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.
PoleCon: Intensive is an event featuring 4-hour intensive workshops, food and an epic gift bag! There are no Intensive events currently scheduled.
PoleCon 2023: DC Metro Area June 15-18, 2023
You must have a 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)
Free (as listed) workshops and seminars (published in mid-February 2023)
Access to buy to paid pole and non-pole workshops all weekend long!
FOOD: Lunch Friday and Saturday, Breakfast Sunday
All performances all weekend
This is the only ticket that includes Thursday opening night!
Access to the Exhibitor Hall
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 2023)
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
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?
- 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. To attend Thursday night, please buy the Para Pole/Sexy Showcase ticket.
For the 2023 event ONLY: showcase only tickets are available for all showcases. 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.
This is a good blog explaining the general costs for PoleCon so you can plan and budget effectively should you wish to attend: What is the true cost of PoleCon? ***PLEASE NOTE: prices may change, discounts may change and links to apply are OUT OF DATE***
2. Can anyone perform?
Yes! The International Pole Convention celebrates the diverse pole community.
Applications for PoleCon 2023 have closed.
PoleCon Organized Showcases include: Artistic/Contemporary, Pole Masters (40+), Pole Comedy, Men of Pole, Sexy, Lyra/Aerial, PowerFlow, Troupes & Groups, Up & Coming Stars, Youth (under 18), Para Pole (for polers who are differently abled), Low Flow, Experimental and Creepy. Other groups such as Dangerous Curves and Black Girls Pole may run other showcases during PoleCon. Apply for those showcases using the form above.
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:
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 2023 have closed.
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 2023 have closed.
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 2023 have closed.
10. 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
11. 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). 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!
12. 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.
13. 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 Colleen.
14. 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.
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—included in your admission to PoleCon—Friday and Saturday and breakfast Sunday only.
See the schedule at a glance on our cheat sheet. CLICK HERE TO SEE 11×17 PDF CHEAT SHEET.
PLEASE NOTE: you do NOT sign up for showcases or for free workshops/seminars. You just show up. You MUST have a Weekend or Day pass to attend workshops.
*New for 2023* There are individual showcase tickets for ALL showcases. 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 do NOT provide access to vendor area.
Also view the schedule here in this widget (below). Widget not showing? Click here.
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?
BOOTHS ARE SOLD OUT FOR 2023 Event
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR BOOTH (click link then click “Buy Tickets”)
All inside booths are 8ftx10ft include black pipe/drape (full “wall” to the back and half “wall” of drape to the sides), 1 6ft table, 2 chairs, a wastebasket, 2 Weekend Passes to PoleCon (additional passes for booth staff available at 50% off regular price).
Inside Booths can be split by up to three companies. Wifi is included. Electric is not. Electric can be purchased via our exhibitor services company in the months before the event. Questions? — Ask us!
All Hall Way booths are a 6ft table with 2 chairs. They also include 2 Weekend Passes to PoleCon (additional passes for booth staff available at 50% off regular price).
Hall Way booths can by split by up to two companies. Wifi is included. Electric is not. Electric can be purchased via our exhibitor services company in the months before the event.
(Many exhibitors do NOT purchase electricity.)
ALL Exhibitors must provide a certificate of insurance for commercial liability insurance listing PoleCon as an additional insured. Don’t have insurance? Our insurance company offers a weekend policy you can buy so that you are compliant with this request.
**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 sponsor levels and advertising options.
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Where is THE INTERNATIONAL POLE CONVENTION?
PoleCon 2023 June 15-18, 2023 will be held at:
Book your discounted hotel room at this link. NOTE: As of Feb 21, 2023 MOST of the rooms at the host hotel are booked for Friday and Saturday nights. You can try the link because sometimes people cancel or trying calling the hotel.
We have negotiated two new room blocks at local (walkable) hotels to the venue: