Frequently Asked Questions: 2026 Midwinter Convention

You can choose between Regular Seating, Premium Seating, and VIP Premium Seating.

Regular and Premium seating options are open to everyone, with Premium offering closer seating locations at a higher cost. VIP Premium seats are reserved for $1,000+ Annual Donors (President's Council), District Presidents, Society Board, Chapter Presidents, Hall of Fame, AIC, and AISQC Members.

$1,000+ Annual Level Donors, District Presidents, Society Board, Chapter Presidents, Hall of Fame, AIC, and AISQC Members.

Regular and Premium Seating options allow you to select your own seat, VIP Premium Seating will have seats assigned for them before the event.

VIP Premium Seating will be assigned by BHS staff this December or in early-January 2026. A number of factors are considered when assigning seats, including Donation level, Date of purchase, Volunteer role(s), as well as what each individual has listed as their seating preference.

Eligible VIPs can purchase up to two seats in the VIP seating area. Larger donation levels allow for more seats to be purchased.

Yes. However, you will need to purchase those additional seats in the Premium section (behind the VIP Premium section) using the regular registration link.

Yes. You can sell or transfer your registration to another individual without any additional fees.

NOTE: You can only transfer/sell a registration to someone who qualifies for that registration. For example, VIP registrations can only be transferred/sold to other qualifying VIPs, Youth registrations can only be transferred/sold to other Youth-Qualifying members, etc.

If you are the original purchaser of the registration:

You will need to log into your Eventbrite account and edit the seat holder to the name of the individual whom you have sold it to. It is best practice to select the option to have Eventbrite send the new seatholder a confirmation email.

If you are not the original purchaser of the registration:

You will need to contact BHS Customer Service for support in the transfer.

No refunds are allowed under any circumstance. However, you may transfer your registration to another party at any time.

This information will need to be updated to the recipient's name.

You can update your information at any time using the link in your Eventbrite registration confirmation email.

Day passes are not guaranteed and will be decided upon approximately 30 days before the event.

Yes. A chorus member that is either competing or performing on the International Stage is required to buy a registration to perform.

Yes

Early bird registration ends on December 15, 2025. Prices will increase by $50 starting on December 16, 2025.

Yes, flexible seating for wheelchairs or guests of ADA attendees is available and should be selected when purchasing your registration. Venue staff will assist on-site.

Scootaround: 888-655-7608, scootaround.com

Yes, children are welcome at the convention.

Yes, children 12 and under can attend for free, but they must be registered. Youth 25 and under are eligible for a discount as well.

Strollers are permitted in the venue, but unless in ADA seating, you will likely need to climb stairs to reach your seats.

There will be no Barbertots room at Midwinter; it is available only at the International convention.

The tentative schedule is as follows:

Wednesday: Board meeting, rehearsals and various meetings

Thursday: Registration opens 9AM, Keynote, NextGen Jr. Quartet Contest, Evening Show, Afterglow

Friday: NextGen Jr. and Seniors Chorus Festival, Evening Show, Afterglow

Saturday: Seniors Quartet Championship, Evening Show, Afterglow

More details will be provided as the event approaches.

Yes, The Harmony Marketplace will be located near registration at the Pasadena Convention Center - Conference Center.

There is not a Dream Chorus at Midwinter, but we do offer this for International

No group tours are planned, but go to visitpasadena.com for all of the local tourist information

Yes. Class schedules will be shared at a later date.

The Primary Venue for the 2026 Midwinter Contests will be Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

300 E Green St

Pasadena, CA 91101

You will need your electronic or printed ticket, which may need to be scanned on-site.

Per Pasadena Civic Auditorium’s Rules and Policies

Small bags recommended. Unfortunately, we do not have storage space for a large number of checked items so it’s best to leave large bags and backpacks at home or in your vehicle.

For a full list of prohibited items that are not allowed in the contest venue, please read their official Rules and Policies list HERE.

Clear and empty plastic water bottles will be allowed inside the venue.

The headquarters hotel for the 2026 Midwinter Convention will be:

The Westin Pasadena

191 N Los Robles Ave

Pasadena, CA 91101

You can book or make changes to your hotel reservation through the provided reservation link. BHS customer service does not have access to your reservation records, so please utilize the reservation link for any changes.

Yes, the convention rate starts at $199 per night with upgrade options available. This rate applies only to reservations made through the official reservation link.

Information about parking availability at the headquarters hotel or venue will be provided closer to the event.

Burbank (BUR) is the closest airport to Pasadena. LAX is also convenient along with other Southern California airports (SNA, ONT, LGB)

No. All of our official hotels are within easy walking distance to the venue.

Yes

Yes, but information is not yet available.

Details about purchasing photos from the event will be provided closer to the convention.

For further questions or concerns, you can contact BHS customer service via email at events@barbershop.org or by phone at 800-876-7464.