Beginning Wednesday, June 21, a variety of dancers will arrive in Cincinnati to take part in panels, seminars, performances, exhibitions, a fashion show and various other events. All 50 states will be represented at the convention, along with attendees from Canada, Germany, Taiwan, Ireland, the Philippines and Japan.
“Cincinnati is thriving right now, which makes it the perfect time for such an energetic, spirited group to return to our city. Our region’s passion for the arts, the vibrancy of downtown and its unprecedented revitalization will truly be showcased during this week of dance and celebration,” said Dan Lincoln, president and CEO of the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau.
"Our region's passion for the arts, the vibrancy of downtown and its unprecedented revitalization will truly be showcased during this week of dance and celebration."
Dan Lincoln, President and CEO
Cincinnati USA CVB
During the convention, which continues to be the largest of its kind, attendees will attempt to break the Guinness Record for largest square dance in the world. With approval from the Guinness World Records and the City of Cincinnati, dancers will come together at the Duke Energy Convention Center on Saturday, June 24 at 3 p.m. in an attempt to set the record. Currently, the largest square dance is 1,040 participants, achieved in Riverside, Calif., in May 2016.
“Our dancers are passionate about square dancing, and we want to share that passion not only with Cincinnati, but with the world. We’re excited about our chance to record this world record, and look forward to dancing on Fountain Square after the event to celebrate the achievement,” said Steve Stoehr, general chairman for convention.
Immediately following the world record attempt, dancers will gather at Fountain Square for a public performance from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to purchase spectator tickets for $5 throughout the convention for the opportunity to see various dance levels and styles, including contra, square, round, line, clogging and country western.
Programming for the convention will be held primarily at the Duke Energy Convention Center, with the exception of a few events at the Millennium Hotel and Hyatt Regency Cincinnati. Attendees will be staying at the Millennium, Hyatt, Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, Westin and Hampton Inn/Homewood Suites.
The 1992 Square Dance Convention was the largest event ever hosted by the Cincinnati USA region until the 2012 World Choir Games. Cincinnati won the right to host the 2017 National Convention by a majority vote of 30 member delegates in the summer of 2013.
About the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau is an aggressive sales, marketing and service organization whose primary responsibility is to positively impact Hamilton County's and the City of Cincinnati's economy through convention, trade show and visitor expenditures. The travel and tourism industry traditionally has been a $4.4 billion industry in Cincinnati USA, employing 74,000 people in a variety of fields and bringing 24.1 million visitors to the region annually. Visit www.cincyusa.com for more.
