2022 SOBA America Convention
DALLAS, TEXAS
ONE FOR THE RECORD BOOKS.
The Dallas 2022 convention was a Convention of many firsts.
1. Technology & Logistics
- Digital Integration: First convention to use QR codes for real-time guest information and modern QR scanning for hall access/occupancy tracking.
- Media: First to have events streamed live online and via SOBA America TV.
- Payments: Transitioned to the first-ever cashless convention.
- Communication: Utilized WhatsApp groups for VIP guest support, table drafts, and coordinating free airport transportation, utilizing the CONVENTIO HOTLINE
2. Social & Entertainment
- New Venues: Introduced the first boat ride party (with a cigar sampling event) and an outdoor swimming pool party.
- Gala Highlights: Featured the first circus performers (LollipopLyra), a full live band, and a video slideshow honoring fallen SOBANs.
- The True "One-Stop" Concept: The first time the Friday welcome event and all subsequent events were held entirely at the convention hotel.
3. Sports & Wellness
- Competitions: Launched the first SOBA America Tennis Open and Uncle T’s 5 O’Clock Wellness & Strength challenge (with cash prizes up to $1,000).
- SOBA America Soccer Jersey: SOBA America for the first time fielded its soccer players for the Sunday's soccer game with its official home jersey sponsored inhouse by the SOBA America TV.
- Recognition: First convention to hold a formal trophy and medal ceremony for all sporting events during the barbeque.
4. Community & Philanthropy
- Service: Introduced the first organized volunteering activity for SOBANs to give back to the local community.
- Fundraising: Raised over $1,000 for service staff and over $7,000 through the first-ever pre-convention donation vouchers.
- Spiritual: Held the first Thanksgiving Mass for the safety and success of the event.
5. VIP Perks & Branding
- Exclusive Benefits: Provided a dedicated hospitality lounge and free makeup services for female VIP patrons.
- Gifts & Symbols: Distributed customized SOBA Dallas gift bags with corporate sponsorships and introduced the "Convention Shield" to be passed to future host chapters.
- Official Recognition: Secured the first city proclamation, officially declaring May 29, 2022, as SOBA America Day in Addison, by Joe Chow, the Mayor of Addison, Texas.
The Convention began with a warm welcome given by SOBANS and members of the Cameroon Catholic Community (CCC) of Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)to the Proprietor of Sasse College, His lordship, Mgr. Michael Bibi, at the DFW International Airport, on Saturday, May 21, 2022.
On Sunday, Soba Dallas members joined the members of the Cameroon Catholic Community of DFW at the Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, in Allen, TX for a Thanksgiving Mass to pray to God for a successful convention in Dallas. Mgr. Michael Bibi was delighted to join the Cameroon Catholic Community of Dallas for the first time for Mass. The community responded by contributing the sum of $1.300 to help with the construction of the Co-Cathedral in Buea located behind the Molyko stadium.
After Mass, Soba Dallas members proceeded to Frisco, TX for their final preparatory meeting before the start of the convention. It was a matter of dotting the I’s, and crossing the T’s. It was a matter of leaving no stone unturned.
After the meeting, Soba Dallas members were reunited with Bishop Bibi at a fundraising dinner in Mckinney, TX. Soba Dallas held a rich discussion with Bishop Bibi during which both parties pledged to work together for the greater good of Sasse College. Soba Dallas members also donated generously to aid in the construction of the Co-Cathedral.
Friday May 27, 2022, began with volunteering at the soup kitchen. About 30 Sobans showed up for this event. They were led by SOBA America President, Dr. Bertrand Fote and Soba Dallas President Paul Forbang. In the afternoon, the first ever all white boat ride party kicked off at the marina in Lewisville, TX. The boat ride was so exceptional that delegates expressed an interest in making it a permanent feature of our conventions. The evening concluded with our traditional Friday welcome dinner at the Marriot Galleria hotel in Addison, TX, which served as the one-stop shop venue for the convention. Once more, Sobans were treated to a delicious dinner, and there was good music animated by Soban DJ Big Mola.
Saturday, May 28, 2022, began with deliberations at 8am. While Sobans were busy discussing the state of affairs of their alumni association, Sobanese and kids were treated to a bus ride and sight-seeing around the famous business district of the galleria. During deliberations, the Proprietor, Mgr. Bibi enjoyed a rich question and answer session with Sobans. Once more, both parties promised to align their vision to take Sasse College to greater heights. After deliberations, Sobanese and guests joined Sobans for Holy Mass with Bishop Bibi as the main celebrant. After the Mass, Sobans donated generously to help Bishop Bibi with the construction of the Co-Cathedral. Then followed the distribution of the souvenir marquee gift- a branded suitcase bearing the SOBA America logo. This is proof that the Fote administration is taking SOBA America to greater heights. We then had launch which was beautifully coordinated by Dakllas based Sobanese. Our delegates then retreated to go watch the UEFA Champions League match opposing Real Madrid to Liverpool. By 7pm, guests flocked to the banquet hall of the Marriot galleria hotel in Addison. The event was graced with the Keynote speaker of the Convention, in the person of the Bishop of Dallas, the Rt. Rev. Edward J. Burns. He was joined on the list of our top VIPs by Bishop Bibi and the President General of SOBA, Ayuk Iyok Sammy Pride. Bishop Burns enjoyed the legendary Soban camaraderie and jokingly identified himself as a Soban of the Class of 83.’ The night continued with plenty of fun.
On Sunday, Sobans were treated to brunch by the pool at the hotel. Then there was a BBQ and march with the 1960 class being the miost senior class and 2013 being the youngest. The march past was so beautiful that it brought back many nostalgic feelings to Sobans. The BBQ also featured a friendly match opposing SOBA America to Shesa America. Sobans prevailed by 2 goals to 1. Prizes were also awarded with Dr. Francis Njie emerging as the Soba America tennis open Champion. There was an after party in Arlington, TX.
In a nutshell, our delegates had a good time in Dalls, from their warm welcome at the airport, to the boat ride, to the gala, to the BBQ to the 5-star limo service. Everything was top notch. This is proof that the Dallas Chapoter lived up to its reputation as the number one Chapter in the union. It will be worthy to acknowledge the efforts of a few Sobans who put in a lot of efforts individually to make this event a success.
Special thanks go to the Convention Chairman, Emeritus Frederick Itoe, Co-Chair Edwin Ndoko, the SOBA Dallas President-Paul Forbang, Convention Spokesman – Czar Philbert Mac Etchu, Rev. Fr. Desmond Ndikum, Serge Yudom, Cardinal Martin Sone, Dr. Augustine Fombon, Sobanese Vera Fombon, Masonjo Lyonga, Emmanuel Takusi and team Zonetak who immortalized the event wuth poictures and videos, Edie Mesumbe (Petite Pimente), Czar Brian Njotsa, Bah Valery, Moses Sona, SG Divine Tange, CFO Rudolf Inoni, DJ Big Mola, Sobanese Joy Yudom,
Emeritress Adeline Ekaney and the entire group of Dallas based Sobanese. They worked very hard to make this Convention a success.
Dallas has indeed set the bar very high for future host chapters of SOBA America conventions.
Sobanly,
Czar Brian N. Njotsa, #7278
SOBA 2001Member of SOBA America Editorial Board (SAMEB)
