The event will be held in Joseph on Jan. 18-22, the week following the seventh annual WinterFest snowmobile races. Wallowa County Gamblers Snowmobile Club is hosting the convention.
Event organizer Gary Bethscheider said he expects the convention to be a big boost to the local economy.
"We hope to get 500 people for WinterFest and probably 500 to 600 for the convention. And, most will stay from Tuesday to Sunday," said Bethscheider. The final dinner and auction drew 325 people in John Day last year.
The 2011 convention offers guided rides through the several mountain locations including the Salt Creek Summit and the Hells Canyon Overlook area. Once off the mountain, participants will be offered social hours each evening followed by dinner, raffles and prizes. Outlaw Motor Sports is co-sponsoring demonstration rides with the Yamaha company during the five-day convention, and vendors will offer products unique to the event. Vendor space is still available.
