If you've been entering sweepstakes online and wondering whether there's a real-world community behind it all, there absolutely is — and the biggest gathering happens every summer. The 38th Annual National Sweepstakes Convention is heading to Orlando, Florida from August 5-8, 2027, and it's shaping up to be one of the best yet.
Whether you're a seasoned sweeper or someone who just started entering sweepstakes daily, this guide covers everything you need to know about attending the convention — from registration and pricing to the hotel, schedule, and prize drawings.
What Is the National Sweepstakes Convention?
The National Sweepstakes Convention is the longest-running annual gathering for the sweepstakes community in the United States. Now in its 38th year, it brings together sweepstakers from across the country for a multi-day event packed with prize drawings, educational sessions, games, and networking.
This isn't a corporate trade show. It's a community-driven event organized by sweepstakers, for sweepstakers. Attendees meet the people they've been chatting with in online forums and Facebook groups, share winning strategies, and walk away with real prizes — cash, gift cards, lottery tickets, stamps, and more.
The 2027 convention carries a pirate theme (dubbed "Pirate Party 27"), which means expect plenty of treasure-themed fun, pirate lingo, and themed activities throughout the weekend.
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | 38th Annual National Sweepstakes Convention |
| Dates | August 5-8, 2027 (Wednesday through Sunday) |
| Location | Orlando, Florida |
| Hotel | Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South |
| Hotel Rate | $159/night (double occupancy, deluxe room) |
| Registration | $325-$425 depending on when you register |
| Theme | Pirate Party 27 |
| Contact | info@pirateparty27.com |
Registration and Pricing
Registration pricing increases over time, so earlier is cheaper. Here's the full breakdown:
| Registration Period | Price |
|---|---|
| July 9 - July 12, 2026 | $325 |
| July 13 - September 30, 2026 | $350 |
| October 1 - December 31, 2026 | $375 |
| January 1 - March 31, 2027 | $400 |
| April 1 - June 30, 2027 | $425 |
That's a $100 difference between the earliest and latest registration. If you're planning to go, registering early saves real money.
What's Included in Registration
Your registration fee covers:
- Full convention access — entry to all sessions and activities for the entire weekend
- Pick A Prize Tickets — used for prize selection throughout the event
- Session drawings — entry into prize drawings held during each session
- Saturday banquet meal — a sit-down meal included with your registration
Important Registration Rules
A few things to keep in mind:
- In-person only — The 2027 convention is entirely in-person. You must be physically present to win any prizes.
- Payment by mail — You're not officially registered until you've completed the registration form AND mailed in your payment.
- Non-transferable — Registrations cannot be transferred to another person.
Guest Registration
Bringing a spouse or friend who isn't a sweepstaker? There's a separate guest-only registration option. Guests register through a dedicated form on the convention website. Contact the organizers at info@pirateparty27.com for guest pricing and details.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations carry a $50 processing fee. Beyond that, refund amounts depend on timing:
| Cancel By | Refund |
|---|---|
| December 31, 2026 | Full refund (minus $50 fee) |
| March 31, 2027 | 50% refund |
| June 30, 2027 | 25% refund |
| After June 30, 2027 | No refund (entered into a $100 drawing) |
The Pirate Plunder Party Extras
Want even more chances to win? The convention offers an optional add-on called the Pirate Plunder Party Extras. This is a separate purchase on top of your registration.
Pricing
- Early bird (July 5, 2026 - December 31, 2026): $450
- Standard (January 1, 2027 - June 30, 2027): $500
What You Get
Purchasing the extras gives you 60 additional tickets that you distribute across six prize categories of your choice:
- Stamps — 500 First Class postage stamps (perfect for mail-in sweepstakes)
- Lottery Tickets — $500 worth of Florida scratch-off tickets
- Gift Cards — Mixed gift cards and codes totaling $500
- Doubloons — $500 cash
- Double Doubloons — $1,000 cash
- Blackbeard's Treasure — $5,000 cash
You decide how to spread your 60 tickets across these categories based on which prizes you want most. The strategy element adds another layer of fun — do you go all-in on Blackbeard's Treasure, or spread your tickets for better odds across smaller prizes?
Same rules apply: non-transferable, must be present to win, and the $50 cancellation fee applies.
Hotel and Accommodations
Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South
The convention hotel is the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South, located near the Walt Disney World resort area.
Address: 4955 Kyngs Heath Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Convention rate: $159 per night for a deluxe room (double occupancy)
To get the convention rate, you must book through the official reservation link on the convention website or call 1-407-597-4000 using booking code NSC. Reservations made outside the group block won't qualify for the discounted rate.
