What is THE INTERNATIONAL POLE CONVENTION?
THE INTERNATIONAL POLE CONVENTION, also commonly known as PoleCon, celebrates the diversity of the pole dance community. Connect with your pole friends, watch amazing performances, take pole star workshops, and shop with your favorite vendors!
For all students, competitors, pole-fessionals, and pole enthusiasts of all ages, from all walks of life!
Read below for more information on how to participate and check out our extensive FAQs section.
Note for screen readers: We have tested several and the best for our website is NVDA.
PoleCon: Intensive is an event featuring 4-hour intensive workshops, food and an epic gift bag! There are no Intensive events currently scheduled.
There are TWO PoleCons in 2025!
PoleCon 2025: May 29 - June 1, 2025 back in the DMV (DC-Maryland-Virignia Area)
You must have a Weekend or Day pass to take paid workshops.
Read options for passes below!
Under 18 years old at time of PoleCon? 5-17, purchase Junior pass AT THIS LINK. Children under 5 years old FREE! (all Juniors must be with guardian the entire time)
Individual Showcase tickets available for $30 (each showcase, all showcases).
Free (as listed) workshops and seminars (published in mid-February 2025)
Access to buy to paid pole and non-pole workshops all weekend long!
FOOD: Lunch Friday and Saturday, Breakfast Sunday
All performances all weekend
Access to the Exhibitor Hall
Free (as listed) workshops and seminars (published in mid-February 2025)
Access to buy to paid pole and non-pole workshops on Friday
FOOD: Lunch Friday
All performances on Friday
Friday hours 9am-~11pm
Access to the Exhibitor Hall
Free (as listed) workshops and seminars (published in mid-February 2025)
Access to buy to paid pole and non-pole workshops on Saturday
FOOD: Lunch Saturday
All performances on Saturday
Saturday hours 9am-~8pm
Access to the Exhibitor Hall
Free (as listed) workshops and seminars (published in mid-February 2025)
Access to buy to paid pole and non-pole workshops on Sunday
FOOD: Breakfast Sunday
All performances on Sunday
Sunday hours 9am-~1pm
Access to the Exhibitor Hall
PoleCon: West 2025 September 5-7, 2025 in Denver, Colorado
You must have a Weekend or Day pass to take paid workshops.
Read options for passes below!
Under 18 years old at time of PoleCon? 5-17, purchase Junior pass AT THIS LINK. Children under 5 years old FREE! (all Juniors must be with guardian the entire time)
Individual Showcase tickets available for $30 per showcase, only Friday night).
Free (as listed) workshops and seminars (published in mid-June 2025)
Access to buy to paid pole and non-pole workshops all weekend long!
FOOD: Lunch Saturday, Breakfast Sunday
All performances all weekend
Access to the Exhibitor Hall
Free (as listed) workshops and seminars (published in mid-June 2025)
Access to buy to paid pole and non-pole workshops on Saturday
FOOD: Lunch Saturday
All performances on Saturday
Saturday hours 9am-~8pm
Access to the Exhibitor Hall
Free (as listed) workshops and seminars (published in mid-June 2025)
Access to buy to paid pole and non-pole workshops on Sunday
FOOD: Breakfast Sunday
All performances on Sunday
Sunday hours 9am-~1pm
Access to the Exhibitor Hall
What do people say about PoleCon?
What were previous PoleCons like?
