State Convention
June 13-16, 2024
Kahler Grand Hotel, 20 SW Second Avenue, Rochester MN
Reservations can be made online at by clicking on this link 2024 VFW State Convention
1. Click on the link
2. Enter both arrival and departure dates into the grid and click "Search" the $127 group rates will populate.
3. Select room type and complete the reservation.
CALL IN RESERVATIONS AT 1-800-533-1655 and request room under "VFW STATE CONVENTION" to receive $127 group rate. Or call the Kahler Grand directly at 507-285-2744 and request "VFW STATE CONVENTION" room block. Check into hotel FIRST before parking your Car in the garage so you can receive the discounted parking rate.
CLICK ON SELECTION BELOW: (Updated 3/13/2024)
Convention Housing AND Banquet Form
VFW Riders Flyer and Ride to Convention
Rochester shuttles to VFW Post 1215
Convention Book Advertising Order Form
Officers Training Institute (OTI) Schedule
Officers Training Institute (OTI) Registration Form for Posts only
The Kahler Grand Hotel, Rochester area will be the site of the Department of Minnesota, VFW State Convention for 2024. As we return to the Kahler Grand, this promises to be an interesting and educational State Convention.
The Annual Convention allows all VFW members in the State of Minnesota to have a voice in the decision-making processes of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Bylaw changes on the State and National levels are acted upon during the Committee meetings and General Sessions of the Convention. All members are urged to attend this very important gathering of Post, District, and Department members and officers. Please come and see YOUR VFW at work! The State Convention has always been a GREAT place to meet up with your friends and share in the camaraderie of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Many good times and memories have been formed at functions like the VFW State Convention.
ANNUAL BUDDY POPPY CONTEST: Posts and Auxiliaries are encouraged to bring their annual Buddy Poppy Contest Displays for judging & awards (not the same contest as Midwinter). Watch your General Orders for information.
In addition to the VFW Officer Training School (OTI), plans are underway to continue the Auxiliary Training School (ATS) as well. These training sessions take place on the Thursday prior to Convention and the Convention will run Thursday evening through Sunday. The tentative schedules can be accessed through the link on this page.
Pre-Convention events will get underway with Officers Training School, Auxiliary Training School during the day Thursday and the Council of Administration meetings on Thursday evening prior to the convention. There will be early registration available Wednesday night for OTI attendees- please arrive early to avoid the rush before morning classes.
Convention sessions begin on Friday as State Commander Dan Meyer and State President Dave Scofield open the 2024 Joint Awards Session. For most Posts and Auxiliaries, this is the highlight of the State Convention.
This session is where our VFW Posts and Auxiliaries are recognized for their hard work over the past year. In 2024, we will be honoring our Public Safety Award Winners during this session.
Awards will be presented in the areas of Community Service, Publications, Youth/Senior Activities, Buddy Poppies, Blood Donor/Hospital, Membership and much more. As in the past years, the finale of the Joint Session is the naming of the ALL-STATE POST COMMANDERS and QUARTERMASTERS. This portion of the Awards Session usually keeps everyone glued to their seats until ALL the Commanders and Quartermasters are named.
On Friday afternoon, all Committees will have their Resolutions, meet and act upon those Resolutions. Meeting rooms will be posted at the Convention site. All Committee chairmen should have excellent meetings, but of special interest, should be the Legislative and the Veterans Benefits Committee.
Friday afternoon usually includes a seminar on Charitable Gambling. It is recommended that each Post have one representative at this meeting to get caught up on the latest changes to the Gambling laws.
The General Business Session of the 2024 VFW State Convention will open Saturday morning. At this session, the REAL business of the Veterans of Foreign Wars is reported, discussed, debated and voted on. All Committee Chairmen report on the Resolutions brought before their committees, recommendations are made and action taken by the Convention delegates. At these sessions, one can truly see the VFW in Action! At the end of Saturday’s business, there will be the Nomination of Officers and District Caucuses.
The Department Convention Banquet will be held on Saturday evening. This is an event that should be of interest to everyone as we will be naming the Captain of the All-State Post Commander's Team.
The VFW State Convention will conclude with the election of the new State Commander and State President on Sunday morning. The Joint Installation of the State Commander, State President and their corps of Officers will follow the close of their respective Conventions on Sunday at 12 noon with a reception to follow.
