What is a Walking Convention?
Every two year the walking clubs of the American Volkssport Association get together for a week of walking and schmoozing, complete with workshops, vendor displays, evening socials, and those dreaded business meetings and elections.

Who Is Invited? YOU!
Everyone is welcome to come to the AVA Convention - you don't have to be a club member or ever have participated at an AVA-sanctioned event.  The events and convention are open to the public.  With daily 5K/10K walks from June 23 - July 1, there is a walk for everyone's ability.  During the week, the workshops appeal to every kind of walker.  Meanwhile, you will meet other walkers from around the world and make new friends.

Where and When?
The 2001 AVA Convention is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington in the Seattle area.  Walking events associated with the convention are scheduled daily June 23 - July 1, 2001 and range from White Rock, British Columbia to Olympia and Snoqualmie, Washington.

The 2003 AVA Convention will be in Colorado Springs, Colorado, June 21-29, 2003.  The 2005 site will be chosen by the delegates at the 2001 convention.

How to Register?
The walking and swimming events are open to all - simply show up and register during the start hours.  You may walk for free, or register for the optional totem pole piece awards for each event ($9 while supplies last), or for IVV credit-only $2.

The convention itself is held at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, Washington.  On-site registration for the convention workshops, displays, etc. is open Tuesday, June 26 - Friday June 29.  The registration fee is $150.00 for those over 13, $100 for those 3-13, and free for under 3.  Daily registration is $55.  Social events are separately priced - $30 for Wednesday's Northwest Potlatch Dinner and $40 for Friday's Dinner/Dance.