- 2024:The Black queer performers fighting to decolonize the art of pole dance
- 2023: PoleCon moves 2024 convention away from Florida, citing drag ban and anti-LGBTQ+ laws
- 2023: Major Pole-Dancing Convention Cancels Florida Event Due To Ron DeSantis’ Anti-LGBTQ Laws
- 2023: Age is not a barrier for these pole-dancing grannies (Baltimore Banner)
- 2023: Clip from CBS News Baltimore about the pole-dancing grannies
- 2022: Somewhere North of Their South Pole (WGNO)
- August 2021 WGNO New Orleans: Pole Dancers ‘invade’ New Orleans for International Pole Convention
- Sept 2020: Interview with Elegant Jacqueline
- Sept 2020: Interview with Blogger on Pole
- Sept 2020: Podcast with The Aerial Hour
- March 2020: Podcast with Scribble Talk
- 2019: Interview with Polepedia
- PoleCon 2019 Highlights from Polepedia
- PoleCon 2019 Community Over Competition, Pony Poison Blog
- PoleCon 2019, the Denver Channel
- PoleCon 2018: A Weekend of Superheroes Bad Kitty Blog
- 2017: Interview with Vertical Activewear
- PoleCon 2017: Family Reunion Y’all! Bad Kitty Blog
- A Texas-sized PoleCon! Bad Kitty Blog
- FORT WORTH –The International Pole Dancing Convention is coming to Fort Worth in June 2016. The Star-Telegram
- Pole-dancing convention wraps its legs around Fort Worth The Dallas Morning News
- There is a Pole Dancing Convention Coming to DFW in June KLUV Station
- Polecon – a pole dancing convention – coming to Fort Worth Fort Worth Business
- A Most Unusual Event is Coming to Fort Worth Fort Worth Business
- At New Orleans pole dancing convention, organziers ‘would like the public to see that there are lots and lots of options’ The New Orleans Advocate
- Pole Dancing Convention Slides into New Orleans ABC 8 WLOX
- Pole dancing a fitness fad for people of all ‘walks of life, shapes, sizes and fitness levels’ The New Orleans Advocate
- PoleCon… Epic! United Pole Artists
- Pole Sports Championship comes to New Orleans The Times-Picayune
- International Pole Convention a Hit! Pole Championship Series Blog
- PoleCon 2015 Review Bad Kitty Blog
- PoleCon’s Return to Pole Industry United Pole Artists
How do I... ? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about THE INTERNATIONAL POLE CONVENTION
1. What is included in my ticket?
EVERYONE MUST HAVE A PASS TO ATTEND POLECON. THIS INCLUDES PERFORMERS, HUMAN PROPS, WORKSHOP LEADERS, EXHIBITORS, SPECTATORS.
Opening night reception + showcase on Thursday; free non-pole workshops, seminars, performances and access to the exhibit hall all day Friday and Saturday with lunch included; more free workshops, seminars, performances and access to the exhibit hall until noon on Sunday with breakfast included (please note, breakfast is ONLY on Sunday). All payments are securely processed. Single day entry passes also available for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (Sunday is at a discounted day rate as it is a shortened day).
Paid workshops (that cost an additional fee) are separate from your event ticket and are clearly marked on the schedule. Free workshops/seminars (as marked) are free/included with your pass. THERE ARE NO FREE POLE-BASED WORKSHOPS. Day passes are only good for the day assigned. Please only purchase pay-for workshops on the day you have a day pass otherwise you will be asked to pay the difference for a weekend pass in person.
There is no Thursday day pass.
For the 2024 event and beyond: showcase only tickets are available for all showcases (PoleCon only, not PoleCon: West). You must be 21+ because the entry to the showcase only are is through the casino and they will check IDs. The showcase only tickets do NOT provide entry to the vendor area.
2. Can anyone perform?
Yes! The International Pole Convention celebrates the diverse pole community.
Applications for PoleCon 2025 are available now at this link.
Applications for PoleCon: West 2025 are available now at this link.
PoleCon hosts 20 individual showcases. Some showcases are curated by PoleCon and others have guest curators. Please see current submission form for this year’s curators.
Aerial, Black Girls Pole, Contemporary/Artistic, Creepy, Dangerous Curves, Experimental, Freestyle, Latin Heritage, Low Flow and Floorwork, Men of Pole, Para Pole, Pole Comedy, Pole Masters & Grand Masters, Power Flow, Queer Pole, Sexy, Sport, Troupes and Groups, Up and Coming Stars, and Youth.
PoleCon: West has 11 showcases: Aerial, Black Girls Pole, AAPI Polers United, Cospole, FlexyFlow, Moms Who Pole, OG Showcase, Queer Pole, Sexy, Troupes and Groups, Up and Coming Stars.
