It was so lovely out, I didn’t want to come inside, so I brought out my portable studio and livestreamed from my backyard (complete with a very energetic neighbor dog crashing the party). I wanted to share details about next year’s convention that you absolutely need to know if you want to attend one of these fun-filled events.

The Basics

When: July 9-12, 2026 (Thursday through Sunday)
Where: Scottsdale, Arizona (Scottsdale Plaza Resort, same resort as previous years – they’re renovating now, so it’ll be even better!)
Cost: $275 if you register by August 10th, then it jumps to $300
Registration is already open at sweepingaz.com – and trust me, you want to get that early bird pricing!

What Your Registration Fee Covers

This isn’t like a corporate event where you can just show up at the door. Everything has to be pre-planned because it’s 100% volunteer-run. Your registration fee gets you:

  • Entry to all sessions
  • Tickets for every session drawing
  • Pick-a-prize tickets (usually 20)
  • The banquet luncheon or dinner
  • Waived resort fees and parking

You’ll still need to cover your hotel room ($150 a night for regular rooms, $184 for suites – a deal as they usually run $400+ per night), other meals, and any excursions you want to join.

How It Works

Thursday: Meet and greet with pick-a-prize drawings
Friday: Morning session with speaker + prizes, Afternoon session with speaker + prizes, optional excursions
Saturday: Same format as Friday, plus the big banquet with larger prizes
Sunday Morning: Final session before everyone heads home

There’s also an optional Afterparty on Saturday night with the biggest prizes (like $1,000 cash), but you buy those tickets separately.

The Prize System

You get color-coded session tickets with your name on them – don’t mix them up or you won’t win! The pick-a-prize system lets you put your tickets in whatever you want. See a prize you absolutely must have? Put all 20 tickets in it. Want to spread your chances? Put one ticket each in 20 different prizes.

Prizes come from two sources: the convention budget purchases and donations from attendees. This year, I’m bringing 10 prize packs, one pick-a-prize gift basket, plus 10 prizes for the friendship draw.

Why You Should Go

This is my 15th national convention, and I’ve been part of the sweepstakes community for almost 25 years. You’ll make lifelong friends with people whose paths would never cross yours otherwise. I still hang out with friends I met at my first convention in 2005!

Plus, even as a seasoned sweeper, I learn something new every single year. The hobby changes so fast with new technology that there’s always fresh information to pick up.

Getting There

The convention typically draws 500-700 people, and everyone’s welcome – it doesn’t matter if you’re from England, Australia, or Timbuktu. First-timers get special “newbie” stickers so everyone knows to welcome you.

I always arrive on Wednesday night and leave Monday morning. No rushing, and since I work for myself, I can literally work from anywhere with my portable setup.

Final Thoughts

If it’s in your budget, absolutely plan to attend. I’ve been to conventions in Vegas, Boston, Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Orlando, and so many other places. Each one has been worth every penny.

The volunteer clubs put in two years of planning to make these events amazing, and it shows. From the AV equipment to the banquet to negotiating those incredible hotel rates – they think of everything.

Can’t wait to see familiar faces and meet new sweepers in both Arkansas and Arizona!

And yes, I’ll be doing another prize packing video when I get to Little Rock, Arkansas, there with all my Canadian prize donations, so that you can get a taste of this year’s exciting event.

Ready to register? Head to sweepingaz.com and get that early bird pricing before August 10th!

Want to win a book of your choice? Check out my monthly giveaway – link in the video description. And if you have questions about the convention, email me at questions@contestqueen.com.

Happy sweeping! Carolyn