One of the biggest surprises I had when I started writing You Can’t Win If You Don’t Enter was discovering that sweepers don’t just connect online. They also gather in person.

READ: Yes, There Are Sweepstakes Conventions!

Back in 2004, while researching my first book, I stumbled across the Annual National Sweepstakes Convention. At the time, I had no idea such a thing existed. I reached out to the organizers and, somehow, ended up speaking at my very first convention before my book was even published.

I still remember walking into the convention hall in Moline, Illinois. There were hundreds of people, vendors, speakers, prize tables, and activities everywhere. It was overwhelming.

But what surprised me most wasn’t the size of the event. It was the people. Within minutes, I felt like I KNEW the attendees even though I had never met any of them before. I had found my tribe!

How Did Sweepstakes Conventions Start?

The roots go back to local sweepstakes clubs. Long before Facebook groups and online forums, contestors gathered in person to share tips, work on entries, celebrate wins, and encourage each other.

In 1990, a group of volunteers decided to organize a larger gathering of sweepers. What started as a small event eventually grew into the annual National Sweepstakes Convention that attracts hundreds of winners from across North America.

READ: Interesting Sweepstakes Convention Statistics

To this day, the convention is still run by volunteers. That means the people organizing the event are sweepers too.

What Happens During the Convention?

Every convention is a little different, but most follow a similar format.

It runs for four days, Thursday through Sunday, on a weekend in the summer. There are educational sessions where attendees learn about different aspects of the hobby. Over the years, I’ve attended presentations on everything from taxes and mail-in entries to social media contests, video entries, organization strategies, and more.

Of course, there are prizes at each session. Lots, and lots, and lots of prizes.

Attendees receive tickets for various drawings throughout the event, and there are other opportunities to win, such as Pick-A-Prize, where you can choose which prizes you’d like a chance to win.

Most of the time, there are optional excursions, special events, banquets, and plenty of opportunities to connect with other sweepers.

And yes, everyone loves talking about their wins.

READ: What You Should Know If You Want to Attend a Sweepstakes Convention

The Real Value Isn’t the Prizes

Don’t get me wrong. Winning prizes is fun.

But after attending conventions for more than 20 years, I’ve learned the real value is the friendships. Some of my closest friends today are people I met through sweepstakes conventions. We’ve celebrated wins together, shared travel adventures, supported each other through difficult times, and stayed connected long after the convention ended.

When I went through one of the toughest periods of my life, it was my sweepstakes friends who opened their homes, encouraged me, and helped me keep moving forward. You can’t put a price on that.

READ: Another Sweeper’s Convention Experience

Why Every Sweeper Should Attend at Least Once

People often ask me why I keep going back. The answer is simple.

Imagine attending an event where every single person in the room is a winner. Everyone understands the hobby. Nobody thinks you’re strange because you enter contests. Nobody rolls their eyes when you talk about a prize you won. Instead, they’re excited for you.

There is an energy at these events that’s difficult to explain unless you’ve experienced it yourself. It’s similar to the feeling you get at a great concert or sporting event when everyone is excited and sharing the same experience. That’s what a sweepstakes convention feels like.

Thinking About Attending?

If you’ve never attended a convention before, I highly recommend putting one on your go-to or bucket list. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned sweeper, you’ll learn something new, meet amazing people, and leave inspired.

I’ve attended conventions across the United States, and every time I come home with new ideas, new friendships, and renewed enthusiasm for the hobby.

And who knows?

You may just find your tribe, too.

GO TO: Meet Fellow Sweepers