3. How do I sign up for workshops?
4. Where is PoleCon held?
5. Do I need to buy a pass to take workshops?
6. Who conducts paid workshops?
Previous and current workshop leaders include (but are not limited to):
123Poling • AccroBrandon • Alessandra Marchetti • Amanda Rose • Amber Wolf • Amy Hazel • Apollo Sa’Deek • Ashley Fox • Becca Buck • Carlos Franca • Cleo the Hurricane • Crystal Belcher • Dakota Fox • Deb Roach • Derick Pierson • elevatED • FabPole • Head Over Heels • Heidi Coker • Irmingard Mayer • Isis Diamond • Jamilla Deville • Jax Spencer • Jeni Janover • Jonathan Nosan • Josiah “BadAzz” Grant • Juic3 • Karol Helms • Kelly Yvonne • Kenneth Kao • Kilo Kitty • Kristy Sellars • Liquid Motion • Lisette Krol • Lux ATL • Maggie Ann • Marlo Fisken • Micah Walters • Michelle Mynx • Michelle Natoli • Michula • Mone’t Ha-Sidi • Nadia Sharif • Natasha Wang • Nicole the Pole • Oliver Pavick • Pantera Blacksmith • Philip Deal • Phoenix Kazree • PoleMoves • Rafeala Montanaro • Roz the Diva • Samantha Star • Sarah Jade • Sasja Lee • Seanmichael Rau • Shaina Cruea • Suwasit • Tracee Kafer • Terri Fierce • WorkIt Fitness • Vertical Joes/Torwa Joe
How do you become a paid workshop leader at PoleCon? Start here!
Applications for PoleCon 2025 are available at this link.
Applications for PoleCon: West 2025 are available at this link.
7. Should I buy a booth for my business?
8. Can I volunteer at PoleCon?
General info: Volunteer spaces may be available and include the following duties: pole cleaning during performances, checking in attendees to paid workshop rooms, set-up, clean-up, assisting with registration/information desk and other general duties as assigned.
As of 2020, we ONLY accept volunteers who have previously volunteered at PoleCon OR pre-approved groups. To become a pre-approved group you must commit to organizing a set number of people greater than three. Many studios, including the studio sponsor organize pre-approved groups however this is not only for studios. If one of your group can no longer volunteer, you MUST fill that slot with another volunteer. Email to become a pre-approved group. Not all groups are accepted due to the number of volunteers already committed to the event which may change every event.
Applications for PoleCon 2025 are available at this link.
Applications for PoleCon: West 2025 are available at this link.
9. Can anyone conduct a free workshop/seminar?
We are seeking experts in the pole, fitness, nutrition and general business to lead free non-pole workshop classes and seminars on topics of interest to our attendees. Topics may include: how to build highly functioning teams, how to correctly spot athletes of all sizes and abilities, injury prevention, social media for studio owners.
Read this blog for general information.
Applications for PoleCon 2025 are available at this link.
Applications for PoleCon: West 2025 are available at this link.
10. Can anyone participate in a PoleCon panel?
We are seeking experts in the pole, fitness, nutrition and general business to participate in panels on topics of interest to our attendees. Panels will be announced per location and per year.
Read this blog for general information.
Applications for PoleCon 2025 are available at this link.
Applications for PoleCon: West 2025 are available at this link.
11. Who should come to PoleCon?
All genders, all ages and fitness levels are welcome.
If you are under 18 you must have a parent/guardian present who also has a valid Weekend Pass to enter the Exhibitor/Performance area in our Main Hall and to participate in any workshops (free or paid). Parent/guardian does not need to purchase a pay-for workshop that the minor purchases however, they must be present while minor is in the workshop.
If you are press or a photographer please contact us ahead of time at [email protected] with “Press” in the subject line.
Who else should go to PoleCon?
- Going to PoleCon is great for instructors looking for continuing education
- Instructors can also write off PoleCon-related education and travel on their taxes
12. What is the refund policy?
No refunds on workshops or on Weekend Passes or Workshops for ANY REASON WHATSOEVER.
A limited number of transfers/exchanges possible not less than one month before event (i.e., you can no longer go to PoleCon and want to transfer the ticket to a friend to whom you may do a private sale).
You may also choose to have a credit applied to your account in the dollar amount of the pass you purchased.
Purchaser must show ticket or proof of purchase and ID at registration. A limited number of passes will be sold during the Convention so buy before you come!
To initiate a pass transfer, please email PoleCon.
NEW for workshops (as of 2024 event and beyond): Because you are purchasing a purchase option, you can move yourself in and out of different paid workshops.
How to do this:
- Step 1: Log into PoleCon WellnessLiving
- Step 2: navigate to your “schedule”
- Step 3: “cancel” booking for workshop
- Step 4: go to “book now” to book another workshop. It will not charge you again and should apply the purchasing option you originally purchased.
