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.

2025 SCHEDULE

Starpower Talent Competition

2025 Schedule

(DOWNLOAD 2025 SCHEDULE)
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Alabama
Mar 14-16 | Birmingham, AL

Venue: Sheraton Birmingham Hotel
Deadline: Feb 6, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Alaska
Feb 14-16 | Anchorage, AK

Venue: Wendy Williamson Auditorium
Deadline: Jan 10, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Arizona
Mar 21-23 | Gilbert, AZ

Venue: Higley Center for the Performing Arts
Deadline: Feb 14, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Arkansas
Feb 21-23 | Little Rock, AR

Venue: Maumelle High School
Deadline: Jan 24, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

California
Feb 21-23 | Redondo, CA

Venue: Centinela Valley Center for the Arts
Deadline: Jan 17, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Mar 7-9 | San Jose, CA

Venue: San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
Deadline: Jan 31, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Mar 14-16 | Dublin, CA

Venue: Dublin High School
Deadline: Feb 16, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Mar 21-23 | Fresno, CA

Venue: Saroyan Theatre
Deadline: Feb 14, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

April 11-13 | Anaheim, CA

Venue: Anaheim Marriott
Deadline: Mar 7, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

May 16-18 | Escondido, CA

Venue: California Center for the Arts, Escondido
Deadline: Apr 11, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

March 28-30 | Riverside, CA

Venue: Fox Performing Arts Center
Deadline: Feb 21, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

TBA | San Diego, CA

Venue: TBA
Deadline: TBA
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Colorado
May 9-11 | Denver, CO

Venue: Westin Westminster
Deadline: Apr 4, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Connecticut
March 14-16 | Hartford, CT

Venue: Connecticut Convention Center
Deadline: Feb 6, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Apr 25-27 | Ledyard, CT

Venue: Foxwoods Resort ~ Rainmaker Expo Hall
Deadline: Mar 21, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Florida
Feb 28-Mar 2 | Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Venue: Charles F Dodge City Center
Deadline: Dec 31, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Feb 28-Mar 2 | Orlando, FL

Venue: Windermere High School
Deadline: Dec 31, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Mar 28-30 | Ft. Myers, FL

Venue: Suncoast Credit Union Arena at Florida Southwestern State College
Deadline: Feb 21, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Mar 28-30 | Tampa, FL

Venue: Florida State Fairgrounds
Deadline: Feb 21, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Mar 28-30 | West Palm Beach, FL

Venue: Palm Beach County Convention Center
Deadline: Feb 21, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Apr 4-6 | Jacksonville, FL

Venue: UNF Fine Arts Center
Deadline: Feb 28, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Apr 4-6 | Lakeland, FL

Venue: The Lakeland Center (RP Funding Center)
Deadline: Feb 28, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Jan 31-Feb 2 | Classic Event, Miami, FL

Venue: Broward County Convention Center
Deadline: Dec 27, 2024
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Georgia
Mar 14-16 | Atlanta, GA

Venue: Clayton Performing Arts Center
Deadline: Feb 6, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Hawaii
Mar 28-30 | Honolulu, HI

Venue: TBD
Deadline: Feb 21, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Illinois
Mar 21-23 | Collinsville, IL

Venue: Gateway Convention Center
Deadline: Feb 14, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Apr 4-6 | Aurora, IL

Venue: Oswego East High School
Deadline: Feb 28, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Indiana
Apr 25-27 | Classic Event - Indianapolis, IN

Venue: Warren Central High School
Deadline: Mar 21, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Iowa
February 7-9 | Davenport, IA

Venue: Adler Theatre
Deadline: Jan 3, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Kansas
March 7-9 | Wichita, KS

Venue: TBA
Deadline: Jan 31, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Louisiana
Apr 4-6 | Baton Rouge, LA

Venue: Raising Canes River Center
Deadline: Feb 28, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Maryland
Apr 4-6 | Laurel, MD

Venue: Laurel High School
Deadline: Feb 28, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Apr 11-13 | Baltimore, MD

