Get Ready for the 2019 Dept Convention

Are you ready?

The American Legion, Department of Florida is gearing up for its 101ST Annual Statewide Convention to be held June 27-30, 2019 at the World Center Marriott, Orlando, FL.

We hope that you will be joining us this year for this four-day event of learning, comradery, and fun. Here are a few things to help you get prepared:

VENUE
The main venue, the World Center Marriott, is now completely sold out. We hope you have already made your reservations, but if not, we do have two overflow hotels very close to the main venue:

The Caribe Royale Orlando is offering their standard rooms for $139 plus tax, per night and villas for $314 plus tax, per night. To book now, call (888) 258-7501, and be sure to ask for The American Legion, Department of Florida room block. A mandatory $12.50 resort fee per night is also required. All reservations require a non-refundable first night room and tax deposit, which MUST be paid by credit card.

Buena Vista Suites is offering their standard rooms for $129 plus tax, per night and villas for $304 plus tax, per night. To book now, call (800) 537-7737, and be sure to ask for The American Legion, Department of Florida room block. A mandatory $14.95 resort fee per night is also required. All reservations require a non-refundable first night room and tax deposit, which MUST be paid by credit card.

Click here for more information, including parking information.

AGENDA
A tentative Agenda is available online. We strongly recommend that you wait closer to the event before printing this agenda, as there are likely to be minor changes. View our tentative agenda by clicking here.

CLASSES
Each year the state convention offers a wide variety of leadership trainings available to all members for the development and betterment of their local American Legion Post.

The pre-registration form for Post Service Officer Training School is now available online. This is a two-day, informative VA&R class that covers all veteran benefits. A certificate and certification card are provided upon completion. To attend you must pre-register, attend both days (Thursday/Friday), and be appointed Post Service Officer by your Post Commander. The course is filled based off first come, first served interest. Click here for additional information.

Online pre-registration is also available for PROJECT: VetRelief Advocate Training. Attendees can expect a closer look into the VetRelief Advocate role, and not just an overview of the program. Be sure to pre-register as space is limited. Click here for additional information.

All other classes do not require registration and are open to attend as space is available.

The American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Riders will also conduct their own series of courses.

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION RAFFLE
The American Legion, Department of Florida is proud to announce its upcoming Centennial Celebration Raffle where you could win OVER $15,000 in awesome prizes; including the *BONUS RAFFLE* drawing for a chance to win an American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Three-Coin Set.

In the next 2 to 3 weeks, a select group of members will receive the Centennial Celebration Raffle packet. To participate, complete and return the enclosed tickets for your chances to win these exciting prizes!

Didn’t get a packet? No worries, just complete our online form before May 31, 2019 and we will mail one to you. After May 31st, you will only be able to purchase tickets at our Department Convention, June 27-29, 2019.

DEPARTMENT CONVENTION BOOK
Advertise in the 2019 101st Annual Florida Convention Book! Take advantage of this unique opportunity to advertise your business or Post, send well wishes, special recognition, special announcements and more. Legion Members get half off all advertisements.

We provide our attendees, free of charge, with an annual convention book, very similar to a yearbook. This book would be a great resource to advertise your products and services to interested veterans and patriots, as well as support The American Legion.

Hurry and get your advertisements in now, the deadline of May 1st, has been extended to May 15, 2019. Click here to purchase online.

HISTORY BOOK
We’re also pleased to announce the upcoming release of The American Legion, Department of Florida- Our History – 1919-2019 book. This book details the first 100 years of the Department of Florida, with fascinating facts for each decade and lots of photos depicting some of our greatest accomplishments.

This book will be a limited edition, one time run only, with limited quantities. Available in paperback or hardcover. Pre-order your piece of history now, and get the Department of Florida Centennial lapel pin FREE. Reserve your copy now at floridalegionstore.org.

*This book is different from the History and Directory book sold previously. It includes a more comprehensive Department History and does not include the member directory.

2018-2019 DEPARTMENT CONVENTION T-SHIRTS
Get your Official Convention T-Shirts showcasing the 2018-2019 year. This year’s shirt will be red in Gildan soft style; available in Men and Women’s crewneck. Sizes tend to run a size small; extended sizes, 2x -5x, brand and style may vary. Pre-order now at floridaleigonstore.org.

COMMANDER’S AND PRESIDENT’S BANQUET
The Commander’s and President’s Banquet will take place Friday, June 28, 2019 at the World Center Marriott, Orlando in the Canary Ballroom. A farewell to outgoing Department Commander, Dianne Boland and outgoing Department President, Michele Degennaro. The Banquet will feature a German Dinner Buffet and entertainment by Not Quite Fab (a popular Beatles Cover Band) A cocktail hour will be served prior to the banquet, tickets are required to attend and are available online for purchase. Tickets must be pre-purchased and are limited.

TEXT ALERTS
Sign-up now for Florida Legion Text Alerts, by clicking here or texting FLCON to 41372. You’ll get important announcements, reminders, exclusive Emblem Sales Discounts, a chance to win prizes and interactive fun! Activities include: Legion Quest and Lost Lectures.

VENDORS AND SPONSORS
Approximately 3,000 American Legion members will be in attendance at Department Convention, making this an excellent opportunity for vendors to showcase their products and services. Our vendors are vital to the success of our events. If you are interested in becoming a vendor or know someone who may be interested, please click here to learn more.

DISTRICT CONSTITUTIONAL CONFERENCES
District Constitutional Conferences will begin starting May 4, 2019. Your District Conferences are important to attend. Please view a complete schedule by clicking here.

DEPARTMENT CONVENTION DEADLINES
Department Convention deadlines are fast approaching for Posts and delegates. Please click here for more information.