**You can only do this from pole workshop to pole workshop or non-pole workshop to non-pole workshop (because the purchase options are priced differently).**
13. What is the purpose of PoleCon?
The purpose of THE INTERNATIONAL POLE CONVENTION is to celebrate the diverse pole dance community through education and events. We take our commitment to diversity very seriously and are always striving to reflect every aspect of that community.
14. Is there a PoleCon in my country?
PoleCon offers a select few licenses for countries outside of the United States. Previously we have officially licensed Australia, however that license is now available for purchase.
Interested in learning more? Contact us!
15. What is PoleCon Intensive?
PoleCon: Intensive is a mini-PoleCon with 4-hour workshops, food and an epic gift bag. Like main PoleCon, the event moves around. Read about previous Intensive events on our blog.
16. What are the physical safety procedures at PoleCon?
The below are physical safety procedures in place at PoleCon for all live PoleCon events. These policies are regularly reviewed and may be updated. If you have suggestions for how to improve these policies, you may share them at [email protected]
General
PoleCon has one medic certified in CPR/AED always stationed by the main stage (this practice has been in place since 2016). They will have ice, bandaids/bandages, and an AED.
PoleCon has walkie-talkies/radios that coordinate between the main stage, the PoleCon registration and the workshop rooms in case of any issue.
If an aerial or pole playground is present during a PoleCon event, it is monitored by the company providing the equipment and/or a volunteer. Anyone who uses the equipment after hours, is poling at their own risk.
PoleCon does not extend the “legs” of stage poles because many people complained of kicking their toes. Legs can be extended on any stage pole to provide additional stability.
**Starting in 2024, all paid workshop leaders must be CPR/AED certified.
Insurance: All PoleCon workshop leaders are required to have insurance. PoleCon also maintains event insurance.
COVID-19 Safety
PoleCon does not require masks for the 2023 event. Masks are optional. Some workshop leaders may prefer masks are worn during their workshops. If this is the case, they will provide them.
PoleCon reserves the right to modify COVID-19 safety protocols based on the laws and regulations governing the location of PoleCon at the time of the event. PoleCon will communicate this information as soon and as clearly as possible with attendees.
All PoleCon paid workshop leaders agree to the following COVID-19 related clause in their contracts (in practice since 2021): to work with PoleCon on all required health mitigations to safely attend the event including but not limited to wearing masks, providing proof of vaccination and/or negative PCR test or other as required by the federal government, local government, and/or hotel which may become relevant or required. As of December 2022, masks are optional at the event, negative tests or vaccines are not required. Artist knows this can change at any time.
All PoleCon attendees agree to the following clause (in practice since 2021 and in the attendee event booklet): by attending PoleCon, I acknowledge the evolving nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that I may be exposed to the virus and become infected as a result of my attendance at PoleCon, despite safety measures in place. I voluntarily agree to assume all of the foregoing risks and accept sole responsibility for any expense, liability, illness, injury, disability or death related to testing positive for the virus during or after the event. By attending PoleCon, I hereby release, covenant not to sue, discharge, and hold harmless PoleCon from all claims arising out of COVID-19. I understand and agree that this release of liability includes any claims towards PoleCon, as well as conference personnel or representatives, whether a COVID-19 infection occurrence exists before, during, or after attendance and participation at the event.
Code of Conduct
All attendees agree to the following clause (in practice since 2021 and in the attendee event booklet): Attendees must respect commonsense rules for public behavior, personal interaction, common courtesy, and respect for private property during PoleCon.
Attendees must receive explicit verbal or non-verbal consent before any interaction that involves physical contact.
Attendees must respect current and applicable rules and regulations for safety regarding COVID-19.
PoleCon reserves the right to revoke, without refund, the convention pass and/or workshop passes of any attendee not in compliance with this policy at PoleCon and/or before PoleCon if a legitimate safety concern is warranted as defined by PoleCon staff and relevant legal counsel.
Persons finding themselves in a situation where they feel their physical safety is at risk during PoleCon or who become aware of an attendee not in compliance with this policy should immediately notify the PoleCon front desk/registration desk so that the matter can be handled in an expeditious manner which may include involving local law enforcement.