Venue: Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor
Deadline: Mar 7, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Apr 25-27 | Upper Marlboro, MD

Venue: The Show Place Arena at Prince George Equestrian Center
Deadline: Mar 21, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Massachusetts
Feb 14-16 | Andover, MA

Venue: J Everett Collins PAC
Deadline: Jan 10, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Mar 14-16 | Lowell, MA

Venue: Lowell Memorial Auditorium
Deadline: Feb 6, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

May 9-11 | Springfield, MA

Venue: Mass Mutual Center
Deadline: Apr 4, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Michigan
Mar 14-16 | Detroit, MI

Venue: Oxford High School
Deadline: Feb 21, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Minnesota
Apr 25-27 | Minneapolis, MN

Venue: Minneapolis Convention Center
Deadline: Mar 21, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Mississippi
Apr 4-6 | Biloxi, MS

Venue: Mississippi Coast Coliseum
Deadline: Feb 28, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Missouri
Feb 14-16 | Kansas City, MO

Venue: Hyvee Arena
Deadline: Jan 10, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Nebraska
Mar 21-23 | Omaha, NE

Venue: CHI Health Convention Center
Deadline: Feb 14, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Nevada
March 1-2 | Las Vegas, NV

Venue: Westgate Las Vegas
Deadline: Jan 31, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

New Jersey
Jan 31-Feb 2 | Sewell, NJ

Venue: Republic Bank Performing Arts Center (formerly Investors Bank PAC)
Deadline: Jan 8, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Feb 21-23 | Jackson Township, NJ

Venue: Jackson Memorial High School
Deadline: Jan 17, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Feb 21-23 | Sparta, NJ

Venue: Sussex County Tech School
Deadline: Jan 24, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Feb 28-March 2 | East Brunswick, NJ (I)

Venue: Jo Ann Magistro PAC @ Hammarskjold Middle School
Deadline: Jan 24, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Feb 28-March 2 | Meadowlands, NJ (I)

Venue: Meadowlands Expo Center
Deadline: Jan 24, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Mar 7-9 | Classic Event - Meadowlands, NJ (II)

Venue: Meadowlands Expo Center
Deadline: Jan 24, 2025
Click Here To Register
Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Mar 14-16 | East Brunswick, NJ (II)

Venue: Jo Ann Magistro PAC @ Hammarskjold Middle School
Deadline: Feb 6, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Apr 11-13 | Manahawkin, NJ

Venue: Stafford Township Arts Center
Deadline: Mar 7, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Apr 11-13 | Meadowlands, NJ (II)

Venue: Meadowlands Expo Center
Deadline: Mar 7, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

May 2-4 | Classic Event - East Brunswick, NJ (III)

Venue: Jo Ann Magistro PAC @ Hammarskjold Middle School
Deadline: Mar 28, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

May 10-11 | Meadowlands, NJ (IV)

Venue: Meadowlands Expo Center
Deadline: Apr 4, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

May 16-18 | East Brunswick, NJ (IV)

Venue: Jo Ann Magistro PAC @ Hammarskjold Middle School
Deadline: Apr 11, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

May 16-18 | Freehold, NJ

Venue: iPlay America
Deadline: Apr 11, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

New Mexico
Apr 4-6 | Albuquerque, NM

Venue: Kiva Auditorium
Deadline: Feb 25, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

New York
Mar 7-9 | Syracuse, NY

Venue: The Oncenter
Deadline: Jan 31, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Apr 4-6 | Long Island (I) - Two Locations, NY

Venue: East Islip HS / Tilles Center
Deadline: Feb 28, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Apr 11-13 | Long Island, NY (II)

Venue: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts LIU Post
Deadline: Mar 7, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

May 2-4 | Buffalo, NY

Venue: Event Center at the Fairgrounds
Deadline: Mar 28, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

May 2-4 | Niagara Falls, NY

Venue: Niagara Falls Convention Center
Deadline: Mar 28, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

North Carolina
Mar 7-9 | Raleigh/Durham, NC

Venue: Durham Convention Center
Deadline: Jan 31, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

