The Daughters of Norway holds a biennial convention in even numbered years. The location is decided by the subordinate lodge hosting the event. Each lodge sends voting delegates to the meeting, based on the number of members in the lodge, but many non-delegate members and visitors attend this fun-filled and enriching event.

DAY ONE OF CONVENTION
(Thursday)

The first day is Cultural Day. Each lodge is invited to have a table in the exhibit hall to display their lodge's customs, crafts, or other memorabilia. There are many great traditional Norwegian craft items offered for sale or as prizes for drawings during Cultural Day. In addition to the fundraising, many demonstrations of traditional crafts and cooking take place. Also, the host lodge arranges workshops that the convention attendees can enroll in, ranging from memoir writing, genealogy and traveling in Scandinavia to culinary and traditional crafts and music. The day ends with a special reception and auction held by the hosting lodge. This always features wonderful Scandinavian products, foods and crafts. Cultural Day is a time when members mingle, catch up with old friends and make new friends from other lodges!

BUSINESS MEETINGS
(Friday and Saturday)

The Grand Lodge President presides over the two days of business meetings on Friday and Saturday. The Grand Lodge officers and Committee Chairs report on the business of the two years prior to convention, and proposed Constitutional changes are debated and voted on. New officers are elected and installed for the following two years. During breaks in the business of convention, attendees enjoy music, songs, jokes and skits presented by various lodges. This entertainment is always entertaining and fun!

There are also several traditional ceremonies and events during the Business Meetings. At the opening session, there is a Banner and Bunad parade. This colorful procession showcases individual lodge's banners and the Norwegian and other Scandinavian national costumes worn by many of our members highlighting the diversity of regions members, and their families, come from in Scandinavia. Bunads are the sanctioned national dress Norwegians wear. Each region in Norway has its own unique bunad with women's outfits being more diverse than men's.

During Saturday's Business Meeting there is a special and touching memorial ceremony for deceased sisters conducted by the Grand Lodge Chaplain. Grand Lodge Officers and most members wear white in honor of their departed sisters. The outgoing President is also honored at Saturday's session. Finally, installation of officers, with music and an escort team takes place Saturday afternoon at the close of the Business Meetings.

Everyone looks forward to the Banquet on Saturday evening. The feasting is accompanied by remarks from the new Grand Lodge President, drawings for the prize items offered by the lodges, and a great program!