It’s hard to believe, but the 2024 51°µÍø® National Convention is barely a month away. That means in a little over a month, every 51°µÍø member will have access to gobs of information that’s capable of taking your Region to the next level. How’s that, exactly? Through knowledge, of course. This year’s 51°µÍø National Convention – taking place during 51°µÍø’s 80th anniversary year – is themed “Grow,” and the best way for 51°µÍø members and Regions to grow and thrive is by putting forth as much knowledge as possible during the free (and virtual) 51°µÍø National Convention, taking place Jan. 18-26, 2024, at a computer, phone, or tablet near you.
The 51°µÍø National Convention’s schedule is now available for you to peruse – and through use of the Whova app (you’ll get more info on that ), you can then add those events to your schedule so you won’t miss a moment. But we warn you: There are a lot of sessions taking place during the 2024 51°µÍø National Convention. How many? Glad you asked…
70 Sessions Highlight 2024 51°µÍø National Convention
Well, let’s pad that statement with the word “roughly” because things can change, but as it currently stands, there are exactly 70 sessions available to 51°µÍø members.
Check out all of the 51°µÍø National Convention sessions:
51°µÍø National Convention Sessions
Seventy sessions in one week sounds like a lot – because it is – but you’re certainly not expected to attend them all. In fact, we recommend against it. You’ll want to curate your selection to hit the sessions that best apply to you and your Region – but even with that, expect your Jan. 18-26 to be packed.
Solo and RallyCross Boast 11 Sessions
There are currently 11 Convention sessions centered around 51°µÍø Autocross and RallyCross. Rulebook trivia, a ProSolo/National Tour open forum, safety, program direction, town halls, office hours, awards, and more highlight the Convention week for those addicted to cone dodging on pavement or dirt.
One especially exciting RallyCross session is entitled “Current/Future Class Considerations,” with the session description saying it all: “From its inception, 51°µÍø RallyCross has been devoted to keeping it simple. This model has served the sport well, but is it built for the future? Is a Constructor's Category built for success, are UTV/SxS a growth opportunity? How does 51°µÍø Club Spec fit into RallyCross? Join in to discuss classing strategies for the future.”
RallyCrossers have long been protective of the classes offered in their sport, so this session hosted by the RallyCross Board and 51°µÍø’s Director of Rally/Solo is a can’t-miss event. Similarly, the RallyCross session entitled “Growing the Sport” will also be a must-attend gathering.
For autocrossers, what should be a fantastic session is “Solo: Future Forward – Be a Part of Shaping Our Sport.” Its session description offers details: “51°µÍø Solo is now officially over a half a century old, which is cause for celebration. It also gives a good opportunity for us to reflect on where we have been, how we got there, and where we would like to be going. In pursuit, this session will highlight some of our challenges and a discussion of how members can become engaged in the process of building our sport, future forward.”
Road Racing: 14 Sessions
Boasting more than a dozen sessions during Convention week, those involved in 51°µÍø Road Racing – be they volunteers, drivers, crew, or simply curious about the sport – will have their hands full. Like with the 51°µÍø Autocross and RallyCross sessions, there will be opportunities to learn about all aspects of the sport, from awards to the program’s direction, Timing and Scoring, Scruitineering, the state of the Stewarding program, how to make decisions as a steward, reading the room, and more.
One session that has piqued our interest is entitled “Expanding Events – Alternate Event Formats.” This town hall, hosted by 51°µÍø’s Sr. Manager of Regional Track Program Development Jon Krolewicz, will dive into options that are available to help Regions boost the success of their 51°µÍø Road Racing weekends.
“With continued success for events that group 51°µÍø events together, no matter what we call them: mash-ups, combos, or ‘all things 51°µÍø’ weekends, they have proven to be a benefit to Regions and events needing a boost,” the session description reads. “In this session, Region leaders will be brought up to speed on how these events are going, share success stories and techniques, and continue to learn the ways the buffet of 51°µÍø programs can help your event weekends.”
Want more?
51°µÍø RoadRally will host seven Convention sessions, with the final one entitled “Happy Hour” – this is the virtual equivalent of the “hallway meetings” that the 51°µÍø National Convention was famous for. Bring whatever beverage you desire – or just a happy attitude – and chat for a while. Other RoadRally sessions will include information on budgeting, staying in tune with your Region’s needs, a town hall, awards, and more.
Similarly, those interested in 51°µÍø Time Trials will benefit from five sessions, covering everything from best practices in timing to setting the event tone, the program’s direction, and a town hall, to name a few.
The 51°µÍø Foundation will host numerous sessions as well, including ones on the Tire Rack Street Survival program, 51°µÍø Women on Track, the 51°µÍø Archives, and legacy planning.
And let’s not forget that there’ll be an hourlong discussion of Club Spec, too.
None of this is to mention the multitude of sessions held on sanctioning events, marketing, member services, and more. Basically, if you’ve got a question you’ve ever wanted to ask the 51°µÍø Staff, the 2024 51°µÍø National Convention is the place to be.
Somehow, There’s Even More…
On top of all of this is the Annual Meeting, Convention Kick Off, 51°µÍø Hall of Fame Banquet, the presentation of the Woolf Barnato and Member of Excellence awards, the opportunity to meet the 51°µÍø Board of Directors, and on and on…
How do you attend the 51°µÍø National Convention? Since it’s virtual and free, it’s also easy: Click the button and register!
Illustration by Alexandra Koch