2026 District 1 Sons of Norway Convention
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June 25 – 27, 2026
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The Conference Center, Willmar, MN: https://willmarconferencecenter.com/
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Best Western Hotel: https://www.bestwestern.com
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Theme:
The 2026 convention is being hosted by the lodges of District 1. We are planning a variety of cultural activities for our delegates and guests. We have also timed the convention to tie into the Willmar Fests, to make this a family activity for all ages. We invite you to join us in learning more about our cultural connections, to have your voice heard at the District convention / business meeting, and then take the opportunity to attend the variety of activities that Willmar will be hosting in the area. While information for the 2026 Willmar Fests is not yet available, the 2025 information can be found at https://willmarfests.com/
Convention Documents
District Candidate Leadership Application, updated September-2023
District Template on how to write Resolutions and Bylaws
Convention Bid Application D-1 2026
District Host Lodge Guidelines
Lodge Deadlines:
September 2025
Lodges should start gathering folk art items for the District Convention Folk Art exhibit
October 2025
Lodges can start looking for delegates and alternates to represent them at the 2026 District 1 Convention. Each lodge is allowed 2 delegates and an additional delegate for each 100 lodge members, or greater portion thereof. Each lodge should have an equal number of alternates.
Lodges should discuss any changes to the District By Laws, that they want to make. Information about how to write and submit a By Law change will be sent to lodges in October.
by January 31, 2026
Lodges will have received their official count of how may delegates and alternates they are allowed to the 2024 District Convention.
February 2026
Lodges will receive a letter, or email with detailed information about the 2026 Convention, along with hotel costs, and how to register. Lodges should elect delegates and alternates at their January or February lodge meeting. Delegates may be chosen earlier, but not later than February.
March 2026
Lodges will receive registration information and how to register delegates and non delegates.
Zone area caucuses will be held in March or April. Contact your Zone Director for more information.
April 2026
By April 1st, names and requested information must be sent to the District Secretary for verification of credentials. By April 15th, delegates should be registered in order to reserve a room, and to allow
Putting on a District Convention is a lot of work, but it also is a great deal of fun. Consider it! The application form can be found above and should be returned to the District 1 Secretary by April 20, 2026. It is ok to use the 2026 form to bid to host the 2028 convention!
May 2026
May 15th Hotel rooms must be booked to guarantee getting a room at the convention price. Any changes in lodge delegates must be confirmed with the District Secretary, before they will be admitted into the convention as a delegate.