SAG-AFTRA kicked off its first national convention Wednesday at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, with a welcome reception hosted by the Los Angeles Local, featuring an address from special guest Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.

Addressing guests and delegates, Garcetti  reminded them he is a member of SAG-AFTRA and proudly displayed his membership card. Other featured guest speakers and SAG-AFTRA members included CBS2 news anchor Pat Harvey and actor Jon Tenney.

Delegates began arriving in advance of the convention on Wednesday, which takes place from Sept. 26-29. The SAG-AFTRA National Board held its first meeting since elections in August on Wednesday as well. The purpose of the SAG-AFTRA convention is to complete the leadership team by electing the executive vice president and national vice presidents, as well as considering resolutions and constitutional amendments.