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January 2026 WSEA Winter Convention Agenda
C = Cascade
E = Evergreen
G = Grand
NW = Northwest
Wednesday January 14th
Attire - WSEA State Casual
3:00 - 5:30
Executive Committee - WSEA, WECT, WETP Board Meetings
NW-1
Thursday January 15th
Attire: State Uniform - Attendees will either be in state uniform or business attire.
7:30 - 5:00
Registration
Grand Foyer
9:00 - 12:00
Exalted Ruler to Be Training (Invited Members only)
E-1&2
11:30 - 1:00
Lunch - On Your Own
12:00 - 12:45
Exalted Ruler to Be working lunch
E-1&2
1:00 - 3:00
Financial Trustees
NW-1
1:00 - 3:30
Exalted Ruler to Be Training cont. (afternoon session)
E-1&2
5:00 - 11:00
Hosp. Rooms Open
5:30 - 7:00
Welcome ReceptionTicket Required
NW Ballroom
6:00 - 9:00
Dinner on your own
6:00 - 9:00
PSP Reception PRIVATE
Tower Top Floor
Friday January 16th
Attire: State Uniform (Friday)
Please wear red shirts in honor of service men and women. State officers will be wearing their state jacket and tie with a red shirt, others will be wearing business attire, again with a red shirt.
7:30 - 5:00
Registration
Grand Foyer
8:00 - 9:15
District caucuses
North
C-9&10
East
C-11
South
C-7&8
West
C-13
Central
C-12
09:30 - 10:20
Being a Better speaker
C-1&2
09:30 - 10:20
FRS Financial statements and Q&A
E-1&2
09:30 - 10:20
Hoop-Shoot
C-5&6
10:30 - 11:30
Marketing and Online Presence
C-9
10:30 - 11:30
Child ID
C-1&2
10:30 - 11:30
Budget Preparing and maintaining
E-1&2
11:30 - 1:00
Spouses Meet & Greet
Presidents Suite, Tower Rm 1370
11:30 - 1:00
Lunch On Your Own
11:30 - 1:00
PSP Luncheon Private
Tower Top Floor
11:30 - 1:00
Flag and Eleven O'Clock Toast contest
C-3&4
1:00 - 2:20
Membership (Q&A plus Membership drive display)
E-1&2
1:00 - 1:50
Veterans
C-1&2
1:00 - 1:50
Lodge Protocol
C-3&4
2:00 - 2:50
Ritual
C-1&2
2:00 - 2:50
Lodge Activities
C-3&4
2:00 - 3:00
ENF
C-11
2:30 - 3:15
Charitable Trust class
C-5&6
3:00 - 3:45
GL Convention Info.
G-1&2
4:00 - 5:00
Meet & Greet with State Committee Chairpersons & Membership
G-1&2
All State Committee Chairpersons will be in attendance
5:00 - 11:00
Hospitality Rooms open
5:30 - 6:00
Cocktails ReceptionTicket Required
NW Ballroom
6:00 - 7:00
DinnerTicket Required
NW Ballroom
7:15 - 9:30
Cribbage Tournament $30 per team / $15 for single
NW Ballroom
Each Team please bring your boards
Saturday January 17th
Attire: State Uniform
WSEA officers will be in their state jacket and tie. All are encouraged to wear their state uniform, lodge uniform (jacket/tie/similar) or business attire for Meetings
7:30 - Noon
Registration
Grand Foyer
8:00 - 9:29
Grand Lodge Membership Presentation (Open)
G-1&2
9:30 - 11:25
Business Session (Registered members only)
G-1&2
11:30 - 1:00
Lunch On Your Own
Start of lunch may move to noon, due to length of business session
1:00 - 2:00
Therapy Program Demonstration
G-1&2
2:10 - 3:30
General Session - OPEN to all registered members and Spouses
G-1&2
4:00+
Dinner on Your Own
4:00 - 11:00
Hospitality Rooms open
Sunday
No events scheduled
WSEA Winter Convention January 14-18, 2026 - Expanded Agenda
Welcome to the Washington State Elks Association Annual Winter Convention in SeaTac, Washington. Many of you have attended our conventions before but in case you haven't, the following may help you with a more descriptive detail of the convention events. A regular agenda is also available for your convenience, as well as a digital version of this expanded and regular agenda on the WSEA website. www.waelks.org Full attire (dress code) descriptions can be found as an addendum to this agenda.
