2026 District 1 Sons of Norway Convention
-
June 25 – 27, 2026
-
The Conference Center, Willmar, MN: https://willmarconferencecenter.com/
-
Best Western Plus in Willmar, connected to the Conference Center:
-
Use this link to get the discounted rates of $134.99 plus tax for single rooms and $144.99 plus tax for double rooms. These rates are good through May 25th.
https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.24139.html?groupId=I47ZC7W3
-
-
Convention Theme: Roots & Future: Bridging Generations
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 Fest, 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. We strongly encourage you to elect lodge delegates, even if you may not be attending the convention. This is the only way to guarantee that your lodge has a voice in the decision making and allows you an invitation to the area caucuses in March and April.
Note: While information for the 2026 Willmar Fest is not yet available, the 2025 information can be found at https://willmarfests.com/
Convention Documents
2026 Delegate Verification Information
2026 Delegate Verification Report Form (PDF)
2026 Delegate Verification Report Form (DOCX)
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
Convention Souvenir Book Information
Convention Souviner Book Ad Order Form
Convention Souvenir Book ad sizes and samples
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 2026 District Convention.
February 2026
Lodges will receive an 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
Zone area caucuses will be held in March or April. Contact your Zone Director for more information.
Delegates registered by March 15th will receive a discounted registration cost.
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 online. Web link will be available and posted after Feb. 1st.
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 25th 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.