adult Activities
Explore Utah's captivating history, awe-Inspiring landscapes, and thrilling adventures alongside fellow holstein enthusiasts.
Here’s a day by day guide of adult activities for National Holstein Convention! Check out the full schedule for details on event times and locations and Junior activities.
Monday, June 24
Breakfast Buffet
Kick off the first full day of Convention right and enjoy a hearty breakfast with fresh scrambled eggs, roasted breakfast potatoes, hickory smoked bacon, and artisan sausage patties. Fresh seasonal fruit, assorted muffins and pastries, and a variety of beverages including coffee and juice will top off the tasty spread.
HERITAGE JOURNEY: EXPLORING UTAH’S RICH HISTORY
This Is The Place Heritage Park
This is The Place Heritage Park is a captivating tapestry of the past, where history takes center stage in an immersive way. When you arrive, fuel up for an afternoon of exploring with a picnic lunch at the Pioneer Pavilion. Enjoy delicious pulled pork on a fresh bun, along with pasta and potato salad, potato chips, pickles, and ice cream. After lunch, wander among 50 carefully preserved historic homes and buildings, vividly brought to life by historical interpreters.
Explore the Pioneer Center, discover the story behind the This is The Place Monument, marking the end of the 1,300-mile Mormon trail, and pay your respects at the Pioneer Children’s Memorial. Treasure-seekers can try a hand with interactive mining at the Treasure House, including gemstone digging in Prospectors Pit and gold panning beneath the shade of ancient oaks. Pony rides, train rides, the Native American Village, demonstrations from pioneer tradesmen, the Irrigation Station splash pad, and delightful shopping options also await attendees.
REVVING UP THE PAST: UTAH’S ANTIQUE & CLASSIC POWER MUSEUM TOUR
Richard W. Erickson Antique & Classic Power Museum
Travel the scenic route to the best display of vintage vehicles and engines in Utah. Breathtaking mountain views and picturesque landscapes will guide the way to the Richard W. Erickson Antique & Classic Power Museum. Nestled in the rustic town of Wallsburg, Utah, the hidden gem’s 24 buildings house an array of antique vehicles, including a prized collection of over 150 motorcycles dating back to the 1900’s. A tasty hamburger lunch will be provided, including a sundae bar provided by Leatherby’s Ice Cream, which has been voted “Best in State” 10 times.
The Museum’s matchless collection also includes dozens of classic motor vehicles such as Model T and Model A Fords, early flat-head V8's, roadsters, muscle cars, vintage trucks and much more. Visitors will be treated to over 120 farm tractors including steam and gas-powered models, a belt-driven sawmill and other revered machinery. Also featured is a pioneer village including a church with a functioning pump organ, log cabins from the 1800’s and historical replicas of small shops and stores.
Master Your Course
Impact Ninja Gym & This Is The Place Heritage Park
Get ready for an adventure combining the heart-pounding excitement of American Ninja Warrior with invaluable lessons in adaptability, overcoming obstacles, and developing extreme commitment. Join renowned speaker Ty Bennett at his Impact Ninja Gym, where he brings these lessons to life in a unique way. You’ll be joined by two American Ninja Warrior champions, Ty’s sons, Tanner and Drew, as they showcase the art of ‘flow’ – a mesmerizing, seemingly effortless mastery gained through relentless practice and dedication.
After their inspiring message, enjoy free time to test out everything the gym has to offer. With a variety of courses and equipment, there is something for everyone. Then, embark on a journey back in time as you board the bus to This Is The Place Heritage Park. A delicious picnic lunch awaits at the Pioneer Pavilion.
At This is The Place, explore a remarkable collection of more than 50 historic homes and buildings brought to life by historical interpreters. Learn about the 1,300-mile Mormon trail or try your hand at digging for gemstones or panning for gold at the Treasure House. Other activities include train rides, pony rides, the Native American Village, demonstrations from pioneer tradesmen, the Irrigation Station splash pad, shopping, and much more.
Cutting Edge Connections: Adult Social Mixer
Gather for a casual night of socializing and axe throwing in vibrant downtown Salt Lake City. Whether you’re looking to unwind after your travels or flex your competitive side, this event is sure to hit the bullseye! Located in an old steel fabrication shop, this axe-chucking mecca provides industrial charm and a relaxed venue for networking. After safety and training from an expert coach, you’ll compete in 3 to 4 games in a bracket style tournament with fellow Holstein friends. Snacks and a couple of drink tickets will be included as you let the good times fly!
CLOSE TOED SHOES are MANDATORY and comfortable clothing is recommended. This event is for Holstein enthusiasts at least 21 years of age and limited to 50 attendees.
