September 29th – October 1st
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Welcome
A Message from the Committee
The 2023 Retreat will be the first of its kind as it will be the first time our Sorority gathers for an event after a pandemic. LTO will also celebrate the 35th anniversary of our organization’s founding date.
Through this retreat, we seek to celebrate this monumental moment, or in our case A Wave in Time, while inspiring our Enchanting Sisters to lean in, refocus, and return to our vibrant purpose of EXCELLENCE. We were each entrusted to carry out the Makings of a Womyn which will be encompassed by our four areas of focus: reset, recharge, refocus, and remember.
Meet the Committee
Sandra Garcia
Dennise Santana Morales
Elysha Torres
Frangely Rodriguez
Niesha Chance
Shelsea Araujo
Tamare Love
Veronica Quintero
Top Four
Reasons to Attend…
Reset and start your LTO journey anew. This is your time. You can rejoin the mermaid tribe and restart your LTO journey. If you’re a very active sister or if you have decided that it’s best to take some time off for a while, this is your chance to start over. Now is the time to become the sister you really want to be.
Recharge with waves of energy that enhance your personal development. The presenters are professional, prestigious, and focused. You are guaranteed to learn something new about the womyn within. Personal development is essential to the soul.
Refocus on your professional and lifestyle development. Do you have what it takes to live the life of your wildest dreams? The retreat will allow ample time to refocus on what is truly important. Are you considering switching careers? Are you really a content creator at heart? Can I really own and start my own business? Dive deep and discover more about yourself.
Remember your “Why”. Why did you choose LTO? Which of core values resonates with you most? Is it the same as when you were an interest? Sorors can expect to find intriguing historical references, documents, and memories scattered throughout the entire event. The collective actions of the womyn within the sorority over time; will be recognized and accredited. With over 700+ members of the organization, the information compiled is truly timeless.
The Venue
Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
The location was thoughtfully selected to enhance the Mermaid experience. The Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel is the perfect venue for a celebration worthy of advancing our organization.
Sisters will swim in from all over the U.S. to engage and enjoy one of the most memorable events in Mermaid City.
Enchanting
Event Schedule
September 29th
Friday
September 30th
Saturday
October 1st
Sunday
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Hotel/Retreat Check-in
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Stroll with Tidal Wave
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Mermaid Happy Hour
(not included in pricing package, limited seating)
7:30 am – 8:00 am
Mermaid Walking Club
(optional)
8:00 am – 8:45 am
Breakfast / Retreat Check-in
9:00 am – 9:15 am
Welcome Message
9:15 am – 9:45 am
Keynote
10:00 am – 10:45 am
RESET session
11:00 am – 11:45 am
RECHARGE session
12:00 Pm – 12:45 pm
Lunch
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
REFOCUS session
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
RECHARGE session
2:45 pm – 3:00 pm
Closing Remarks
3:15 pm – 5:30 pm
Mermaid Marketplace
(optional)
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
35th Anniversary Coral Reception
All white cocktail atire
8:00 am – 8:30 am
Mermaid Prayer or Mindful Meditation
8:30 am – 9:00 am
Breakfast
9:00 am – 9:45 am
Town Hall
10:00 am – 10:45 am
REMEMBER session
11:00 am
Hotel Checkout
12:16 pm – 1:30 pm
Beach Sea-Crets ritual
Making the Most out of
Attending a Retreat
Retreats are a time when you can get away from the day-to-day responsibilities and focus on yourself. It’s also a great way of meeting sisters and developing new relationships. It can also be overwhelming. To better prepare you for this unique experience, here are suggestions/tips that can give this retreat a positive experience.
Review the schedule
This will give you the opportunity to plan to go to events that are of interests to you.
Plan what you’re wearing
Expect to wear paraphernalia all weekend (casual chic) and cocktail attire Saturday night. You want to make sure that you’re dressed neat and appropriate at all times, we are taking a lot of pics.
Plan in advance your transportation/travel plans
You want to make sure that you are on time for the registration/check-in.
Wear comfortable shoes
You will be moving around throughout the day and uncomfortable shoes will hinder your experience.
Use a backpack/messenger bag
You will be at this event all day, you want to have items that you will need throughout the day.
Pack the following items
Note-pad, pen, healthy snacks, water, chargers, sweater, medication (if needed), change of shoes (if needed), money (to purchase cool para)
Follow the conference hashtag on Twitter and Instagram
You may find additional information/activities that are occurring that aren’t in the original schedule. Also, share interesting things that are occurring.
#LTORetreat2023
Be professional
In addition to sisters, people will be paying attention to you at all times and you don’t want to leave a first bad impression.
Take notes
There may be information, such as websites and books, that you will like to retain and use for future reference.
Wear your name tag
All retreat attendees are required to wear id badges at all times during retreat events. It will also be a great method to be able to identify new sisters and make new connections with sisters you may have never met.
Attend the opening session
Most, if not all, of the retreat attendees, will be in attendance and you don’t want to miss out on an inspiring presentation.
Be approachable
Be mindful of your body language as people can perceive your posture as unapproachable and you will lose an opportunity to meet interesting and influential sisters.
Put away your phones
Unless you’re taking notes, you want to be in the moment and engaged at the retreat. Otherwise, you will miss an important opportunity.
