Pink and green took over Las Vegas as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. held its 35th International Regional Conference on July 16 and 17, 2026, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. More than 400 members registered, the largest conference attendance ever for the International Region, which includes members living outside the continental United States.
Sorors traveled from more than 15 countries and territories to be there, including the United States, Liberia, the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, Germany, South Korea, Bermuda, Japan, Canada, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Puerto Rico and Ghana. Many arrived in Las Vegas a few days early to take in everything the two-day gathering had to offer, from community service and workshops to business meetings that keep members current on sorority matters.
One of the new additions this year was Career Connections, a forum built in response to news reports about the large number of Black women impacted by spiking unemployment globally. The region brought together human resources leaders and consultants who offered guidance on job searches, networking and charting a professional path.
“We cannot ignore what is happening right now to Black women as it relates to their employment and livelihood,” said 10th International Regional Director Carrie J. Clark. “This forum was full of wisdom to help us move out of our comfort zones and into a space where we are more proactive about growing our careers, engaging mentors and charting our own professional paths.”
A yearly favorite, the Welcome Reception served as the festive kickoff to the conference. Chapter members arrived in attire that honored the culture and traditions of their countries and territories, and this year’s celebration featured Las Vegas showgirls in long, shimmering dresses complete with elaborate feather headpieces…