This year I will be attending the 34th Annual National Sweepstakes Convention in Scottsdale, AZ, this July. This will be the 13th national event I will have attended. One question I frequently get is, “What happens at a convention?” I thought it was prudent to outline my experience and the general format of the amazing 4-day events.
Convention Ins & Outs
Many who read my posts are intrigued by the thought of attending a sweepstakes convention, but the fear of not knowing what to expect keeps them at home. I thought it was time I wrote about not what happens at a convention but what you can expect to experience as an attendee.
I will start by saying it took me attending three conventions before I really got the hang of the flow of events and fun. I hope this post will eliminate your learning curve, allowing you to experience a convention to the fullest from the get-go.
The first convention I attended was the 16th Annual National Sweepstakes Convention in Moline, IL. We drove most of the way on Wednesday and Thursday we drove the rest of the way. After checking in at the hotel, we registered and took a walk through the Vendor Room. I was overwhelmed. So many tables selling so much stuff: envelopes, postcards, newsletters, and raffle tickets. I didn’t buy anything as I didn’t understand the value. Not all conventions currently have a vendor room, but budget $100 cash just in case you have the opportunity.
Thursday night is the Meet-N-Greet. Sweepers are so friendly. People I had just met treated me like they had always known me. I made lifelong friends that weekend. Conventions over the years I have attended have had anywhere from 450-1100 people. For a first-timer, a large crowd can be intimated. Don’t be. Smile. Say HI. You will meet amazing people.
The next two days are filled with speakers and prizes. In every registration package, you will find your name badge, session draw tickets, itinerary, freebies, and vendor information sheets. at the beginning of each session, you drop the appropriate ticket into the drum. In the past, they were paper, and every single sweeper crumpled them. Nothing would move, and the hosts would have to do a good job of randomizing the winners. Names would be announced, so you would have to listen closely. Now they are cards with bar codes or something similar. Crumpling or bending is against the rules. As winners are selected, the card is scanned, and their names appear on the screen. Much better as, for example, there is more than one Carolyn that attends each convention, so seeing the full name confirms when I should jump up and whoop!
Always read the convention rules. In the past, the entries for the additional drawings at the banquet were accepted at the event. Now they are usually pre-paid. If you want to be in to win envelopes, stamps, gift cards, etc., you will need to send your payment in advance. They are upgrades to the event and do not need to be purchased to be in the session drawings.
The dress code for the convention is casual, and many people dress up a bit for the banquet. I find the air conditioning to usually be set at arctic, so I wear shoes, vs. sandals, so my feet stay warm, and I always bring sweaters.
Depending on the convention hotel, breakfast may or may not be included. The only meal guaranteed to be included with your registration fee is the banquet meal. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience local cuisine. I recommend you do research in advance. I missed out on Mike’s Pastry’s famous cannolis in Boston.
Many times the convention hosts arrange outings for the attendees during down times. I don’t always take advantage, but I am always glad I did. In Moline, IL, we went on a dinner cruise. In Boston, MA, we went on a trolley tour of the city. In Manchester, NH, we went to a Fisher Cats baseball game. Take note that these excursions are an added expense, so add them to your travel budget.
The main takeaway is to be open, go with the flow and have fun!
If I missed anything, send me any questions you have regarding attending a sweepstakes convention, and I will answer them in one of my monthly Sweepstakes Q&A.
PAST CONVENTIONS
You can read about my adventures at past conventions here.
Future events details can be found on my convention page.
Will you be willing to attend a convention now?
Thanks for all your info
I have been thinking about the Arizona convention next year
Wish there could be a sweepstakes convention in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
I hosted a Canadian Contest Convention in 2007. The conventions are not run by a public corporation, but rather by a group of volunteers. If you wish to host one in Calgary, I will support you. I won’t be hosting another one, and here is why: https://www.contestqueen.com/2008/2nd-annual-national-contestors-convention/