Phi Beta Sigma is an international historically African American collegiate fraternity. The conclave is the legislative power of Phi Beta Sigma. During a conclave year, delegates representing all of the active chapters from within the seven regions of the fraternity meet in the chosen city. The conclave or fraternity convention is currently held biannually and is usually hosted by graduate chapters of the chosen city. The host city is chosen through a selection process in which each of the eligible regions nominates a city and a formal bid is submitted. As of 2009, Phi Beta Sigma has held over 95 conventions in various cities throughout the United States The fraternity held its first conclave in Washington, D.C. in 1916.
The conclave is the legislative power of Phi Beta Sigma. During a conclave year, delegates representing all of the active chapters from within the seven regions of the fraternity meet in the chosen city. The conclave or fraternity convention is currently held biannually and is usually hosted by the graduate chapters of the chosen city. The host city is chosen through a selection process in which each eligible region nominates a city and a formal bid is submitted. The region in which the current conclave is being held is ineligible for submitting a bid for the succeeding conclave.During the convention, members of the General Board â the administrative body of the fraternity-are elected and appointed. The general board may act in the interest of the fraternity when the conclave is not in session. In addition, seminars, social events, concerts, an international Miss Phi Beta Sigma Pageant, Stepshow, and oratorical contests are also held during the week-long conference. Throughout the years, notable individuals such as George Washington Carver and Carter G. Woodson were speakers at conclaves.
Phi Beta Sigma's first conclave was held on December 28 and 29, 1916 in Washington, D.C. It was attended by 200 members from three collegiate chapters: Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. However, no conclaves were held in 1917 and 1918 because of World War I.
The following list of conclaves includes actual, proposed, and forthcoming international conventions of Phi Beta Sigma.