2009 Convention Location

[kbsocial]

The 2009 convention will be held in Manchester, NH. The NH girlies have already secured a convention center and are completing contracts with area hotels. No information will be released until the 2008 convention in order for 2008 to get the full attention it needs:gvibes:

Past/Present/Future Convention Hosts:

1990 - Lansing, MI
1991 - Clemson, SC
1992 - Arlington, TX
1993 - Annapolis, MD
1994 - Indianapolis, IN
1995 - San Diego, CA
1996 - Nashville, TN
1997 - Naperville, IL
1998 - New Orleans, LA
1999 - Arlington, TX
2000 - Bahama Cruise Convention
2001 - Orlando, FL
2002 - Louisville, KY
2003 - Baltimore, MD
2004 - San Diego, CA
2005 - Moline, IL
2006 - Scottsdale, AZ
2007 - Dearborn, MI
2008 - San Antonio, TX
2009 - Manchester, NH
2010 - Bloomington, MN
2011 - Ft Wayne, IN

[kbsocial]

We were planning on waiting until the 2008 Convention Committee could get this on their site before announcing this, but since its already making the rounds I have "permission" to go ahead and post:)

The 2009 convention in Manchester, NH will be July 1-5. Information available on their website Star Spangled Celebration (http://www.nh2009.com/).

Once the 2008 convention is over I will make a new subforum for 2009 discussions so please keep to this thread for now:)

[uclafan]

I've already been to the website and it's VERY user friendly.

Was very impressed with all the information they have presented.

[TDAWG]

Can't make SA :frown3: But NH looks like it is going to be a very cool convention! I'll start saving now... See you there! :wavy:

[Debberly]

They REALLY, REALLY, REALLY need to have another Cruise Convention!.

REALLY! :duck:

(does anyone know who hosted it so I can talk them into doing it again?)

[vrl007]

I believe Mark in FL is proposing a Florida convention in Texas to be held in the near future, 1-5 years after NH. These conventions are SOOOOOOO much work it's amazing anyone volunteers to put them on and I am so grateful that they do.
I love cruises and was not on the cruise convention. Several people I talked to thought that they missed the extra camaraderie, vendors and other limitations of the ship as a location for a convention.
Valerie

[pamcakes]

too bad it's over the 4th of july weekend.....we have too much going on here on the home front then. i'd love to go, but.....

[Owendolyn]

I love cruises and I love sweepstakes conventions, but I did not like having the two combined. We couldn't attend both the ship and the convention activities. There were no vendor rooms. The meeting area was so crowded everytime they had prize drawings that we were packed in like sardines. I shouldn't complain because I was able to sit (on my husband's lap) while some people had to stand for several hours. It just wasn't a good setting for a convention.

Mark Roland and Mil Puglisi who headed up the group that put that one together did a wonderful job. I just think that cruises should be enjoyed separately from conventions.

Gwen

They REALLY, REALLY, REALLY need to have another Cruise Convention!.

REALLY! :duck:

(does anyone know who hosted it so I can talk them into doing it again?)

[mamafairal]

i lived in Manchester for 9 yrs before coming to MO.

The city puts on a beautiful fireworks show right near where the convention is.The ball park is literally walking distance from the hotels
Manchester is well known for its main street in town"ELM STREET" which is the only 2 mile dead end street in america(so ive been told) From end to end 2 miles and its the main street in manchester.You can see it in the convention center info photo.

When i first moved there i didnt have wheels and you could literally walk from west side of town to east side of town no problem. There are always areas of town to steer clear from but thats anywhere you live.

I know all of you going will absolutely love Manchester....wish i could make it!

[lilac100]

I hope I can go to this one. Maybe I'll find the money somewhere. I want to meet everyone and see how everyone else wins so much.

[rewcatherine]

I'm planning on going to this one, can't wait

[janna]

can we get it in ohio in 2010????? I will make arrangements.

[DebraE1972]

can we get it in ohio in 2010????? I will make arrangements.

I will help you with that one..........I think Cleveland would be perfect...The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is fantastic, House of Blues, Hard Rock, Indians, etc......what do you think??? I want to go to a convention.:faces::fairy2:..

[IrishRose23]

I swear, next year, i'm going! I'll start saving my money now so me and my sis can go! :bounce:

[gemini lion]

I will help you with that one..........I think Cleveland would be perfect...The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is fantastic, House of Blues, Hard Rock, Indians, etc......what do you think??? I want to go to a convention.:faces::fairy2:..

