Title Image

Gary Pate

Gary has been involved in show business, entertainment and dance since the age of five. He received his Associate of Arts Degree from Prince George’s College and his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Maryland. He has owned and directed one of the largest gymnastics and dance complexes on the East Coast and was the director and choreographer for Superstars Show Troupe, one of the country’s hottest performing groups.

 

Gary and his students have appeared on the hit TV shows, Star Search, The Today Show, P.M. Magazine, and Good Morning America, have performed at the Apollo Theater, Disney World, The White House for three U.S. Presidents, the National Theater, NFL and NBA half-time shows, and were invited to perform at the World Expo in Brisbane, Australia.

 

Gary has appeared on the cover of Dance Teacher Now, Dancer Magazine, and Performer’s Edge Magazine, and is one of the hottest practicing jazz and acrobatics teachers. He has taught for every major dance organization in the United States, including Dance Educators of America, Dance Masters of America, Dance Olympus, Dance Caravan, Canadian Dance Teachers, NADA and Professional Dance Teachers of America. Gary has taught Master Classes from coast to coast and from Canada to Puerto Rico, also bringing dynamic styles of teaching to private studios across the country. He has worked with great stars such as Sinbad, Celine Dion, Ricky Martin, Donald Trump, Michael Bolton, Gregory Peck, Lorrie Morgan, Don Rickles, Shari Lewis, “Downtown” Julie Brown, Stevie Wonder, Shania Twain, Heart and the Go Go’s. Many of Gary’s students have gone on to professional careers as dance teachers as well as Broadway and Vegas performers – such as J.C. from ‘N Sync.

 

One of the most highly sought after performing arts judges in the country, Gary has also served on the Board of Directors for Dance Educators of America, where he held the position of Competition Chairman. In this position, he built Dance Educators of America’s National Dance Competition into one of the biggest in the U.S. In 1992 Gary received the 3rd Annual Robert Christopher Award and in 1991, Mexico honored his achievements in the Art of Dance. Also, Gary has been the proud recipient of the coveted “Angel Award” presented by Gus Giordano at the Jazz Dance World Congress.

 

Since 1994, Gary has served on the executive committee for the Larry King Cardiac Foundation, helping to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to cover the costs of heart transplants for needy recipients around the world.

 

Gary began working in the talent competition business over 25 years ago, when he and his parents opened their very first “Starmaker Competition” in Washington, D.C., and has since gone on to lead the nation in establishing comprehensive and fair rules in the talent competition industry.

 

Gary, in his quest for discovering new talent, established STARPOWER NATIONAL TALENT COMPETITION in 1988 and has set a rapid pace in building this organization into one of the largest and most prestigious talent competitions in America. It is his goal to make Starpower an exciting, professional and fun-filled event, creating memories for a lifetime for performers, dance teachers and parents in attendance.

 

On a personal note, Gary loves being a father to his two daughters, Noelle & Jada and is proud to have Noelle a part of the Starpower team. He also loves being able to join his own family with his Starpower family he has created over the past two decades. Being a dance parent for a second time around with Jada, helps him relate to what the parents go through on a day to day basis and strives to always keep that in mind when organizing and planning Starpower events. Gary has truly worn all hats in the industry which has only helped him become the successful man he is today.

2026 SCHEDULE

Starpower Talent Competition

2026 Schedule

(DOWNLOAD 2026 SCHEDULE)
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Alabama
Mar 13-15 | Birmingham, AL

Venue: Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex
Deadline: Feb 11, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Alaska
Feb 13-15 | Anchorage, AK

Venue: Wendy Williamson Auditorium
Deadline: Jan 14, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Arizona
Mar 20-22 | Gilbert, AZ

Venue: Higley Center for the Performing Arts
Deadline: Feb 18, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Arkansas
March 13-15 | Little Rock, AR

Venue: Statehouse Convention Center
Deadline: Feb 11, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

California
Feb 20-22 | Redondo, CA

Venue: TBA
Deadline: Jan 17, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Feb 27-Mar 1 | San Jose, CA

Venue: San Jose Civic
Deadline: Feb 4, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Mar 13-15 | Dublin, CA

Venue: Dublin High School
Deadline: Feb 11, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Mar 20-22 | Fresno, CA

Venue: Fresno Convention Center
Deadline: Feb 18, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

March 27-29 | Riverside, CA

Venue: Riverside Convention Cente
Deadline: Feb 25, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

March 27-29 | Sacramento, CA

Venue: Safe Credit Union Convention Center
Deadline: Feb 25, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

April 24-26 | Anaheim, CA

Venue: Anaheim Marriott
Deadline: Mar 25, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

May 1-3 | San Diego, CA

Venue: Town & Country Resort
Deadline: Apr 8, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

May 15-17 | Escondido, CA

Venue: TBA
Deadline: Apr 15, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Colorado

