What's So Great About Sweepstakes Conventions? [Archive]

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wolflady26

May 4th, 2007, 8:36am

I'm writing an article about sweepstakes conventions for a website, but I have yet to be lucky enough to manage to go to one myself. I was wondering if any of y'all who have been to one before could fill me in on what goes on at a convention. Tell me what you liked about them, what the convention was like, what you learned, whether you'd do it again, stuff like that. Or if you're going to the convention in Detroit or the mini-convention in Hershey this year, tell me what made you decide to go and what you're looking forward to most! It would be much appreciated!

Miki

May 4th, 2007, 8:40am

From what I have read, they look like so much fun and so many winners also. I haven't been able to go to one yet either. Maybe one day!

wolflady26

May 4th, 2007, 8:51am

Miki, do you have any links to places on other sites where people have written about their experiences? That would be helpful, too! :)

jofo3511

May 4th, 2007, 9:09am

I won the trip to the Scottsdale convention last year and had a ball. They have speakers who give you tips on winning, there was a couple who spoke that won over 10 cars.. The best part is when they give out prizes which is most of the convention, anyway.

It's one big party.

Dave W.

May 4th, 2007, 9:11am

How much of a deadline do you have?
If you have time, you could order a video of the convention and watch that to get a feel for them. Jeff Crosno does them every year. I'll have to find his email address for you.

The best part of the convention is energy you feel being around so many winners.
It can be really motivating to hear people's stories.

It's just so nice to FINALLY meet the real person you seen posting or exchanged emails or PMs with.

Serious sweepers should really try to go to at least one national convention.
(I've been to three)

wolflady26

May 4th, 2007, 9:24am

That's great information, thank you. Jeff Crosno's information would be really handy!

Are sweepstakes conventions like other conventions where they have different courses and speakers at different times? If so, what kinds of subjects are usually covered?

This is a huge help, and I really appreciate it!

jofo3511

May 4th, 2007, 9:38am

Last year they talked about entry techniques, snail, internet,( that I can remember.) Recipe,essay contests. They also talked about OLS & other sweepstakes sites.

Dave W.

May 4th, 2007, 10:04am

I've never been. They are expensive to attend and I'm not sure I am the kind of person who would fit in there anyway. Since I don't drink and party and what-not.
.

All the party talk is mostly from the OLS crew-- a small (but vocal :) ) portion of the attendees.

The average attendees seem to be women 50 and over.

Dave W.

May 4th, 2007, 10:07am

More info on the video is here:

http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=429195

For more reponses, you could try and post your questions up in the Convention topic area as well.

KISSaholic4life

May 4th, 2007, 10:13am

What's So Great About Sweepstakes Conventions?

I'll let ya know on June 11th.

:cheer2:

coljim

May 6th, 2007, 3:58pm

The average attendees seem to be women 50 and over.
That's me. Don't drink, but I do like to have a good time, and in Phoenix I certainly did.

kbsocial

May 6th, 2007, 4:30pm

That's me. Don't drink, but I do like to have a good time, and in Phoenix I certainly did.

Heaven help us if ya did drink girlie :tongue4: And Dearborn is gonna be funnn too!!! :cool3:

TinyMoMo

May 6th, 2007, 10:03pm

I'll let ya know on June 11th.

:cheer2:

Just don't tell anyone about anything ebarassing I will do. :nono:

coljim

May 6th, 2007, 10:18pm

Heaven help us if ya did drink girlie :tongue4: And Dearborn is gonna be funnn too!!! :cool3:
:hugs: Luv ya :hugs: Col luvs ya too :hugs:

KISSaholic4life

May 6th, 2007, 11:45pm

Just don't tell anyone about anything ebarassing I will do. :nono:

I won't say a thing :gvibes: but I can't say the same thing about pics - ya know the old saying . . . a picture is worth a thousand words.

:cheer2:

FrouFrouGirl

May 7th, 2007, 1:33am

I attended one several years ago and wouldn't go again.

I found it to be quite dull and full of information I already knew, and very geared towards snail mail sweepers. Many many of the prizes were cheesy and cheap and only a few really good prizes were given away. I might go if it was very close to home, but really doubt I would ever find it worth the money again. The people were pleasant and all though.

wolflady26

May 7th, 2007, 5:48am

Thanks, FrouFrouGirl, that's very helpful, too!

Dave W.

May 7th, 2007, 9:21am

Please understand that the conventions are run by VOLUNTEERS.
The majority of "cheesy and cheap" prizes are donations given by local clubs across the country.
It would be kind of awkward to send back prizes to donors saying they aren't worthy.

Last year's big winner took home $10,000 cash with several winners (10?) taking home $1,000.

It is mostly for snail mail sweepers, but snail has been around for decades whereas online has only been around for a little over ten years. It's to be expected.

I will admit that the prize drawing sessions can be a little long, especially if your name never gets called. They do try and break it up a little.

The conventions are more about fellowship and being social than learning a lot information.
Kind of wish I was going now.
Have fun those that are....

gemini lion

May 7th, 2007, 5:56pm

I've never been and am looking forward to it like you wouldn't believe for a variety of reasons. I am happy to be meeting my fellow OLS'rs as well as other sweepers. I wouldn't mind learning a trick or two about sweeping, especially snails which I haven't ventured into yet but would love to try.

As for the prizes, that's just icing. I always appreciate a win no matter what it is, it is very kind of people to donate goods or services for convention attendees so I certainly wont be complaining about that.

TinyMoMo

May 7th, 2007, 6:00pm