That sounds awesome!

[lilac100]

can we get it in ohio in 2010????? I will make arrangements.

That would be awesome. Close enough to home I could come and not make a huge dent in my budget. How is it decided where the convention is held?

[binski]

That would be awesome. Close enough to home I could come and not make a huge dent in my budget. How is it decided where the convention is held?

I believe the peeps that run sweeps clubs in various cities bid on where the national convention is held. Decision isn't made here; we are but a small fish in a large pond.

[uclafan]

I believe the peeps that run sweeps clubs in various cities bid on where the national convention is held. Decision isn't made here; we are but a small fish in a large pond.


You're right but if someone in Cleveland is ready to put a convention together perhaps as an unofficial club us OLS people can do one out of the Cleveland area. We would plan the 22nd event of this kind. I'm putting my hand up to help in anyway I can with planning, etc.

Heard that NH has a "committe" of sorts spread nationwide. Besides I do have a room at the Comfort Inn booked and will be happy to work with someone on making the presentation for Cleveland in 2011. With the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame as our base we can make a really cute presentation.

FYI, in San Antonio, spoke with Mark Roland and the "25th" National Sweepstakes Convention is tentatively his. Location has not been decided other than Florida.

[redcup]

Wow, It might be fun to make it a travel trip. Fly into NH for the convention...then rent a car and check out some of the other states while there and then fly home!

[uclafan]

Wow, It might be fun to make it a travel trip. Fly into NH for the convention...then rent a car and check out some of the other states while there and then fly home!

Redcup,
That's just what I plan to do. Haven't decided if it will be after or before convention but am definately staying at the Comfort Inn which is furthest from the convention hotel. And by having a car will not have to rely on the shuttle between the 3 hotels reserved for convention attendees.

[DebraE1972]

That sounds awesome!

I know and I would love to meet everyone. I could drive there in a bit over an hour. There is a major airport there and baseball teams, football, basketball plus all of the museums, etc....I think 2011 would be great.:cheer2::help:

[redcup]

Redcup,
That's just what I plan to do. Haven't decided if it will be after or before convention but am definately staying at the Comfort Inn which is furthest from the convention hotel. And by having a car will not have to rely on the shuttle between the 3 hotels reserved for convention attendees.

I am thinking after....that way the 4th of July stuff will be out of the way.....

[sdadolf]

If you ar a NASCAR fan consider that there will be the New Hampshire Sprint Cup race at Louden the Sunday before the 2009 convention....I am planning on taking that in.

[csandfs]

We can add onto that convention hosts list that 2010 will be in Minnesota--this was announced over the weekend at the 2008 San Antonio convention! :bounce:

[ResourcePress]

Any registration and hotel links yet? Thanks!

[sdadolf]

http://www.nh2009.com/index.html

[hopeful_winnings]

We can add onto that convention hosts list that 2010 will be in Minnesota--this was announced over the weekend at the 2008 San Antonio convention! :bounce:

Thats more like it! My home place...I've got a ton of family spread out up there still! :thumbs:

[ResourcePress]

http://www.nh2009.com/index.html

Thanks much!

[gacarol]

can we get it in ohio in 2010????? I will make arrangements.

Janna, 2010 Convention is in MN. Site is determined 2 years out. To get he convention in OH in 2011, you just need to appear at the Future Convention Planning meeting in NH next year with your proposal for the 2011 Convention. This meeting is usually held on Thurs. night following the Meet & Greet! You can get proposal guidelines from Steve d'Adolf. Someone should be able to give you info on how to contact Steve. Cleveland sounds like it has a lot to offer. Good luck & hope to see you in Cleveland!

[sdadolf]

sdadolf@san.rr.com

[gemini lion]

I am all set to go! Made my hotel reservation and paid for registration. I am totally making the sweeps conventions a yearly thing, I have so much fun going and I can't imagine not seeing my friends.

[FFXVASweeperGal]

Is Manchester near Portsmouth,
New Hampshire??? Cause i have an Uncle living
in the Portsmouth area!!!!


If i go to 2009s Sweeps Convention i dont know what OLSers
to look for!!!! :confused: :grin5:

[gemini lion]

Is Manchester near Portsmouth,
New Hampshire??? Cause i have an Uncle living
in the Portsmouth area!!!!


If i go to 2009s Sweeps Convention i dont know what OLSers
to look for!!!! :confused: :grin5:

I am fairly positive you'll spot the bunch of us, no doubt! You should definately come!