C = Cascade
E = Evergreen
G = Grand
NW = Northwest
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Attire: State Casual
Attendees will be wearing state logo polo shirts or short sleeved button downs, slacks or skirts, appropriate shoes.
3:00pm
Executive Committee
NW-1
As an Elk, spouse, or visiting dignitary you are encouraged to attend the quarterly meetings of the Executive Board, Charitable Trust, and Therapy Program for Children if you are inclined to learn more about the inner workings of the WSEA. Nothing confidential is discussed in these meetings.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Attire: State Uniform
Attendees will either be in state uniform, lodge uniform, or business attire for all meetings. Today's sessions will include the ER to Be Training as well as the association's State Financial Trustees reports. As a visiting dignitary you can attend the Exalted Ruler To Be sessions. As an Elk, spouse, or visiting dignitary you can attend the Financial Trustee meeting.
7:30 - 5:00
WSEA Registration
Grand Foyer
9:00 - 12:00
Exalted Ruler To Be Training
E-1&2
Invited Members Only
Learning the fundamentals of Strategic planning, Marketing and Communication, Leadership and decision-making, volunteer management, professional development, building strong relationships, effective communication strategies, engaging with the community, seeking out mentors and building a support network.
11:30 - 1:00
Lunch
There is food available for purchase at the hotel and local restaurants.
12:00 - 12:45
Exalted Ruler To Be Working Lunch
E-1&2
Lunch provided by the WSEA association for designated ER's.
1:00 - 3:00
Financial Trustees
NW-1
We will be discussing current finances and the 26-27 budget.
1:00 - 3:30
Exalted Ruler To Be (Afternoon Session)
E-1&2
Continuation of training.
5:00 - 11:00
Hospitality Rooms Open
You will find hospitality rooms from each of the state's districts scattered. Please enjoy them all at your leisure each day. For exact locations ask any member, they will politely guide you in the right direction.
5:30 - 7:00
Welcome ReceptionTicketed Event
NW-2&3
All ticketed members, guests and visiting dignitaries are welcome. Taco Bar.
6:00 - 9:00
Dinner
Many of the hospitality rooms will have food available for you. There is also food available for purchase at the hotel and local restaurants.
6:00 - 9:00
Past State Presidents Reception (Private)
Tower Top Floor
All Past State Presidents and invited guests know what's going on here so have a great time.
11:00
11 O'Clock Toast
Hospitality Rooms
Friday, January 16, 2026
Attire: State Uniform (Friday)
Please wear red shirts in honor of service men and women that are deployed. State officers will be wearing their state jacket and tie with a red shirt, others will be wearing business attire, again with a red shirt. As an Elk, spouse, guest, or visiting dignitary registered at the convention, you are welcome and encouraged to attend all of the clinics listed below. Please enjoy and let us know about anything that stood out to you.
7:30 - 5:00
WSEA Registration
Grand Foyer
8:00 - 9:15
District Caucuses
As an Elk, spouse, guest, or visiting dignitary you are welcome to attend any of the district caucuses. Washington Elks are expected to attend their home lodge district caucus. Our districts get together each convention to go over district specific items that need to be addressed or voted upon.
North
C-9&10
South
C-11
East
C-7&8
West
C-13
Central
C-12
9:30 - 10:20
Being a Better Speaker
C-1&2
Presented by Past Exalted Ruler John Kristofzski
Unlock your confidence and elevate your presence every time you speak at your lodge. John will share practical, easy-to-use techniques that help volunteer officers communicate with clarity, purpose, and impact. Whether you're leading a meeting or inspiring members, this session will help you connect more effectively. Come sharpen your skills and leave ready to lead with confidence.
9:30 - 10:20
FRS Financial Statements and Q&A
E-1&2
Presented by Grand Lodge Auditing & Accounting Committee Chairman Rick Eckert
If reports ever feel overwhelming, this session turns confusion into clarity. Rick will walk you through a real Financial Reporting System report, answering your questions in real time and show you how to make sense of every section. You'll gain confidence, accuracy, and a better grasp of your lodge's financial picture. This is your chance to learn directly from one of the system's top authorities.
