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 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 7:30p.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.
Post-Convention
The Community Dance Leader Seminar, also known as the Beginner Dance Party Leaders Seminar, is a longstanding educational offering held in conjunction with the CALLERLAB Convention. Since 2000, this two-day seminar has been organized by the Committee for Community and Traditional Dance (CCTD), which emerged from the merger of the Community Dance Committee and the Contra/Traditional Committee .
The seminar is designed to equip callers and dance leaders with the skills necessary to conduct beginner-friendly dance events. It emphasizes a variety of dance forms suitable for newcomers, including circles, lines, contras, and squares. Participants learn techniques for presenting these dances effectively and managing beginner parties, making it an invaluable resource for those aiming to introduce new dancers to the activity. The cost is $50 per caller.
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
Sunday:
10:00 am to 5:00 pm – Registration open
3:00 pm – Welcome Dance (tentative)
4:00 pm – Orientation Session – great for first time attendees or folks who haven’t been to convention recently
5:00 pm – Welcome Reception for all convention attendees
7:30pm – 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
1:00 pm – Community Dance Leader Seminar (contact the home office to sign up for this post-convention event)
Thursday:
9:00 am – Community Dance Leader Seminar continues