[KISSaholic4life]

I am fairly positive you'll spot the bunch of us, no doubt! You should definately come!

I'll wear a nametag with my OLS name on it so people will know who I am :wink2:




:cheer2:

[playwanda]

I'll wear a nametag with my OLS name on it so people will know who I am :wink2:




:cheer2:

HAHAHA Like you will need a nametag.....HAHAHAHA !

[Texsweeper]

Is Manchester near Portsmouth,
New Hampshire??? Cause i have an Uncle living
in the Portsmouth area!!!!


If i go to 2009s Sweeps Convention i dont know what OLSers
to look for!!!! :confused: :grin5:

I went to San Antonio for my first convention. I looked at the previous year's pics beforehand to see what everyone looked like and tracked (stalked) them down. They were my instant best friends! Believe me, it's not hard to find the OLSers. (look: a. in bar or b. in smoking area or c. for guys handing out "I love Baked Alaska" buttons) The latter was the way I found KISS (my Dr. Pepper buddy for life) and B.A.

[NHKarenH]

Portsmouth, NH is about 45 minutes east of Manchester, NH. Hope to see you in NH for the convention in 2009! :grin5:

[JTESSLER]

I am new to the whole sweeping thing...I live in Concord, NH about 20 minutes from Manchester(ManchVegas to the locals)....What goes on at a sweeps convention?? Any info would be appreciated.

[ResourcePress]

Wondering what the mail address is for the Condown to Convention Cash entry is.
Thanks!

[NHKarenH]

The National Sweepstakes Convention is a chance to meet up with sweepers from across the nation, and to add to your knowledge of sweeping. Sessions are held with speakers covering sweep related topics. There are usually sessions that everyone attends during the day with optional breakout sessions available afterwards. You are also able to shop from vendors that offer sweeping supplies. A banquet is also held which offers time to mingle with other sweepers and enjoy a great dinner. A variety of raffles are held during the weekend giving attendees a chance to win prizes. It is great to sit in a room full of sweepers and hear their stories and feel their enthusiasm for this hobby. Take a look at the website for the 2009 convention to get a general idea of what happens at a convention. The website is http://www.nh2009.com Hope to see you in Manchester! Karen H.

[nesta67]

I'll wear a nametag with my OLS name on it so people will know who I am :wink2:

:cheer2:

HAHAHA Like you will need a nametag.....HAHAHAHA !

You definitely don't need a nametag.....the KISS t-shirt would give you away anyway!

[NHKarenH]

Please email your question to: postmaster@nh2009.com

Wishing you many wins!
NHKarenH

[uclafan]

I am new to the whole sweeping thing...I live in Concord, NH about 20 minutes from Manchester(ManchVegas to the locals)....What goes on at a sweeps convention?? Any info would be appreciated.



You will have instant friends coming to a National Sweeps convention. Those of us who come solo hook up with many as we have a common bond this crazy hobby. I mean where else will people get excited over winning a music download or candy bar. LOL

One thing I love about the convention's is putting names with faces.


See ya in 283 days.

Link for customized countdown
http://www.timeanddate.com/counters/customcounter.html?month=7&day=1&year=2009&hour=&min=&sec=&p0=68

[Frau10125]

Well now I'm really excited. Its so close to Boston, I can just drive up there!!
Its too bad im the only one of my friends that does sweeps.

[Miss Krystal]

I would love to attend. Unfortunately, my mom's birthday is July 4th and we always celebrate her birthday on her birthday. Otherwish, I would attend the convention.

[mferdin]

Colorado is available!!! :)

[Bigfootsmother]

we need a Seattle or Portland convention

[kbsocial]

Colorado is available!!! :)

we need a Seattle or Portland convention

All locations are more than welcome to host one! There must be a sweep club or group of volunteers willing to take on the task of planning and hosting a convention. There is no "National Sweepstakes Convention Committee" or anything of the sort - just a group of people interested in hosting. I highly encourage you to attend a National convention before you decide to host it - there are many people willing to give you ideas and tips on how to do this - but you must have a dedicated group or few that can give the time and energy to the efforts:)

[KISSaholic4life]

Colorado is available!!! :)

we need a Seattle or Portland convention





All locations are more than welcome to host one! There must be a sweep club or group of volunteers willing to take on the task of planning and hosting a convention. There is no "National Sweepstakes Convention Committee" or anything of the sort - just a group of people interested in hosting. I highly encourage you to attend a National convention before you decide to host it - there are many people willing to give you ideas and tips on how to do this - but you must have a dedicated group or few that can give the time and energy to the efforts:)

I hope a west coast sweeps club hosts a convention soon!





