Convention News
2010 Chicago Convention Memories
Over a thousand dancers attended the convention. Several Western Stars enjoyed the gathering in Chicago. [Lakeside models in the bannerhead: The Steves]
Saturday Brunch
The coffee/cocktail party before the start of brunch featured a piano sing-a-long. Early in the video clip, Cathy and Marie can be seen behind the pianist; and Bob and Rick are applauding near the end. [Brunch models: Rich & Tony]
Bear Tip
Mike DeSisto and Bill Eyler called the Bear Tip where many dancers were bare to the waist. Watch for Fen in the video clip. [Half-nude models: David & Randy]
Leather Tip
This is one of the most popular specialty tips. [Leatherman models: George & Howard, MNS]
Honky Tonk Queen Contest
After several attempts in past years, Ima Cornhole (who was not even a contender this year) was crowned in Chicago. [Supermodels: HTQ 2010 Ima Cornhole & Gary]
Convention Banquet
Instead of club banner displays, club logos were projected during the brunch and the banquet. In celebration of July 4th, the waiters marched between the tables to the tune of Stars and Stripes Forever as can be seen in the video clip. [Banquet model: Mario]
Fun Badge Tour
~Northerly Island
The first stop was Northerly Island with a view of Soldier Field. Brandon can be seen dancing, and there is a glimpse of Rich & Tony. The humid haze of the early morning, and the sound of the wind compromise the quality of this clip.
~The GLBT Center on Halsted
Below, Richard poses in front of The Center. In the video, Rich & Tony dance in the streets, followed by James & Willie with a fabulous Whirling Willie finale.
~Osterman Beach
The video clip features Susan & Carol, then Brandon and Rich & Tony.
~Humboldt Park
This was the last stop for the Fun Badge Tour.
Sight-Seeing
~Willis (formerly Sears) Tower
A glass balcony extends out 4 feet from the 103rd Floor. Breath-taking views can be seen in the video clip. [Peasant under glass: SteveS]
~Architectural River Cruise
Several of the dancers toured the city by cruising on the river. Sing along with Alice Faye while viewing the buildings.
Closing Ceremonies
On the last evening, all of the callers joined together for the final night of dancing. In the clip, watch for John Kenny at the very start, and Brandon at the very end. In the dimly-lit center portion, watch for Dave, Brandon and Jason FCD, and then for Tony & Rich, followed by Willie & James. [Chandelier sombrero models: Willie & James]
Photo Galleries
For more pictures, link to 2010 Convention PHOTO ALBUM.
Future Conventions
WSD Convention Delegate Richard Leadbetter attended the 2010 IAGSDC Executive Board Meeting on Thursday July 1, 2010. He collected the information below. Prices, dates, etc. are subject to change. [Photo Right: Richard at the Chicago Bear Tip]
2011 Convention
Gone with the Windmill
The Atlanta Marriott Marquis is now accepting hotel reservations for Gone with the Windmill. You can register through the convention website [LINK], or the Marriott’s website [LINK]. If you register through the Marriott home page, you will need the hotel codes to get the special convention rate. For single or double occupancy, the code will be gwwgwwa and for triple or quad gwwgwwb.
2012 Convention
The Vancouver convention will be held June 29 to July 3, 2012. Pre-registration fee $125 U.S. now on sale. Hotel room rate will be $169 Canadian.
2013 Convention
Weave Your Heart in San Francisco
Lorenzo, WSD Representative on the 2013 Convention Committee, is seeking help regarding corporate and local merchant fund-raising. Link to his LETTER for details.
The San Francisco Convention will be held July 4 to July 7, 2013, at the Marriott. Room rate of $139 will be available June 26 to July 8. The first 100 convention registrations ("earyly bird") will be sold at $135.
The San Francisco committee has raised 1/3 of total starting costs.2014 Convention
The Temple Squares of Salt Lake City have won the bid for the 2014 Convention. Proposal details are available by viewing the PDF [LINK]. The event will be held July 3 to July 6, 2014, at the Grand America Hotel. Room rate is $150 per night + $20 per person.
2015 Convention
The Times Squares of New York City have placed a bid for the 2015 convention.
Past Conventions
2005 Convention
The next Bay Area convention will be held in San Francisco in 2013. The last local convention was held in 2005 in Silicon Valley. Link to the 2005 Photo Gallery:
Western Stars at 2005 Convention
Once the gallery is accessed, click on the thumbnail photos to enlarge.
Rev.2.1 Updated 8/31/10