Booking Details
- Rate available: August 10, 2026 through July 3, 2027
- Deposit: One night's non-refundable deposit charged at booking
- Checkout: Noon for convention attendees
- Parking: $5/day for hotel guests
- ADA rooms: Available upon request through the reservation system
- Extended stays: Contact the hotel directly for dates outside the standard block
What's Included at the Hotel
Embassy Suites properties are known for two complimentary perks that make the convention rate an even better deal:
- Complimentary made-to-order breakfast — a full cooked breakfast every morning, not a continental spread
- Complimentary evening reception — drinks and snacks each evening
These alone can save you $30-50+ per day on food.
On-Site Dining
The hotel has several dining options:
- Kyng's Grille — American bistro-style restaurant, open for dinner from 5pm to 10pm
- Oasis Lounge — Casual spot for cocktails and appetizers
- The Marketplace — Grab-and-go options, open daily from 11:30am to 10pm
- Room service is also available
The hotel is working to extend lunch service during the convention, so attendees should have solid on-site options throughout the day.
Convention Schedule
The convention spans Wednesday through Sunday, with activities ramping up on Thursday and running through the weekend.
Wednesday, August 5
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Early registration and prize selection |
Arrive early, get checked in, and pick your prizes without the Thursday rush. This is also a great time to meet other early arrivals and explore the hotel.
Thursday, August 6
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Registration and prize selection |
| 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Treasure Chest (boxes and drawings) |
| 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM | Kick-off celebration with giveaways |
| 8:30 PM - 11:00 PM | Games |
The Treasure Chest is one of the convention's signature features — a mix of prize boxes and drawings that runs at various points throughout the event.
Friday, August 7
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM | Treasure Chest |
| 9:30 AM - 11:45 AM | Morning session |
| 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM | Lunch (on your own) |
| 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM | Treasure Chest |
| 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Afternoon session |
| 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Games |
| 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Optional bingo |
Friday is the fullest day, with morning and afternoon sessions, treasure chest opportunities, and evening entertainment. Lunch is on your own — the hotel's on-site dining or nearby restaurants are your best options.
Saturday, August 8
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM | Treasure Chest (final round) |
| 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Banquet and party |
| 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Games |
Saturday's highlight is the banquet — included with your registration. This is the main social event of the convention, with a sit-down meal and plenty of prize drawings.
Sunday, August 9
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Final morning session with announcements |
The convention wraps up Sunday morning with a final session and closing announcements.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
If this is your first sweepstakes convention, here's what experienced attendees recommend:
Register and book early
The earliest registration tier saves you $100 versus waiting until spring 2027. The hotel block at $159/night will also fill up — book as soon as reservations open.
Budget beyond registration
Your registration covers the convention itself, but plan for:
- Hotel ($159/night × 3-4 nights = $477-$636)
- Flights to Orlando
- Meals (breakfast and evening reception are free at the hotel, but you'll need lunch and some dinners)
- The Pirate Plunder Party Extras ($450-$500) if you want additional prize chances
- Spending money for Orlando attractions if you're extending your trip
Connect before you go
Join sweepstakes Facebook groups and online communities before the convention. Many attendees coordinate meetups, share rides from the airport, and plan group dinners. Showing up already knowing a few people makes the experience much better.
Bring supplies for mail-in entries
With 500 First Class stamps as one of the Plunder Party prizes and a community full of experienced sweepers, the convention is a perfect time to stock up on tips for entering sweepstakes by mail.
Make it a vacation
Orlando is one of the top vacation destinations in the country. The hotel is near Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and dozens of other attractions. Many attendees extend their trip by a few days to enjoy the area. It's a great way to justify the travel costs — convention plus vacation in one trip.
Who Should Attend?
The National Sweepstakes Convention is worth considering if you:
- Enter sweepstakes regularly and want to connect with others who share the hobby
- Want to learn from experienced sweepers who've been winning for years
- Enjoy the social side of sweepstakes — meeting online friends in person
- Love prize drawings — the convention itself is packed with opportunities to win
- Want a reason to visit Orlando and combine the convention with a family vacation
Even if you're relatively new to sweepstakes, the convention is welcoming to newcomers. It's one of the best ways to accelerate your learning and build connections in the community.
How to Register
- Visit the official convention website at pirateparty27.com
- Complete the registration form
- Print and mail your form with payment
- Book your hotel room using the group reservation link or call 1-407-597-4000 with code NSC
- Optionally purchase Pirate Plunder Party Extras for additional prize chances
For questions, contact the organizers at info@pirateparty27.com.
Start Entering More Sweepstakes Before the Convention
The best way to prepare for a sweepstakes convention is to be actively entering. The more sweepstakes you enter, the more strategies you'll have to share, and the more you'll get out of the sessions and conversations.
Browse active sweepstakes on Sweepstakes Radar to find new ones to enter daily, or use the entry tracker to stay organized across all your entries. If you're new, our guide on how to win sweepstakes and giveaways is a great place to start.