Participate/ask questions
Be involved in the workshop discussions as much as you can.
Network
It’s important to leave your comfort zone and introduce yourself to new sisters. This can be one of the hardest parts to practice. However, introducing yourself to others and meeting new sisters not only can make your retreat experience better but can also help you personally and professionally with the new connections you will make.
Take time to rest
Going to any out-of-state event can be exhausting so make sure you take time to sleep and refuel your energy.
Review the notes
Review the notes that you took at the workshops/presentations - you may find something useful that you can utilize quickly.
Make a game plan
Depending on what you learned, you may be able to utilize the information/resources into your personal and professional activities.
Share the information
Share the information you learned with other sisters- sharing is caring : )
Follow up with sisters
Follow up with new sisters after the retreat and develop new relationships. This can be initiated with a simple text, email, or phone call.
Practice what you learned
Even if you don’t utilize the information right away, keep these resources available to you for future use.
Harbor Park Harbor Park
Home of the Norfolk Tides, the Baltimore Orioles AAA baseball team.
Elizabeth River Ferry
Elizabeth River Trail
Nauticus- Science and Technology center
Pagoda & Oriental Garden
The unique spot provides a panoramic view of the beautiful garden, the USS Wisconsin, a restaurant, and sunsets over the Elizabeth River.
More Attractions
- Virginia zoo
- Chrysler museum of art
- Norfolk botanical gardens
- Craft beer tour
- American rover sailing cruise cruise
- Selden market
- Ocean view beach
Location
Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
777 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, Virginia, USA, 23510
Tel: +1 757-622-6664
Norfolk International Airport
Other Transportation
Bus Station:
Greyhound: Bus Station
Train Station:
Amtrak Train Station
Getting Around
Please check with the information desk at the hotel for local transportation options.
Event Speakers
Meet the Speakers
Reyna Florentino
Fall 2008 - Nezwaly Rho Chapter
Keynote Speaker
Vickiana Ortega
Spring 2007 Ever Zeta Chapter
The Power of Money Mindfulness: Budgeting As A Self-Care Tool
Clarissa Torres
Spring 2009 Leonyne Theta Chapter
Mindful Mermaid
Sade Carter
Spring 2008 Phonoxy Pi Chapter
The Gift of Gratitude: A Rose Gratitude Workshop
Niesha Chance
Spring 2009 Vydurance Omicron Chapter
Healing Through The Myst
Dennise Santana Morales
Trilogy Gamma Chapter
Healing Through The Myst
Tidal Wave
Stroll with Tidal Wave
Our Vendors
We are inviting vendors to register a table during our Exhibition Hall time for Retreat 2023. The Exhibition Hall will take place in the General Sessions Room on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 3:15-5:45 pm.
At this time, vendors are able to register for the event. Six Foot tables will be made available for vendors as well as promotion on our Retreat website.
For more information, email programdirtector@lambdatauomega.org
Please click here if you are interested in registering a table
what’s included?
Packages & Pricing
Early Bird Registration
March 15 – April 24
Regular Registration
April 25 – June 24
Last Call Registration
June 25 – August 25
Last Call Registration
(Price Per Person)
2-night hotel accommodations, meals, and swag bag included.
Goods & Services
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the registration rate and deadline?
How do I register?
Please click on the link entitled Register Now on this page.
How should I dress?
Casual chic! Paraphernalia and our sorority colors, royal blue, and light gray are highly recommended. Cocktail attire for the 35th-anniversary celebration.
(Please note that the atmosphere is retreat style, and there will be a professional photographer and videographer present to capture the enchanting moments)
What should I bring?
- Clothes (casual chic) for 2 days and a cocktail outfit for the evening
- Sweater (when in the hotel)
- Medication
- Healthy snacks
- Cash (in case you can’t use cards to make a purchase)
- First aid kit with ibuprofen
- Hand sanitizer
- Deodorant
- Tissues
- Eyedrops (if you’re wearing contacts)
- External battery and charging cables
- Reusable bag (to carry purchased treasures)
- Extra pair of shoes
- Stain remover pen
What is included in the registration rate?
The following is included in the registration rate: breakfast, lunch, dinner/anniversary reception, swag bag, and hotel room (for sisters choosing the hotel option).
How are sisters being placed in the hotel rooms?
Most sisters will know before registering who they want to room with. Please begin talking with sisters so that you know who you are rooming with.
What are the COVID health and safety policies?
We will communicate with the Sheraton Hotel and the state of Virginia’s policies as we get closer to the event. More information will be shared with attendees when we get updates.
Where is the retreat located?
Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
777 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510
Do I have to stay at this hotel?
You don’t have to stay at the hotel. However, you will be missing out on sister bonding and creating memories.
Will there be opportunities to leave the hotel?
There are a few activities that will take place outside. Please review the Retreat schedule for these opportunities.
Where do I park?
There is off-site parking near the hotel which will cost $14 a day.
When is check-in and check-out?
4pm check-in; 11am check out
Is there wi-fi available in the meeting rooms?
Wi-fi in the meeting rooms is available for attendees staying at the hotel.
Important Information
For fun facts, pictures, and updates, follow the official National Convention page on Instagram @LTOevents
Posting something about the retreat? Remember to use the hashtag #LTORetreat2023
Contact Us
nationalevents@lto1988.org