The National Square Dance Convention^® is an annual event occurring in late June each year moving from city to city based upon a bid process presented at the annual convention and awarded four years in the futures.

All members of the local convention committee are volunteers who donate their time, energy and expertise to produce the “World’s Greatest Square Dance Event” each year.

The convention presents an extensive program of education through panels, seminars and workshops. But, the convention includes all phases of dancing, exhibitions, a fashion show, bid session, special events and much shopping opportunities at the Vendors. Most of all the convention provides fun and fellowship to dancers and leaders from around the world.

Many, many of the world’s most able callers, cuers, and leaders include the National Square Dance Convention^® in their busy schedules each year.

The convention is a one of a kind event that has been held annually for the past 56 years.
 

GENERAL INFORMATION OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

A square dance was held at Riverside, California in 1952. They called it a National Square Dance Convention. It was a great success and plans were made to do it again in another part of the country. The dancers in charge of these first Conventions met together and agreed on plans and guidelines for more Conventions. Thus the National Executive Committee (NEC) was formed.

Each Director is first a General Chairman of a National Square Dance Convention^®. Being a General Chairman is the only way to becoming a Director of the National Executive Committee for the National Square Dance Convention^®. This National Executive Committee selects the future Convention sites from among those meeting the requirements and submitting a bid. Criteria for selection are broad and based on dancers needs and desires.

A Pre-Convention meeting is held approximately 15 months prior to Convention. It is conducted by the Convention for their in-depth study, with the National Executive Committee observing and advising. Each member of the National Executive Committee is appointed as Advisor to a particular phase activity:

•  Education

•  Program

•  Registration

•  Services

•  Other

The National Executive Committee meets at least twice a year, spending a week each time at Pre-Convention and Convention. They are also responsible for publishing the National Squares magazine, which benefits the upcoming National Square Dance Conventions^®.

• Each Director is charged with a geographical area, and a bid inquiry from their area receives a prompt and informative response.

• The assigned Director selects other Directors to a total of three/four to instruct the bidding square dance organization and the supporting convention bureau on procedures and requirements.

• Prior to their first visit, they will forward all necessary forms and details for submitting a bid.

• The bidding city is required to pay travel expenses and furnish hotel/motel accommodations for this and a minimum of one other visit. Should any additional visits be needed, prior to presenting the bid, the bidding city requirements remain the same as outlined for the first two visits.

• The NEC President and NEC Advisors must approve any additional visit(s). These Directors serve as Advisors during the bid process and to the successful bidders in all phases of the Convention until the Convention is completed and a Final Report is submitted.

There are no paid employees and no salaries. All time is gratuitous on the part of the Directors.

• A percentage fee, from Convention Registrations only, is paid to the National Executive Committee to offset expenses.

• No fees are collected from Vendor Booth rentals or other items.

• Authorized National Executive Committee expenses include:

1. Equipment

2. Clerical and promotional expense

3. Postage

4. Telephone

5. Statistical reports

6. Special awards and plaques at conventions

7. Certain expenses of the National Executive Committee for the Pre-Convention meeting or any specially called meeting.

The Directors pay their own Registration fee, Program Book, etc., travel, and expenses when attending National Square Dance Conventions^®.

The hosting city is required to furnish hotel rooms to all members of the National Executive Committee for their stay at both Pre-Convention meeting and the National Square Dance Convention^®.

• A special luncheon on Friday of the Pre-Convention meeting is hosted by the local Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) for the VIPs of the city so they may learn about National Square Dance Conventions^® and how their departments’ involvement is critical.

• Cost of the meals for the National Executive Committee and city officials is the responsibility of the hosting city.

• Director Members of the National Executive Committee are added approximately 90 days prior to their Convention and serve continuously on the committee until they retire, decease, miss two consecutive Conventions, or are removed from the Committee.

• They are all active square dancers and are available for discussion with any square dancer.

• They may become Member Emeritus upon retirement. They are never replaced.