Convention News

2024 District 1 Sons of Norway Convention  

  • August 19 – 21, 2024

  • Holiday Inn and Suites, Lake Elmo, MN

Theme: New Land, New Life: 1825-2025, Creating Pathways to the Future

  • The 2024 convention is being hosted by the District 1 Board officers, and our theme is “New Land, New Life: 1825-2025, Creating Pathways to the Future”,  as 2025 is the bicentennial of organized emigration from Norway to the US.  We are planning a variety of activities for our delegates and guests around this theme.  We have also timed the convention to tie into the Great Minnesota Get-Together, the MN State Fair. 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 United States’ largest state fair based on daily average attendance.

  • Delegates who register by April 15th, pay only $340 which includes your delegate packet, all meals, banquets and classes, with the exception of some class supplies and a minimal charge for the Tuesday tour of Norwegian highlights in the Twin Cities area.  After April 15th, the delegate cost will be $390.  All delegate registrations are due by June 30th.  

    The non delegate package is Ala Carte and will be open for registration on April 16th. Choice of which days, as well as which meal events to attend will be offered.

    Registration can be accessed at:  https://convention.sofn-1.org/.  

Tentative Convention Schedule:  

Note, more information on the tour and class topics will be available after April 16th.  Registered Delegates and Non-Delegates will be emailed the option to choose classes once they are finalized.

Monday, August 19

  • Registration and convention check-in 8 – 5 pm
  • Optional Classes / activities between 1 – 3:30 pm
  • Delegates should arrive by  5 pm 
  • Presidents Meet and Greet, dinner and program at 6 pm 

Tuesday August 20

  • 7-8:30. Breakfast 
  • 7:30 am New Delegate Orientation
  • 8 – 2:30 Tour: Norwegian Heritage in the Twin City area
  • 9 – 11:30 Classes and workshops, Folk Art viewing, Silent Auction, Nordic Market open
  • 12 – 1 Lunch
  • 1- 3:30 Classes and workshops  
  • 3:30 Zone caucus
  • 4:15 Officer and Director candidate interviews
  • 5:00 Social time
  • 6 pm Banquet, followed bya bunad show (bring your bunads with!), and  entertainment, 

Wednesday August 21

  • 6:30 am Walkathon
  • 7 – 8 am Breakfast
  • 8:15 Business meeting begins
  • 12 – 1 Lunch
  • 1 pm. Business meeting until completed,  Voting and, installation of officers.
  • Business should conclude  by 3 pm.

Things to see and do around Lake Elmo, MN

  • Visit the Lake Elmo Park Preserve   Over 2,000 acres of woods, lakes, fishing, trails, play areas and a swimming pond
  • Visit Stillwater, MN, a town with historic architecture, set along the beautiful St Croix River bluffs, the main street area is full of unique shops and award-winning restaurants. Just 12 miles away.
  • Visit Hudson, WI Historic charm and stunning scenery. Many downtown buildings were built
    between 1860 and 1880 and have been restored to their original grandeur. Third Street includes the “grand dames” of Hudson’s historic homes including the historic Octagon House Museum. Just 11 miles away.

Convention Documents

Delegate Report Form

Silent Auction Information

Walk-a-thon sign up and information

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 2023

Lodges should start gathering folk art items for the District Convention Folk Art exhibit

October 2023

Lodges can start looking for delegates and alternates to represent them at the 2024 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.

January 31, 2024

Lodges will have received their official count of how may delegates and alternates they are allowed to the 2024 District Convention.

February 2024

Lodges will receive a letter, or email with detailed information about the 2024 Convention, along with hotel costs, and how to register. Lodges should elect delegates and alternates.

March 2024

Lodge delegates and alternates for the 2024 Convention must be elected by the end of March.

Zone area caucuses will be held in March or April. Contact your Zone Director for more information.

April 1st

By April 1st, names and requested information must be sent to the District Secretary. By April 15th, delegates should register in order to qualify for the Early Bird discount of $50. Delegates and non delegates can register online at

https://convention.sofn-1.org/.

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, 2024.

June 30th Hotel costs will be handled individually.  Contact the Holiday Inn and Suites Lake Elmo: call 1-651-714-8068.   When you book your room, make sure you ask for the Sons of Norway District 1 Convention rate. Rooms must be booked by June 30th to receive the discounted room rate.