome and State of Delta Sigma Pi beginning at 9:00 a.m.  Delegate Orientation is Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. All Delegates and Alternates must attend this session. The Saturday Grand Banquet and Dance is the final scheduled Congress event.  Departure should be planned no sooner than Sunday, August 10.  More details will be available on the Schedule.   

Official Congress Merchandise

A Fraternity tradition is for Congress attendees to purchase a Deltasig Grand Chapter Congress2025 GCC T-Shirt Promo “Headbar” and “Ladders” for each Congress they attend. You can pre-order the 2025 Palm Springs Congress Lapel Pin and Ladder bundle now through the Deltasig Shop for $25. Ordering in advance will ensure you get one, as they are limited, and will allow you to assemble the ladder more easily. You may also purchase these items, and more, on-site at the Central Office Store. New this year is a collaboration with Something Greek for an exclusive Congress shirt, only available when registering. Shirts are just $25 and are available as an add-on. 

Merchandise Sales

Chapters may sell merchandise during designated times at a pre-assigned table only with advance reservations. A request may be made using the “GCC Chapter Sales Approval Form”, which is available in the Hub Forms Module until July 1. If the submitted form is approved, $25 per item being sold will be invoiced to the chapter – form and payment must be received by July 1. All sellers - collegians and alumni - must be fully registered for Grand Chapter Congress. Please review the merchandise policy to ensure you are in compliance.   

Community Service

The National Community Service Committee will be hosting a Book Swap during Grand Chapter Congress at the Community Service Table. Be sure to bring a book to exchange so you can swap with brothers from all over the country.  

Community Service Image - Literacy

Roommates

If you are looking for a roommate for Congress, email registration@dsp.org your name, age, gender, school, email and phone number. Staff will accumulate the data and forward it to others seeking roommates. It is your responsibility to follow-up with contacts, make a hotel reservation, etc. Delta Sigma Pi assumes no responsibility or liability regarding this optional service. 

Dress Requirements 

Wednesday - Business casual attire may be worn for sessions throughout the day. For the cook-out luncheon, we encourage everyone to bring their favorite sun hats and sunglasses to add to the sunshine atmosphere. Wednesday night Grand President’s Game On! Arcade Extravaganza – wear your letters, collegiate “game day” or other casual attire.

Thursday – Business casual attire may be worn for the Business Sessions, lunch and onsite community service activities. Be sure to wear your letters or other casual attire (such as nice shorts and Deltasig shirts) for evening entertainment activities. 

Friday – Professional attire (traditionally a suit or dress) is required for the Honorary Initiation. Business casual attire may be worn for lunch and other sessions. Wear letters or other casual attire (such as nice shorts and Deltasig shirts) Join us for an exciting evening of Glo-Nite Dive-In Movie! We encourage everyone to wear white for a fun and unified look. If you're feeling adventurous, don't forget to bring your swimsuits and rafts for a refreshing dip in the pool. See you there! 

Saturday - Business casual attire may be worn for the Saturday Business Sessions. In the afternoon, for the Pink Flamingo Social, your encouraged to dress in pink or purple attire to honor our 50 years of women of Deltasig.  Lastly, professional attire (traditionally a suit or dress) is required for the Saturday Banquet and Dance. Some of the Board of Directors, Regional Vice Presidents, staff, and others may wear formal attire for the Banquet and Dance. Other participants are welcome to wear formal attire, but it is not required (see below).

Tuxedos/Formal Attire/Dresses

Below are rental and purchase options offered as a suggestion for formal wear, if desired:

  • The Black Tux is an online tuxedo company (may also be affiliated with some Nordstrom stores) that ships directly to you and you return it directly. You receive the package 10 days prior to the August 9 banquet, allowing you plenty of time to correct any sizing issues. To return, you put in the provided box and drop it off at UPS within 3 days. Visit www.theblacktux.com for more details and to get your order underway. Tuxedos are not required for the GCC Banquet, but several leadership and others will be wearing tuxedos.  
  • ThredUP | An Online Consignment & Thrift Store Thrifty and sustainable. Discover one of the world’s largest online consignment & thrift stores. As one of the world’s largest online resale platforms for women’s apparel, shoes, and accessories, the mission is to inspire a new generation of shoppers to think secondhand clothes first.
  • Rent the Runway One-Time Rentals. Lock in a show-stopping outfit for a special day and keep items for 4 or 8 days at a time.
  • SuitShop offers affordable, size-and gender-inclusive suiting to members - the first and only coordinating collection for men, women, nonbinary individuals and kids. SuitShop delivers the ultimate suiting experience to get you looking and feeling your best.  

Chapter Leadership Funds

Collegiate chapters may have grantable funds available through their Chapter Leadership Fund (CLF), a chapter-specific account within the Leadership Foundation created to receive chapter designated charitable gifts. These funds may help offset the educational costs associated with Grand Chapter Congress. Chapters should encourage their alumni and friends to financially support their chapter’s CLF by visiting dsp.org/donate. Chapters can request grants to cover the costs related to attending Grand Chapter Congress—including registration fees, travel and lodging. Collegiate chapters can find information about their chapter’s CLF, including available funds and the process to request a grant, by logging into the Hub.  

Alcohol Policies

The legal drinking age is 21. Attendees should be prepared to present valid personal identification as requested. It is recommended to have two picture identifications with you.

Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase by those of legal age (21) for their own consumption at various Grand Chapter Congress events. These beverages will be served by hotel management personnel who will enforce the minimum drinking age. The cash bar will accept cash or credit.

Child Care

No formal “youth programs” or childcare will be arranged by the Fraternity. The hotel does not offer babysitting services. The Fraternity does not endorse or recommend any service. 

Host Committee

There will be a Host Committee Table available on Tuesday through the end of the week where you can stop by and talk to brothers from the Palm Springs area about places to go, things to do and dining establishments you may not want to miss.

Safety

During the summer months, it is easy to become dehydrated. Drink plenty of water and juices (caffeine and alcohol dehydrate even more) and be conscious of high temperatures. Seek assistance if you’re not feeling well or chilling when in the heat – heat stroke is a serious risk for everyone. Water is good for you!

Remember, there is safety in numbers so always travel in groups.  We want your Congress experience to be pleasant and memorable. Use common sense and be alert.

View a listing of all past Grand Chapter Congresses.