:cheer2:

[Gmaw]

I'll wear a nametag with my OLS name on it so people will know who I am :wink2:




:cheer2:

LOL!!!! I first spotted Kiss before any other OLSers and I felt like I shook the hand of a true STAR!!!!!! The Infamous KISS in the house!!!!:loveu:

[lfainma]

Just sent my payment (and in the nick of time for the discount rate) and I can't wait!
This is going to be so much fun!! We should start a thread with everyone who will be going.
Thank God for the free wireless internet in the hotels. I would go CRAZY not being able to do my snails!

[kbsocial]

Just sent my payment (and in the nick of time for the discount rate) and I can't wait!
This is going to be so much fun!! We should start a thread with everyone who will be going.
Thank God for the free wireless internet in the hotels. I would go CRAZY not being able to do my snails!

Heck yeah :highfive: We'll definitely be starting a thread with who is going in the coming months. Looking forward to meeting you:bounce:

[Terfool]

Who is driving? We will be driving up. Nice and close in CT. Do they determine who has come the farthest at the convention?

Terry

[uclafan]

I'm sure there will be many driving I'm sure because of the location.

As far as coming the furthest, I know my friend from Alaska has been among those coming the furthest.

[sdadolf]

During some past conventions we've had attendees from Hawaii...a long way when the convention is held on the east coast.

[MzAttitude]

Who is driving? We will be driving up. Nice and close in CT. Do they determine who has come the farthest at the convention?

Terry

I'll be driving. Haven't worked anything else out yet, but I know for sure I'm driving.

[wolfgang38]

it would be nice to have one In Atlanta.........

[kbsocial]

it would be nice to have one In Atlanta.........

Join up with the Atlanta Peaches Sweep Club and help make it happen:)

[swhitaker99]

I love New Hampshire, shopping, shopping, shopping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NHKarenH]

Just a reminder that shopping in NH is tax free! There is still a tax on hotel rooms and restaurant meals, but shopping tax free in stores is great. I live on the NH/Massachusetts border and on the weekends sometimes it is so busy in my hometown because of all the people that cross the border to shop tax free. There are also a lot of great local shopping opportunities along Elm Street in Manchester within walking distance from the Radisson.

Can't wait to meet everyone in NH!! :hello:

NHKarenH

[vtvixen469]

I really think that I could make this one! Is it possible to pay for the convention but not stay at the hotels there? It is a bit over 2.5 hours each way drive for me, but with the new Jeep I could handle it well. I don't have to attend every second of the convention (though I may want to?) do I?

[sdadolf]

Local attendees often do not stay at the convention hotel.

The convention and hotel rooms are separate matters, separate prices.

[Terfool]

Well I have been researching the GREAT state of New Hampshire in prep for
the convention and a visit. I am definitely hitting the famous RED ARROW
Diner. Many Presidents and candidates stop here for eats. It was also
featured on the food network show Diners, Dives and Drive INs. It is online
and can be found here. I am going for the banana cream pie and as an
entree possibly the pork pie. We shall see....lol.

Link: http://www.redarrowdiner.com/

I also found this place which is about an hour away from Manchester. It
is an adventure business and they do ZIP LINE tree canopy tours. I am
considering it.

http://www.alpinesnowmobiling.com/Zipline%20New%20Hampshire.html

Thought I would share my findings......

Terry

[Terfool]

I really think that I could make this one! Is it possible to pay for the convention but not stay at the hotels there? It is a bit over 2.5 hours each way drive for me, but with the new Jeep I could handle it well. I don't have to attend every second of the convention (though I may want to?) do I?

Have you been to a convention before? I have attended Baltimore and Arizona.
My answer would be yes. Granted no two conventions are alike...but the 2 I have
attended have been very busy and action packed. If it is a matter of cost, perhaps you could split the room cost with someone from a sweeps club or perhaps on OLS.

Terry

[uclafan]

Well I have been researching the GREAT state of New Hampshire in prep for the convention and a visit. I am definitely hitting the famous RED ARROW
Diner. Many Presidents and candidates stop here for eats. It was also
featured on the food network show Diners, Dives and Drive INs. It is online
and can be found here. I am going for the banana cream pie and as an
entree possibly the pork pie. We shall see....lol. Terry


Funny you should bring up the Red Arrow Diner. I just saw the diner featured on the Travel Channel Samantha Brown's "Great Weekends". It does seem to have a cozy atmosphere and was also a MUST see on my Convention Check List.

Looking over the pie selection, I'll give their Brownie Cream Pie a shot. Hey maybe we can just have a pie buffet sampling each others selections. LOL For an Entree, I think one of their Blue Plate Specials actually served on a blue plate, perhaps American Chop Suey.

Will definitely walk from the hotel to the diner so I can work off some of these delicious treats. My Weight Watchers Way of eating may just go out the window when we make this trip.

[vtvixen469]

I have never been to a convention. I may have to skip one, maybe two days and I don't want to go to the expense of paying for a motel room and then not using it. I have a bit of time to plan it all out, have to get the Jeep first. But I am thinking I will travel back and forth for Thursday and Friday. Then maybe we can get a cheap room for Saturday with checkout on Sunday. We can act like tourists all the way home Sunday.

If anyone is driving up through Bennington, VT....let me know. I live here and can get passes for the Monument and a few other bits of fun! :cheer10:

[Terfool]

Funny you should bring up the Red Arrow Diner. I just saw the diner featured on the Travel Channel Samantha Brown's "Great Weekends". It does seem to have a cozy atmosphere and was also a MUST see on my Convention Check List.

Looking over the pie selection, I'll give their Brownie Cream Pie a shot. Hey maybe we can just have a pie buffet sampling each others selections. LOL For an Entree, I think one of their Blue Plate Specials actually served on a blue plate, perhaps American Chop Suey.

Will definitely walk from the hotel to the diner so I can work off some of these delicious treats. My Weight Watchers Way of eating may just go out the window when we make this trip.

Ok I am going to have to reconsider my choices. The blue plate specials sound
so good! UCLAfan...........I will be there for the buffet of pie! I say the heck with
the Weight Watchers for convention days. I also saw the travel channel special
with Samatha Brown. She also went to Flo's hot dogs. It is about half an hour away
in Portsmouth NH. We should consider meeting up at the Red Arrow. Dining with company
is always most enjoyable.

On another note, I would also like to check out the Frank Wright Lloyd house that
is in the area. I just finished reading the fiction novel [U]Loving Frank[U]. It is fiction but
based on a real love affair. Anyways, it has re-newed my interest in
his work.

Terry

[vtvixen469]

Ohh Pie buffet sounds yummy!

[uclafan]

Ohh Pie buffet sounds yummy!



OK maybe we can set something up before we go. Possibly put a note on the message board and get a group from OLS to visit the diner for this unusual buffet.

[Terfool]

OK maybe we can set something up before we go. Possibly put a note on the message board and get a group from OLS to visit the diner for this unusual buffet.

Sounds like a plan! We can post it right before the convention and meet up
with everyone at the diner. Looking forward to putting a few OLS faces with
names.

Terry

[Frau10125]

I've never been to one, and would like to since its so close. I did find out that i can't just pay for a day pass, so if i choose certain days to go to, i wanna pick the best ones.

thanks

[JNBP]

How 'bout a lexington or louisville convention in Kentucky??

[sdadolf]

We held the national sweepstakes converntion in Louisville 6 or 7 years ago.

-- Steve

[TaniaNH]

Check out the new video link on the convention website to take a virtual tour of the area immediately surrounding the convention center or a video containing some beautiful views of New Hampshire.

http://www.nh2009.com/id44.html

[parkerozgood]

We can add onto that convention hosts list that 2010 will be in Minnesota--this was announced over the weekend at the 2008 San Antonio convention! :bounce:

Alright. I can't wait

[CARAN52]

and we can add that in 2011 the convention will be held in Fort Wayne Indiana!! Hosted by Deb Dambra, hubby John Dambra along with a lot of support from us oldtimers from across the USA. Can't wait to hit the mid-west two years in a row!! :fairy3:

[uclafan]

and we can add that in 2011 the convention will be held in Fort Wayne Indiana!! Hosted by Deb Dambra, hubby John Dambra along with a lot of support from us old-timers from across the USA. Can't wait to hit the mid-west two years in a row!! :fairy3:

Thanx for posting this information. As I've attended 3 - 4 conventions where Deb made her presentation, am glad to see she's going to have a chance to use her planning skills.

With all the conference experience Deb has with the Fort Wayne Convention Center & help from "Convention old-timers across the United States it should be super. Deb's enthusiasm will make 2011 a true experience for one and all in attendance.

[Nathanial]

hi ..

congragulations for the event..
it seems you have orgnized a good one ..

cheers ..