Casual attire, no ties on tap for Dallas heat

DALLAS (BP) -- Southern Baptist Convention President Steve Gaines recommends casual dress at the 2018 SBC Annual Meeting amid Dallas' oppressive heat.

"This year I am once again encouraging all messengers to the 2018 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting to dress casually," Gaines told Baptist Press. "Summer temperatures in Texas can run in the 90s and men should feel free not to wear a necktie. Speakers on the platform are encouraged to dress in business casual attire.

"I hope this will make our annual meeting more enjoyable for all," said Gaines, senior pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church near Memphis, Tenn. Casual attire was also encouraged for the 2017 annual meeting in Phoenix, where temperatures were in the triple digits.

Dallas temperatures are forecast in the upper 80s and low 90s leading up to and during the meeting June 12-13 at the Kay Baily Hutchison Convention Center. A full schedule of events is available here, with preliminary events beginning June 9.

The social media hashtag for the annual meeting is #sbcam18.