District 1

2026 District 1 Sons of Norway Convention  

• June 25 – 27, 2026

  • Registration is now open; use the link below.  Register by April 15th to receive a discount using the Register Now button below.  All registrations should be in by May 1st.  

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    Register Now

• 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/

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.

End of 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

March 1st, the delegate and non delegate registration website will be posted.

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 registered online will receive a discounted cost.. Web link will be available and posted by March 1st.

Between April 15 – May 1, send any resolutions from your lodge to the District Secretary, to be included for vote at the convention.

By April 15, send in your application to be a Zone Director or District Officer. We can’t do this without you!

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 2024 form to bid to host the 2028 convention!

May 2026

May 1st, all delegates and non delegates attending the convention should be registered.

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.