9:30 - 10:20
Hoop Shoot
C-5&6
Presented by Past Grand Trustee Joe Basil
Participation helps define your lodge. Hoop Shoot teaches kids life lessons—discipline, focus, confidence—and it strengthens the lodge at the same time. It builds real community engagement and visibility. Too many lodges are sitting on the sidelines and shooting air balls instead of getting involved. Come learn what it takes to get involved.
10:30 - 11:30
Marketing and Online Presence
C-9
Presented by Past State President Greg Heimgartner, Past Exalted Ruler Arnold Ross, and Anthony Riggs
Focus on helping lodges with elksonline.org. We will walk everyone through the basic steps of getting engaged with the site. Marketing Committee provides tools, graphics, templates, and analytics to help lodges create better content and outreach to potential and current members. We'll demo some of these resources and answer your questions during the Q&A.
10:30 - 11:30
Child ID Program
C-1&2
Presented by Past Exalted Ruler Craig Johnson
This class teaches volunteers how to run the EZ Child ID Program. You'll learn how to set up the equipment, process participants, prepare for events, and use the kit effectively. Perfect for Elks members supporting community events.
10:30 - 11:30
Budget Preparing and Maintaining
E-1&2
Presented by Past Exalted Ruler Jared Moran
Budgets don't have to be boring, especially when Jared breaks them down into simple, powerful steps. Learn how to create a budget, track it with ease, and keep your lodge financially strong throughout the year. This session is packed with practical tools and real-world examples you can use immediately. If you want financial stability and smarter planning, this is the seminar to attend.
11:30 - 12:50
Spouses Social
Presidents Suite, Tower Rm 1370
All members' spouses are encouraged to attend. Casual attire or lodge uniform is fine. Enjoy mimosas and brunch appetizers along with getting to know your fellow spouses.
11:30 - 1:00
Lunch
Many of the hospitality rooms will have food available for you. There is also food available for purchase at the hotel and local restaurants.
11:30 - 1:00
PSP Luncheon (Private)
Tower Top Floor
All Past State Presidents know what's going on here so have a great time.
11:30 - 1:00
Flag and Eleven O'Clock Toast Contest
C-3&4
The contests are open to all Members in good standing to participate and observe. Winners will earn the honor of representing Washington State at the Grand Lodge Contest in Chicago. The current Exalted Ruler who achieves the highest score in the Eleven O'Clock Toast Contest will be invited to deliver the Eleven O'Clock Toast at the Summer Convention memorial service.
1:00 - 2:20
Membership
E-1&2
Presented by Past Exalted Ruler Nancy Oakes
Training designed for incoming and current lodge officers. Attendees will experience hands-on outdoor booth set-up and in-house membership drives. Will also concentrate on Orientation program and delinquents/retention.
1:00 - 1:50
Veterans
C-1&2
Presented by Veterans Committee Chairperson Elizabeth Johnston
Learn how your lodge can support veterans through $400 Welcome Home Kits, VERA Grant assistance for housing, utilities, food, transportation, and work clothing, and by hosting effective Stand Down events. This hands-on workshop shares proven strategies, success stories, and awards WSEA Veteran Challenge coins to select attendees.
1:00 - 1:50
Lodge Protocol
C-3&4
Presented by Past Exalted Ruler Sheryl DeMarsh
We will address several key topics essential for effective and respectful operations within our organization. The main points of discussion include: Importance of proper conduct, Meeting procedures, Officer roles and Etiquette, importance of Dress codes, ceremonies and rituals, visiting Dignitaries and guests hospitalities, public and community events, communications and correspondence.
2:00 - 2:50
Ritual
C-1&2
Presented by Ritual Committee Chairperson Carrie Massey and supported by GL Ritual Committee Member Rick Shipley
Come and learn: Back to the basics, practicing tips and creating impressive ritual services for members.
2:00 - 2:50
Lodge Activities
C-3&4
Presented by Past Exalted Ruler Tasha McMullin and supported by GL Activities Committee Member Nick Bettencourt
Get ready for an energizing session that explodes with creativity, connection, and actionable lodge activity ideas. Tasha will show you how to turn simple events into meaningful engagement and transform good activities into unforgettable experiences. You'll walk away with ready-to-use strategies, renewed inspiration, and a clear vision of what FUN, collaborative Elkdom can look like. Come for the ideas, leave with momentum!