May 2-4 | Concord, NC

Venue: Cabarrus Arena & Event Center
Deadline: Mar 28, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Ohio
May 2-4 | Columbus, OH

Venue: Columbus Convention Center
Deadline: Mar 28, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

May 23-25 | Sandusky, OH

Venue: Kalahari Resorts Sandusky
Deadline: Apr 18, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Oklahoma
Feb 28-Mar 2 | Tulsa, OK

Venue: Cox Business Center/Tulsa Convention Center
Deadline: Jan 24, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Oregon
Feb 28-Mar 2 | Portland, OR

Venue: Oregon Convention Center
Deadline: Jan 24, 2025
Click Here To Register
Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Pennsylvania
Mar 14-16 | Pittsburgh, PA (I)

Venue: Cornell High School
Deadline: Feb 6, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Mar 28-30 | Pittsburgh, PA (II)

Venue: David Lawrence Convention Center
Deadline: Feb 21, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Mar 28-30 | Classic Event - Pittsburgh, PA (III)

Venue: Cornell High School
Deadline: Feb 6, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Apr 25-27 | Oaks, PA

Venue: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
Deadline: Mar 21, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

May 23-25 | Lancaster, PA

Venue: Wyndham Lancaster Resort and Convention Center
Deadline: Apr 18, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Rhode Island
Mar 28-30 | Providence, RI

Venue: The Vets RI
Deadline: Feb 21, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

South Carolina
Apr 4-6 | Spartanburg, SC

Venue: Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
Deadline: Feb 28, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Tennessee
Mar 21-23 | Murfreesboro, TN

Venue: Tucker Theater @ Middle TN State University
Deadline: Feb 14, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

May 16-18 | Memphis, TN

Venue: Renasant Convention Center
Deadline: Apr 11, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Texas
Apr 4-6 | Fort Worth, TX

Venue: Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium
Deadline: Feb 28, 2025
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Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Apr 25-27 | Austin, TX

Venue: Palmer Event Center
Deadline: Mar 21, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

TBA | Houston, TX

Venue: TBA
Deadline: TBA
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Utah
April 24-26 | Salt Lake City, UT

Venue: Salt Palace Convention Center
Deadline: Mar 21, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Virginia
April 11-13 | Classic Event - Woodbridge, VA (I)

Venue: Hylton High School
Deadline: Mar 7, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

May 2-4 | Woodbridge, VA (II) (2 Locations)

Venue: 2 Locations
Deadline: Mar 28, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

May 9-11 | Hampton Roads, VA

Venue: Hampton Roads Convention Center
Deadline: Apr 4, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Washington
Mar 21-23 | Spokane, WA

Venue: First Interstate Center for the Arts
Deadline: Feb 14, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Apr 25-27 | Seattle, WA

Venue: Highline Performing Arts Center
Deadline: Mar 21, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

West Virginia
March 7-9 | Charleston, WV

Venue: Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
Deadline: Feb 14, 2024
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Wisconsin
Mar 21-23 | Madison, WI

Venue: River Arts Center
Deadline: Feb 14, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

Wyoming
Feb 28-Mar 1 | Gillette, WY

Venue: The Cam-Plex
Deadline: Jan 24, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com


2025 Nationals

June 23-27 | Atlantic City, NJ

Venue: Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City
Deadline: May 20, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

June 23-27 | Las Vegas, NV

Venue: TBD
Deadline: May 12, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

June 23-27 | Hershey, PA

Venue: Hershey Lodge
Deadline: May 20, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

June 27-July 1 | Branson, MO

Venue: Branson Convention Center
Deadline: May 23, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

June 30-July 4 | Orlando, FL

Venue: Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
Deadline: May 26, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

July 1-5 | Wisconsin Dells, WI

Venue: Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells
Deadline: May 27, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

July 9-13 | Ocean City, MD

Venue: Roland E Powell Convention Center
Deadline: Jun 14, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com

July 13-17 | Myrtle Beach, SC

Venue: Myrtle Beach Convention Center
Deadline: Jun 18, 2025
Click Here To Register

Point Of Contact:
daniella@starpowertalent.com