What Happens at a Convention?

Typical Convention Programs

Past conventions have typically included the following:

  • Fun Sessions
  • Technical Sessions
  • Committee Meetings
  • Teaching Techniques
  • Digital Music Sessions
  • Visit with the Legends Sessions
  • Alternative Music Sessions
  • Voice Improvement Sessions
  • Marketing Information & Updates
  • Tremendous Educational Opportunity
  • Meet Callers & Partners From Around The World
  • Social mixers

Pre-Convention

The Community Dance Leader’s Seminar (CDLS) begins Saturday morning prior to the Convention. This Seminar is aimed at those interested in calling community dances, party nights, and other special events involving non-dancers.

The Orientation Session on Sunday evening is especially for the first-time attendee, but it is also a good review for attendees who have not been to a Convention for some time. The session will provide an overview of the Convention, as well as tips and tricks for getting the most out of Convention.

The Ways and Means Committee hosts a Mainstream fund raising dance with proceeds going to the CALLERLAB Foundation starting at 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening. This dance is open to the general public and provides an opportunity to hear some of the best callers in the business share their talents while supporting the Foundation.

Convention Attire

During the Day – Casual attire is appropriate at all sessions. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

Evening Banquets – Many attendees prefer business casual or formal wear for the evening banquets. Some men prefer a coat and/or tie for the banquets, but it is not required.  Please observe the courtesy of removing your hat during Convention meals.

Dances – There will be square dancing on Sunday, Monday & Tuesday evenings.  Square dance attire is certainly appropriate but not required.

General – A light wrap or jacket is suggested due to the changing temperature of the rooms.

For more information about the Convention, please contact the CALLERLAB Home Office.

Photo credits: Ray Owens & Home Office

Schedule*

Subject to change 

Saturday:

1:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Registration opens
9:00 am – Community Dance Leaders Seminar (contact the home office to sign up for this pre-convention event)

Sunday:

9:00 am to 5:00 pm – Registration open
9:00 am – Community Dance Leaders Seminar continues
3:00 pm  – Community Dance Program Welcome Dance
5:00 pm – Welcome Reception for all convention attendees
6:45 pm – Orientation Session – great for first time attendees or folks who haven’t been to convention recently
7:00 pm – Ways & Means Fundraising Dance supporting the CALLERLAB Foundation

Monday:

8:00 am to 5:00 pm – Registration open
9:00 am – Opening Session
10:30 am – Breakout #1
11:45 am – Lunch
1:00 pm – Breakout #2
2:30 pm – Breakout #3
4:00 pm – Breakout #4
5:15 pm – Free Time/Birds of a Feather Sessions
6:00 pm – Social Hour
7:00 pm – Banquet
9:00 pm – Dancing

Tuesday:

8:00 am to 5:00 pm – Registration open
9:00 am – Breakout #5
10:30 am – Breakout #6
11:45 am – Lunch
1:00 pm – Breakout #7
2:30 pm – Breakout #8
4:00 pm – Breakout #9
5:15 pm – Free Time/Birds of a Feather Sessions
6:00 pm – Social Hour
7:00 pm – Banquet
9:00 pm – Dancing

Wednesday:

8:00 am to 12:00 pm – Registration open
9:00 am – Annual Membership Meeting and Closing Session