What is planned for Discover Santa 2016?  What will happen each Day?

These are two of the most often asked questions regarding the plans for this 10th Anniversary of the original Discover Santa convention in 2006.

There is a lot being planned, with something for just about everyone.  Receptions, a Parade, Shows, SNO-lympics, Workshops, a Vendor Showcase, Regional and National parties, a Fashion Show, Guest speakers, Live Entertainment, and did I mention shows?

Here is a brief schedule of the convention, day-by-day:

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

• Pre-arrival day.  There are no planned activities. 
• Relax and get ready for a great convention.  
• Everyone is on their own for the evening.  Taunya can help you book any of the over 100 shows and attractions to enjoy. 

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

• Registration Check-in stations will be at all four Convention Hotels.
• The Vendor Showcase will have a soft opening for those vendors and conventioneers who arrive early.  .
• American Red Cross Blood Drive and Car and Motorcycle Show at the Chateau on the Lake. 
• The Kringle Family Reunion - Welcome Reception from 3 to 6 p.m., at Kringle's Christmas Store, at The Grand Villages Shops. This was the exact site of the first Santa Parade in 2006 and a very special party is being arranged.  Buses will shuttle to and from host hotels.
• State and Regional Parties - From 6 p.m. and for the rest of the evening, state and regional Santa Groups and Associations can host their own events or parties. 

Thursday, July 7, 2016

• "Parade of Red Suits" at 8:00 a.m. through the center of Branson Landing and along Lake Taney Como. The timing of the Parade accomplishes two things.  Early in the morning is the coolest time of the day, especially when wearing a Santa Suit in July.  This is also the prime time to appear live for national television morning shows.
• Official Group Photo - 9:30 a.m. at the end of the parade, near the fountains, at the Town Center of Branson Landing.
• Following the photo session, box lunches will be handed out and the buses will return everyone to here hotel for a couple hours to change, rest and prepare for the Opening Session.
• Opening Session -  Mickey Gilley Theater.  We will have some surprise guests, a Keynote speaker
• The Voices of "SIX", one of Branson's top shows. You won't believe your ears when you hear the music and sounds that these six men create.  This is a special live show exclusively for the Discover Santa 2016 convention.
• Following the show, around 4:30 p.m. buses will again move everyone back to their hotels. 
• National Events - The evening has been set aside for National groups to host events. 

Friday, July 8, 2016

• We start the day with shuttle buses collecting all the convention attendees and delivering them to the Chateau, Convention Headquarters. 
• General Session - Starts the day's activities with a 90 minute general Session and program for all attendees.  
• SNO-lympics!  Santas, and Mrs. Claus' will participate and compete in special Christmas and Santa themed events, to see who is the best in certain categories!
• Barbeque Lunch  -  overlooking Table Rock Lake.  After lunch the afternoon will be devoted to the first two workshop sessions.   
• Afternoon Workshops - Two  different sessions with a choice of workshops
• Vendor Showcase will be open all day.  
• Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede evening is for all convention attendees and is included in your registration!   Following the show, buses will return you to your hotel for the evening. 

Saturday, July 9, 2016

• Morning Workshops - Two sessions with a choice of workshops.
• Lunch
• Afternoon Workshops - Two sessions with choice of workshops
• Open time from 4-6 pm
• "Dress to Impress" Fashion Show - and reception will precede the Gala Dinner 
• "Red Suit Gala"  It is a "Santa Formal" evening with a great dinner music and a live show!  

Sunday, July 10, 2016

• Prayer Breakfast - A spiritual morning with some live Entertainment.
• Closing Session - special presentations and recognitions, and a special guest speaker,  With everything finishing sometime between noon and 1 p.m. 

CONVENTION REGISTRATION

Everyone knows how nice it is to work with Taunya Lay of Branson Ticket & Travel (BT&T).  I am so glad that she is again on board with us for this convention.  I know everyone who worked with her at the original Discover Santa Convention had high praise for her work and how she assisted all of us.   

All reservations and registration must be done through Taunya at Branson Ticket and Travel (BT&T) To start just go on-line at www.DS2016.com   If I you have something that cannot be done on line, feel free to call Taunya at (800) 432-4202.  But fill-out and submit your registration form first!

Once you have filled out your form, Taunya will work with you on your request.   If you are not sure of what you need, just make some selections to start with.  You can make changes later, there is no obligation, and it will get your registration started. 

Coming Soon - Newsletter #6

Committees - Chairpersons - Volunteers