May 8-10 | Denver, CO

Venue: Westin Westminster
Deadline: Apr 8, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Connecticut
March 6-8| Hartford, CT

Venue: Connecticut Convention Center
Deadline: Feb 4, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Apr 24-26 | Ledyard, CT

Venue: Foxwoods Resort
Deadline: Mar 21, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Florida
Feb 20-22 | Classic Event, Orlando, FL

Venue: Windermere High School
Deadline: Jan 21, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Feb 27-Mar 1 | Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Venue: Charles F Dodge City Center
Deadline: Jan 28, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Mar 20-22 | Jacksonville, FL

Venue: UNF Lazzara Performance Hall
Deadline: Feb 18, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Mar 27-29 | Ft. Myers, FL

Venue: Florida SouthWestern State College
Deadline: Feb 25, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Mar 27-29 | Orlando, FL

Venue: Orange County Convention Center
Deadline: Feb 25, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Mar 27-29 | Tampa, FL

Venue: Florida State Fairgrounds
Deadline: Feb 25, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Apr 24-28 | , Miami, FL

Venue: TBA
Deadline: TBA
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Georgia
Mar 27-29 | Atlanta, GA

Venue: Georgia World Congress Center
Deadline: Feb 25, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Hawaii
Feb 13-15 | Honolulu, HI

Venue: Leeward Theater
Deadline: Jan 14, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Illinois
Mar 20-22 | Collinsville, IL

Venue: Gateway Convention Center
Deadline: Feb 18, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Apr 10-12 | Chicago, IL

Venue: EVEN Hotel & Tinley Park Convention Center
Deadline: Mar 11, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Indiana
April 24-26 | Indianapolis, IN

Venue: TBA
Deadline: March 11, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Iowa
February 6-8 | Davenport, IA

Venue: Adler Theatre
Deadline: TBA
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Kansas
March 13-15 | Wichita, KS

Venue: TBA
Deadline: Feb 11, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Louisiana
Apr 10-12 | Baton Rouge, LA

Venue: Raising Canes River Center
Deadline: Mar 11, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Maryland
Apr 10-12 | Baltimore, MD

Venue: Peggy and Yale Gordon Center For Performing Arts
Deadline: Mar 11, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Apr 10-12 | Laurel, MD

Venue: Laurel High School
Deadline: Mar 11, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Apr 24-26 | Upper Marlboro, MD

Venue: The Show Place Arena at Prince George Equestrian Center
Deadline: Mar 21, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Massachusetts
Feb 13-15 | Andover, MA

Venue: J Everett Collins PAC
Deadline: Jan 14, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Mar 13-15 | Lowell, MA

Venue: Lowell Memorial Auditorium
Deadline: Feb 11, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

May 1-3 | Springfield, MA

Venue: Mass Mutual Center
Deadline: Apr 1, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Michigan
Mar 20-22 | Detroit, MI

Venue: Suburban Collection Showplace
Deadline: Feb 18, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Minnesota
Apr 10-12 | Minneapolis, MN

Venue: Minneapolis Convention Center
Deadline: Mar 11, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Mississippi
Apr 17-19 | Biloxi, MS

Venue: Mississippi Coast Coliseum
Deadline: Mar 18, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Missouri
Feb 13-15 | Kansas City, MO

Venue: Hyvee Arena
Deadline: Jan 14, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Nebraska
Mar 20-22 | Omaha, NE

Venue: CHI Health Convention Center
Deadline: Feb 18, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Nevada
Feb 27 - Mar 1 | Las Vegas, NV

Venue: TBA
Deadline: Jan 28, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

New Jersey
Feb 13-15 | Sewell, NJ

Venue: Investors Bank Performing Arts Center
Deadline: Jan 14, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Feb 27-March 1 | East Brunswick, NJ (I)

Venue: Jo Ann Magistro PAC @ Hammarskjold Middle School
Deadline: Jan 248, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Feb 27-March 1 | Meadowlands, NJ (I)

Venue: Meadowlands Expo Center
Deadline: Jan 28, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Mar 6-8 | Meadowlands, NJ (II)

Venue: Meadowlands Expo Center
Deadline: Feb 4, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

March 27-29 | Sparta, NJ

Venue: Feb. 25, 2026
Deadline: Sussex County Tech School
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Mar 13-15 | East Brunswick, NJ (II)

Venue: Jo Ann Magistro PAC @ Hammarskjold Middle School
Deadline: Feb 11, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Apr 17-19 | Meadowlands, NJ (II)

Venue: Meadowlands Expo Center
Deadline: Mar 18, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

May 1-3 | Manahawkin, NJ

Venue: Stafford Township Arts Center
Deadline: Apr 1, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

May 1-3 | Classic Event - East Brunswick, NJ (III)

Venue: Jo Ann Magistro PAC @ Hammarskjold Middle School
Deadline: Apr 1, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

