This Blog is posted to review the prep work for the LCCA’s 57th Anniversary Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. Stop by often to catch all the latest news and updates on the Convention. And remember that you can always be directed to all things LCCA Cincinnati by using the hashtag #LCCACincy in the URL line of your browser.  #LCCACincy

REMINDER - LCCA 2027 Cincinnati Convention is hosted 3rd Week in July - July 19 - July 24, 2027

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Early Details, Local Participation, and What’s Ahead

Sep 16, 2026

As we move closer to the 2027 LCCA National Convention in Cincinnati, members have begun asking about the agenda, hotel details, and opportunities for local club involvement. While many elements are still in development, I wanted to share what we know today and outline how local railroad clubs can begin preparing.

Where the Agenda Stands Today

Right now, we have a working outline rather than a finalized schedule. Several cornerstone events are already planned:

  • July 18 – President’s Welcome Reception
  • July 21 – First Timers Gathering
    • A relaxed meet‑and‑greet with snacks, refreshments, and face time with the LCCA leadership team
  • July 22 – Get Acquainted Party
    • Entertainment, buffet dinner, raffle prizes
  • July 23
    • (Morning/ Afternoon) – Trading Hall Setup
    • (Afternoon) – Membership meeting and Lionel Seminar
    • (Evening) – Trading Hall opens for members.
  • July 24 – Banquet Gala
    • (Evening) Plated meal service, Award presentations, Silent Auction, Raffles and Prizes, end of convention game

Later this month, convention team members Bob Verhoef and John Seresky will be in Cincinnati visiting popular attractions and evaluating options for tours and activities. Their findings will help shape the final agenda, but at this stage nothing is set in stone.

Hotel & Meeting Location: What We Can Share

The hotel contract for Cincinnati was signed nearly two years ago. As is standard practice, the hotel name and meeting location will remain concealed until the February issue of The Lion Roars is released. This protects our room block and ensures LCCA members have priority access.

Because the contract was executed by the previous convention manager, I have not yet had substantial conversations with the hotel’s management team. However, room block reservations are expected to open around February 15, 2027.

Local Club Participation: Opportunities & Considerations

Cincinnati is home to a vibrant model railroading community, and we welcome as much participation as the venue can support. Until I see the space in person, some details remain fluid, but here’s what we can outline now:

Layout Displays

Layout participation is always encouraged. Our FasTrack Modular Railroad Coordinator, Jim Petrusek, will be responsible for assigning layout space. Final placement depends on Trading Hall table sales, which typically stabilize around April. The large modular layout usually fills any remaining space once table sales are finalized, and then we fill the convention space with layouts to highlight “The Best Toy Train Club on the Planet” has arrived.

Volunteers

Local volunteers are invaluable. We especially need bus captains, Operators for the Kids Room, and crowd‑flow support as well as personnel to help setup the Banquet Gala.  If you are interested in helping please send John Seresky (Volunteer Coordinator) an email and he will add your name to the list of potential volunteers.  

Seminar Leaders

If you know local members or hobbyists who are comfortable speaking in front of groups and have strong knowledge of trains, layout building, or related topics. I’d love to hear about them. Seminar leaders are an important part of the convention experience.

Public Outreach

One of the biggest areas where local help makes a difference is spreading the word to:

  • Train shops
  • Clubs
  • Hobbyists
  • Local railroading communities
  • Church groups
  • Scouting organizations

The Trading Hall is open to the public on Saturday from 9 AM - 3 PM, and strong attendance is a major goal.

FasTrack Modular Railroad

Cincinnati is near several well‑known FMRR clubs, so we anticipate at least one large modular layout. The layout is typically fully assembled by Tuesday afternoon, and convention attendees are welcome to run trains throughout the week.

If you or your club members would like to run trains, simply coordinate with Jim Petrusek as we get closer to the convention (March and April 2027).

 

Kevin J Davis
Convention Manager, LCCA