National Sweepstakes Convention?

Wasn't quite sure where to post this-- there's no thread yet (that I could find) for the 2011 convention.

Could someone tell me what an attendee might expect for his/her registration fee? The 2011 conv. is being held practically in my back yard, so if I'm ever going to go, 2011 is the year.

However, $200 is a not inconsiderable sum of money, even if I'm not shelling out for lodging and meals.

If it's just a social thing, I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be worth it for me, as I'm not a social butterfly, and I won't be marching up to strangers and introducing myself.

I understand there are drawings for prizes, but there's no guarantee I'm going to win anything.

I'm looking for reasons to attend that don't involve socializing, I guess.

Anyone want to take a stab at talking me into attending?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Linda

Practically in my back yard also. I'm considering going, but I wouldn't need lodging. I believe it's $50 if you aren't staying there.

What does $200.00 include?

Originally Posted by fullhart Practically in my back yard also. I'm considering going, but I wouldn't need lodging. I believe it's $50 if you aren't staying there.

The registration form saying something about $50 for banquet tickets for people accompanying paid convention members, but I think the full convention (minus hotel costs) is $200. Hence my hesitation.

So I see the vote for my attendance so far is a resounding "Stay home!".

Originally Posted by HEATHERM What does $200.00 include?

Exactly my question. It gets you into the convention events, but what exactly am I getting for the price of admission?

Registration does not include lodging, airfare or most meals. So even though the convention may be in your backyard, the convention fee is $200 if registered prior to December 31, 2010, $250 thereafter. The convention fee covers convention costs which includes all prize drawings and at least one meal, usually a banquet type, and possibly continental breakfasts. An attendee can sign up a guest, usually, for the banquet meal for an extra fee, usually around $60. Every convention is different, but the convention fee does not ever include lodging, transportation and/or most meals.

If you are not a socializer, know the area and only want to attend to win prizes, then a convention may not be worth the cost to you. I have gone to 5 conventions mainly to see the area as a tourist. I have won a prize or two, but that isn't my main goal. I didn't go this year and will not go in 2011 as I have no real desire to visit the locations for the money spent to go, stay and attend, for me around $2,000. I have enjoyed the atmosphere of hundreds of sweepers though and if it is your first convention and at home, geez, $200 is CHEAP! So what you get is 3 days of speakers on sweepstakes topics that range from snailing to entering codes to ??? Every year is different. You have the opportunity to purchase sweeps supplies from sweepers and to network with sweepers from other areas. I would say you get out of a convention what you want and/or need.

Originally Posted by viclen1954 I have enjoyed the atmosphere of hundreds of sweepers though and if it is your first convention and at home, geez, $200 is CHEAP! r

Well... I'm attending a two-day convention for people in my profession in November, and it's nowhere near $200. It is, however, useful for my job, so it's worth it. To drop $200 just to be surrounded by other people who like to sweep seems... weird. (Of course, there are many days that I'd pay $200 for the people who are surrounding me to go away....)

Also, I'm having trouble imagining what useful advice a speaker could have about sweeping. Stay positive? Keep entering? Follow the rules?

I do sincerely appreciate the response. It's really sounding like it's intended to be a big party, and that's not my scene.

What do you get? A dinner, listen to some speakers, door prizes. Is $200 a lot of money? Probably. Is it fun and worth going at least once? Yep.

The convention in 2011 IS in my backyard. Seriously.

I'm going because I've never been to one before, and I am excited to hear the speakers, as well as meet my fellow OLS members. I am social here, and am excited to get to actually meet people that enjoy the same things I do.

I'm excited for the prizes as well, but for me, it's mainly social, since quite a few of my "friends" from on here are going!

what kind of prizes do they have?

Originally Posted by tukibirdlover what kind of prizes do they have?

Here is a thread of what some won.

http://forums.online-sweepstakes.com...d.php?t=930793

It helps cover costs. They have to rent the place it is held and other things people have mentioned.

It may not be for you as it isn't cheap and aren't into meeting people.

I haven't been able to go as I always worked when they are held but not this year!

I will be going this next year!!

Originally Posted by kmg365 Well... I'm attending a two-day convention for people in my profession in November, and it's nowhere near $200. It is, however, useful for my job, so it's worth it. To drop $200 just to be surrounded by other people who like to sweep seems... weird. (Of course, there are many days that I'd pay $200 for the people who are surrounding me to go away....) Also, I'm having trouble imagining what useful advice a speaker could have about sweeping. Stay positive? Keep entering? Follow the rules? I do sincerely appreciate the response. It's really sounding like it's intended to be a big party, and that's not my scene.

Originally Posted by tukibirdlover what kind of prizes do they have?

All sorts of prizes.

Cash, gift cards, laptops, tv's, stamps, envelopes, mp3 players, phones, totebags/backpacks, etc.



Registering for the covnention enters you into the giveaways they have. Each convention is a bit different on the prizes they giveaway and how they give them away. You can also enter the raffles that most of the vendors will have in the vendor room.

Originally Posted by kmg365 Wasn't quite sure where to post this-- there's no thread yet (that I could find) for the 2011 convention. Could someone tell me what an attendee might expect for his/her registration fee? The 2011 conv. is being held practically in my back yard, so if I'm ever going to go, 2011 is the year. However, $200 is a not inconsiderable sum of money, even if I'm not shelling out for lodging and meals. If it's just a social thing, I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be worth it for me, as I'm not a social butterfly, and I won't be marching up to strangers and introducing myself. I understand there are drawings for prizes, but there's no guarantee I'm going to win anything. I'm looking for reasons to attend that don't involve socializing, I guess. Anyone want to take a stab at talking me into attending? Thanks in advance for your input. Linda

A big part of the convention is the socializing with fellow sweepers from around the country - and a few from Canada! From the meet and greets on Thursday evenings to the dinner/dinner buffets on Saturdays, to some of the offsite activities that some of the conventions have, to the way some of them have the tables set up, to the vendor rooms - it's set up to meet new friends and old.

Each convention has a series of speakers that may talk about all sorts of angles in the sweepstaking world - post office/prize shippers, judging agencies, online/snail mail sweeps, blogging/tweeting/skill sweeps, sweep websites/news letters, prize winners etc.

Prizes - see previous post about prizes.

The majority of the costs are food related as that is not cheap at all. It's a great time, a fun investment and you usually pick up a tip or 2 from others who share your passion for sweeping