"The Heart of Creating, Revitalizing,
and Growing Sister Cities"
Scroll down this page for more conference information and to register for the Pre-Conference Sedona Experiences
Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring beauty of Sedona at the 2024 AZSC State Conference!
Set for Friday, November 15th, and Saturday, November 16th, 2024, this event invites Sister Cities communities from across the state to gather, learn, and celebrate. The Mayor's International Dinner ,which has sold out, will take place at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock beginning at 5:30 with a reception followed by dinner. The Saturday conference, taking place at Yavapai College, will inspire attendees to explore new ways to foster global partnerships and cultural exchange.
Founded on the mission of Sister Cities International—to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation—this year's conference focuses on “Finding Common Ground.” Participants will engage in meaningful discussions, share achievements, and envision future opportunities to grow and strengthen Sister Cities relationships.
Conference Highlights
FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER
SOLD OUT!
Friday Night Mayor's International
Dinner & Program:
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock,
90 Ridge Trail Dr.,
Sedona, AZ
Time:
Reception at 5:30pm with
Dinner to follow
Saturday Conference Sessions:
Yavapai College, Sedona Campus,
4215 Arts Village Drive, Sedona, AZ 86336
Breakfast beginning at 7:45am with
the Opening Session beginning at 8:45am
Scroll down this page for more conference information and to register for the Pre-Conference Sedona Experiences
Ricki Garrett is the CEO of Ricki R. Garrett, LLC, an association management firm, and serves as Executive Director of the Mississippi Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Since 2017, she has been Alderwoman-at-Large and Mayor Pro Tempore of Clinton, Mississippi. She also represents Mississippi on the Sister Cities International (SCI) Board and serves as SCI’s National State Representative Liaison. Ricki founded the Mississippi Association of Nurse Practitioners in 2014 and previously led the Mississippi Nurses Association. She has held numerous leadership roles, including serving on the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, where she advocated for historically black and female universities. A recognized leader, she serves on various boards and holds a doctorate in urban higher education. Ricki lives in Clinton with her husband, Jesse, and has two sons.
At the Friday Night International Mayors Dinner, guests will experience a traditional Havasupai blessing by Uqualla, a ceremonial leader and spiritual advisor deeply rooted in the wisdom of his ancestors. Uqualla brings a wealth of tradition and cultural storytelling, known for his role as a medicine man, sage, and wisdom keeper. His ceremonies are recognized worldwide, enriching his community and beyond.
The evening will also feature a performance by the Lajkonik Polish Folk Ensemble, a renowned Polish dance group that has been sharing the rich traditions of Poland since 1998. Known for promoting Polish culture through dance and music, Lajkonik has performed across the U.S. and internationally, including at the International Festival of Polish Folklore in Rzeszow, Poland. Their vibrant and colorful performances are a celebration of Polish heritage and culture.
A block of 25 rooms is reserved at the luxurious Hilton Sedona Summit Resort,
just a five-minute walk from the conference venue at Yavapai College.
Hilton Vacation Club Sedona Summit
4055 Navoti Dr.
Sedona, AZ 86336
We also reserved rooms at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock
HILTON SEDONA RESORT AT BELL ROCK
c: +1 602-510-3296
90 Ridge Trail Drive I Sedona, AZ 86351
We are a 501 C3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation...
one individual, one community at a time.
We are excited about becoming Friendship Cities with Canmore, Canada; having board members and interested SSCA members take a trip to Jaslo, Poland this summer and continuing to explore possibilities for finding the right friendship city in Ireland.
SEDONA GAINS FROM SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIPS
Sedona is unique. Drawing residents and tourists from throughout the world, we are a destination city and region with strong business and community supported organizations. Developing a close relationship with a similar city and its organizations will allow for sharing, learning and friendships in each paired partnership (among businesses, artist groups, government, wellness and healthcare services, education providers, environmental sustainability groups, etc.). These connections will provide mutually beneficial, ongoing exchanges that will strengthen our community and move the world a step closer to lasting peace.
The SSCA would like to thank the following people for sharing their photographs and work as they contribute to life in Sedona:
Joe Bongiorno, Piano Haven
Tyler Carson, Fiddler on the Rock
Sammy Davis, Vocalist, Entertainer
Debra Fleeger, Sound Healer
Patrick Ki and Gaetano musicians at Flamenco at El Rincon
Eric Mace, Coordinator of Redrock High School Bike Club
Carol Myers, Chuck Marr and Carol Ortiz personal Sedona photos
Lori Reinhart, Sedona Art Festival
Patrick Schweiss, Executive Director, Sedona International Film Festival
Winifred Muench, Director, Sedona Chamber Ballet
Photographer Shane McDermott of Goldenstein Gallery;
Dance of Life, Sedona Red Rocks, Sedona Steamboat Rock, Sedona - Seven Sacred Pools
C. Myers