Tuesday, June 25
Breakfast Buffet
Fuel up for another fun filled day in Salt Lake City with a hearty buffet breakfast featuring frittata with ham, onions, bell peppers and cheddar cheese and a seasonal vegetable frittata. Roasting fingerling potatoes with caramelized onions, honey smoked bacon and artisan link sausage, fresh fruit, muffins, and pastries will round out the breakfast offerings.
Holstein Horizons: Featured Speaker Sessions
Join your peers in the dairy community for a day of fun and enriching seminars during National Holstein Convention. A new event in 2024, Holstein Horizons is free for any dairy enthusiasts to attend. The event will feature a variety of speakers and panels made up of experts within the dairy industry and beyond. Topics will include on-farm processing, dairy cattle genetics, beef on Holstein, and technology in the dairy industry. Designed to provide you with insights to bring back to the farm, this dynamic session is one you won’t want to miss!
Networking Lunch
Adults and Juniors alike will have a chance to catch up and create new connections over a traditional deli spread. Lunch will include soup along with green salad, pasta salad, and classic tuna salad. Build your perfect sandwich from a selection of bread and artisan rolls, a variety of deli meats and cheese, and several sandwich toppings and condiments. House-made kettle chips, cookies, brownies, and cupcakes will satisfy both your salty and sweet cravings.
Trade Show Reception: Meet the Vendors
Spend time perusing the trade show aisles and learning about the newest technologies and products in the dairy industry. This is your chance to connect one-on-one with trade show vendors without missing any of the other Convention activities. The trade show will feature a variety of companies within the dairy and broader agricultural industries. Complimentary appetizers will also be served during the trade show reception for your enjoyment.
Mountain View Mingle: Adult Social
Mountain View Mingle provides a unique opportunity to reminisce about the past and forge connections for the future. Adult Convention attendees will gather on the sixth-floor rooftop terrace of the Hyatt Regency Convention headquarters hotel, where the stunning Wasatch Mountain range will serve as the backdrop for this elevated social event. Prepare to put your thinking caps on and lean into your competitive side with a few rounds of trivia. Guests can enjoy a delicious spread of street-style tacos, artisanal flatbreads, a fresh salad bar, dessert, and a selection of beverages from the cash bar!
Wednesday, june 26
Breakfast Buffet
Wake up to the promise of freshly brewed coffee and hot scrambled eggs served with hickory smoked bacon, artisan sausage patties, and roasted breakfast potatoes. Seasonal fruit and a selection of fresh muffins and pastries will also be available, along with assorted hot teas and juice.
Holstein Association USA’s 138th Annual Meeting
Celebrate the past, present and future of Holstein Association USA at the 138th Annual Meeting. All Holstein Association USA members are invited to hear updates from CEO John Meyer, President Jonathan Lamb, and CFO Barbara Casna. Attendees will also have a chance to learn more about the Holstein Association USA Board of Directors Candidates. The Star of the Breed, Herds of Excellence, and 40-Year Members will also be honored during this session.
Awards Luncheon
Join in celebrating Holstein community leaders from all generations, gaining inspiration from past accomplishments and the promising future of our membership. Holstein Association USA will honor the recipients of the prestigious Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, Elite Breeder, and Distinguished Leadership awards during a special luncheon. New this year, the Distinguished Junior Member semifinalists and Young Distinguished Junior Member finalists will also be recognized during this time.
A satisfying lunch of classic Ceaser salad, Chicken Florentine with whipped Yukon gold potatoes, sauteed zucchini, yellow squash, and red pepper with Asiago cream sauce will be served. Indulge in two delectable choices for dessert - cheesecake or chocolate mousse.
Pre-Sale Meal
You won’t go hungry with this Cowboy Buffet! Start off with a chopped salad, creamy potato salad and creamed corn casserole. Coffee-rubbed smoked brisked with house barbecue sauce, grilled chicken thighs, and smoked sausage with fire-roasted peppers and onions will satisfy your taste buds. Dessert will include fruit cobbler, warm bread pudding with caramel sauce, and pecan tartelette. After a full meal, you’ll be ready for an evening of socializing and bidding at the National Convention Sale!
National Convention Sale
The 2024 National Convention sale will include lots featuring some of the finest Registered Holstein genetics our breeders have to offer. Lots will be presented in a digital format, with the auction and live bidding taking place in Salt Lake City, and online bids being accepted through CowBuyer.
thursday, june 27
Holstein Association USA’s 138th Annual Meeting
Holstein Association USA’s 138th Annual Meeting will wrap up as delegates vote on the new Board of Directors and officer candidates. The meeting is planned to adjourn by 10 a.m.