Liability Waiver
All PoleCon attendees must sign a liability waiver (and photo release) and provide emergency contact information in the payment/scheduler system. Full text of the waiver can be found at this link, when you log in to your account: https://www.wellnessliving.com/login/polecon
What's happening at THE INTERNATIONAL POLE CONVENTION? Event Schedule: Showcases, Free and Pay-for Workshops
Our event schedule includes an all day exhibitor hall full of amazing products and services; pole and other aerial showcase performances; free movement-based workshops; free talks by pole, fitness and nutrition experts; and paid pole and non-pole workshops (marked as paid). Network with the pole community during lunch. Lunch is included on Friday and Saturday ONLY (with a Weekend or Day Pass). Breakfast is included on Sunday ONLY (with a Weekend or Sunday Pass).
See the ENTIRE schedule (including ALL showcases, free workshops/seminars and paid workshops) at a glance on our cheat sheet.
PLEASE NOTE: you do NOT sign up for showcases or for free workshops/seminars (listed in the “Included with Pass” tab at this link). You just show up. You MUST have a Weekend or Day pass to attend free OR additional pay-for workshops.
PoleCon Pre-Convention Activities. You do NOT need a pass to PoleCon to attend these:
- TBD for 2025 events
Individual Showcase Tickets
There are individual showcase tickets for ALL showcases at PoleCon only; not PoleCon: West.
You do NOT need to purchase ANY individual showcase tickets if you have the Weekend Pass. Day Passes include all showcases on that day.
Individual showcase tickets are designed for your family/friends/boo who isn’t a pole dancer who isn’t coming to the entire convention. Individual showcase tickets. Find Showcase ONLY tickets on the “PoleCon Passes + Paid Workshops + Showcase ONLY Tickets” Tab at this link.
Please note, these individual showcase tickets do NOT:
- provide entrance to the vendor area
- provide any food
- provide access to any free workshops or seminars
- provide access to take paid workshops
You must leave after the showcase you purchased the individual ticket for.
The individual showcase tickets ($30, each) provide access to seating that is in a balcony looking down at the stage and the vendor area. Showcases range from 30 minutes to 90+ minutes. The price is the same for each showcase. There are no discounts for purchasing more than one showcase ticket. You will check in by name for the showcase.
The individual showcase entry is ONLY accessible by going through the casino. You can only go through the casino if you are 21+. Follow signs for “the Hall.”
Weekend and Day passes DO allow entry to the vendor area and are all ages because you do NOT go through the casino.
Click here to log directly into WellnessLiving to buy workshops and showcase only tickets.
*NEW* for 2024 and beyond, you sign up for a workshop type (pole or non-pole) instead of a specific workshop. This means you can switch out of workshops by yourself. Watch this video on how to change out of any workshop.
Showcase only tickets work the same way.
How do I sell my product or service at THE INTERNATIONAL POLE CONVENTION? Exhibitor/Vendor Information
Interested in showcasing your product or service by exhibiting at THE INTERNATIONAL POLE CONVENTION event?
NEW as of 2025 events* To purchase a booth for PoleCon or PoleCon: West, you MUST fill out this form first.
Booths for PoleCon will go on sale to those that filled out the form above on October 10. Previous exhibitors will have access to purchase booths the week prior.
Booths for PoleCon: West will go on sale March 10, 2025.
**Please note: While we don’t offer refunds, you can absolutely transfer your booth to someone else through a private sale or other exchange. Just let us know who you’ve “sold” your booth to so we can update our files. **
Past and present exhibitors can be included in our Exhibitor Directory for free!
How do I sponsor THE INTERNATIONAL POLE CONVENTION? Event Sponsorship Information
Our sponsors represent the best products and services in pole, fitness, nutrition and wellness. Click on their logos to learn more. Interested in becoming a sponsor to promote your business? Check out this link for 2025 sponsor levels and advertising options.
PoleCon 2025 Sponsors
PoleCon: West 2025 Sponsors
Shop PoleCon Swag!
Shop the PoleCon store!
Orders will close at the end of every month and be fulfilled 2-3 weeks into the new month.
Click the image below to start shopping! The store will open in a new window.
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Where is THE INTERNATIONAL POLE CONVENTION?
PoleCon 2025 will be held at the Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland: 7002 Arundel Mills Cir Ste 7777, Hanover, MD 21076
Book your hotel room at this link! The host hotel WILL SELL OUT.
Other hotel room blocks for close hotels:
PoleCon: West 2025 will be held at the Hyatt Regency Denver At Colorado Convention Center: 650 15th St, Denver, CO 80202