2:00 - 3:00
ENF
C-11
Presented by Past Exalted Ruler Julie Seeder
ENF Q&A Session covering the WSEA President's $20 Per Capita Goal, the ENF Chairman's Challenge, and the CIP Grants + Promotion Leaders incentives.
2:30 - 3:15
Charitable Trust & Grant Program
C-5&6
Presented by President Elect Ben Braden & Vice President Lana Davick
Discuss the Charitable Trust, the programs it supports, and the grants available to provide direct funding to our lodges—empowering them to expand community initiatives such as EZ Child ID, Soccer Shoot, Scholarships, and vital Veteran programs.
3:00 - 3:45
Grand Lodge Convention Info
G-1&2
Presented by Past Grand Lodge Trustee Joe Basil, President Elect Ben Braden, & Assistant Sargeant at Arms, Past Exalted Ruler Wendy Cook
Chicago is calling its 100th anniversary of the Elks Memorial, this is one Convention you won't want to miss. Learn what to expect, how to prepare, and why this milestone year will be one of the most memorable conventions ever. If you're even thinking about going, this session will seal the deal.
4:00 - 5:00
Meet & Greet State Chairpersons and Membership
G-1&2
All current and future State Committee Chairpersons will be present to meet each other and make needed connections. They are available to discuss and answer questions from membership about their programs.
5:30 - 6:00
No Host Cocktails
NW Ballroom
6:00 - 7:15
DinnerTicketed Event
NW Ballroom
Attire: Business or Business casual. You may have assigned seating as a visiting dignitary so please check with the kind Elks at the door for any instructions they may have.
7:15 - ???
Cribbage Tournament
NW Ballroom
Take off your ties and jackets and have some fun. The doors open to those not attending dinner, make sure to sign up to play at the registration desk if you did not do it online. If you are a single player, we will pair you up with a partner.
11:00
11 O'Clock Toast
Hospitality Rooms
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Attire: State Uniform
WSEA officers will be in their state jacket and tie. All are encouraged to wear their state uniform, lodge uniform (jacket/tie/similar) or business attire for those it is appropriate for. As an Elk, spouse, guest, or visiting dignitary at the convention, you are welcome and encouraged to attend the presentations and sessions listed below. Please enjoy and let us know about anything that stood out to you.
7:30 - 12:00
WSEA Registration
Grand Foyer
8:00 - 9:30
Grand Lodge Membership Presentation
G-1&2
Presented by Grand Lodge Membership Chairman Rick Gathen & Area 8 Membership Committee Member Steve Meier
Community engagement is the bridge to membership growth. When families, schools, and local leaders see Elks showing up consistently, the lodge stops being a mystery and starts being a trusted partner. That's when interest turns into membership conversations. Come learn what it takes to strengthen your membership and grow.
9:30 - 11:30
Business Session
G-1&2
All registered members of the Elks are welcome and encouraged to join our regular State Business Session. Visiting Dignitaries please check with the fine Elks at the door to the meeting room for any seating or introduction instructions. Attire is the same as the day's attire.
11:30 - 1:00
Lunch
Many of the hospitality rooms will have food available for you. There is also food available for purchase at the hotel and local restaurants.
1:00 - 2:00
Therapy Program Demonstration
G-1&2
Presented by Sarah Junkin Clark and Becky Gibson
Therapy Demonstration and Q&A session. We will have one of our current Kids as well as their parents. This is a must see update/demonstration!!
2:10 - 3:30
General Session
G-1&2
All the convention attendees, Elks, guests, spouses and visiting dignitaries are welcome to attend the open session. Attire is the same as the business session's attire.
4:00 - 11:00
Hospitality Rooms Open
You will find hospitality rooms from each of the state's districts. Please enjoy them all at your leisure each day. For exact locations ask any member, they will politely guide you in the right direction.
4:00+
Dinner
Many of the hospitality rooms will have food available for you. There is also food available for purchase at the hotel and local restaurants.
11:00
11 O'Clock Toast - ER of the Year
Hospitality Rooms
Sunday, January 18, 2026
No Events Scheduled at this time