May 8-10 | Meadowlands, NJ (IV)

Venue: Meadowlands Expo Center
Deadline: Apr 8, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

May 15-17 | East Brunswick, NJ (IV)

Venue: Jo Ann Magistro PAC @ Hammarskjold Middle School
Deadline: Apr 15, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

May 15-17 | Freehold, NJ

Venue: iPlay America
Deadline: Apr 15, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

New Mexico
Mar 27-29 | Albuquerque, NM

Venue: TBA
Deadline: Feb 25, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

New York
Mar 6-8 | Syracuse, NY

Venue: The Oncenter
Deadline: Feb 4, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Apr 17-19 | Long Island - Two Locations, NY

Venue: East Islip HS / Tilles Center
Deadline: mar 18, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

May 1-3 | Buffalo, NY

Venue: Event Center at the Fairgrounds
Deadline: Apr 1, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

May 1-3 | Niagara Falls, NY

Venue: Niagara Falls Convention Center
Deadline: Apr 1, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

North Carolina
Mar 6-8 | Raleigh/Durham, NC

Venue: Durham Convention Center
Deadline: Feb 4, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

May 1-3 | Concord, NC

Venue: Cabarrus Arena & Event Center
Deadline: Apr 1, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Ohio
May 8-10 | Columbus, OH

Venue: Greater Columbus Convention Center
Deadline: Apr 8, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

May 22-24 | Sandusky, OH

Venue: Kalahari Resorts Sandusky
Deadline: Apr 22, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Oklahoma
Feb 27-Mar 1 | Tulsa, OK

Venue: Cox Business Center/Tulsa Convention Center
Deadline: Jan 28, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Oregon
Mar 6-Mar 8 | Portland, OR

Venue: Oregon Convention Center
Deadline: Feb 4, 2026
Click Here To Register
Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Pennsylvania
Mar 13-15 | Pittsburgh, PA (I)

Venue: Cornell High School
Deadline: Feb 11, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Apr 24-26 | Oaks, PA

Venue: The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center & Fairgrounds
Deadline: Mar 21, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Apr 24-26 | Pittsburgh, PA

Venue: David Lawrence Convention Center
Deadline: Mar 25, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

May 22-24 | Lancaster, PA

Venue: Wyndham Lancaster Resort and Convention Center
Deadline: Apr 22, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Rhode Island
Apr 17-19 | Providence, RI

Venue: Rhode Island Convention Cente
Deadline: Mar 18, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

South Carolina
Apr 17-19 | Spartanburg, SC

Venue: Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
Deadline: Mar 18, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Tennessee
Mar 13-15 | Murfreesboro, TN

Venue: Tucker Theater @ Middle TN State University
Deadline: Feb 11, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

May 15-17 | Memphis, TN

Venue: TBA
Deadline: Apr 15, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Texas
Apr 10-12 | Dallas, TX

Venue: Mesquite Convention Center
Deadline: Mar 11, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Apr 17-19 | Austin, TX

Venue: Palmer Event Center
Deadline: Mar 18, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Apr 17-19 | Houston, TX

Venue: Humble Civic Center
Deadline: Mar 28, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Utah
Feb 12-14 | Layton, UT

Venue: Davis Convention Center
Deadline: January 13, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Virginia
May 1-3 | Woodbridge, VA (2 Locations)

Venue: 2 Locations
Deadline: Apr 1, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

May 8-10 | Hampton Roads, VA

Venue: Hampton Roads Convention Center
Deadline: Apr 8, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Washington
Apr 24-26 | Seattle, WA

Venue: Highline Performing Arts Center
Deadline: Mar 21, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

West Virginia
March 6-8 | Charleston, WV

Venue: CHS Performing Arts Center
Deadline: Feb 4, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Wisconsin
Mar 20-22 | Madison, WI

Venue: River Arts Center
Deadline: Feb 18, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

Wyoming
Feb 27-Mar 1 | Gillette, WY

Venue: The Cam-Plex
Deadline: Jan 28, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com


2026 Nationals

June 22-26 | Atlantic City, NJ

Venue: Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
Deadline: May 23, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

June 22-26 | Hershey, PA

Venue: Hershey Lodge
Deadline: May 23, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

June 22-26 | Las Vegas, NV

Venue: Westgate Las Vegas
Deadline: May 25, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

June 26-30 | Branson, MO

Venue: Branson Convention Center
Deadline: May 27, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

June 30-July 4 | Wisconsin Dells, WI

Venue: Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells
Deadline: May 31, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

July 5-9 | Orlando, FL

Venue: Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
Deadline: June 5, 2026
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Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

July 8-12 | Ocean City, MD

Venue: Roland E Powell Convention Center
Deadline: Jun 8, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com

July 12-16 | Myrtle Beach, SC

Venue: Myrtle Beach Convention Center
Deadline: Jun 12, 2026
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
info@Starpowertalent.com