2023 South Dakota Wing Conference - Civil Air Patrol

The wing conference will be held from 5 to 7 May 2023. At the wing conference, you'll be able to choose which educational and hands-on seminars or classroom training you would like to be a part of. We plan to offer over 30 different seminars for you to choose from. You'll also have the opportunity to rekindle old friendships and make new friends. So much of what we do in CAP is centered on what all the squadron members do together as a wing. The wing conference is a critical part of your CAP experience so you can get to know who you'll be working with on future missions, and you'll learn so much about how the CAP operates and how to do your job in CAP.

This year’s wing conference will be held at the Ramkota Hotel, located at 920 West Sioux Avenue, Pierre, South Dakota 57501.

Rooms must be reserved by April 15, 2023 to secure the group rate.

Please contact the Ramkota Hotel at (605) 224-6877 for reservations, make sure you let them know that you are with Civil Air Patrol.

We are getting a $112.00 rate, plus tax, from the Ramkota for the rooms per night. You will need to purchase a ticket for the conference on this web site (Eventbrite). If you're going to stay at the Ramkota please:

1. If you're a senior member or adult associated with CAP, call the Ramkota to make your own reservation. Tell them you're a part of the Civil Air Patrol. (605) 224-6877

2. If you're a cadet, and your parent(s) would like to stay overnight in Pierre, have them call the Ramkota to book your room(s). Inform your squadron of your plan, so they know what's going on.

3. If you're a cadet that will be attending without your family, you'll need to coordinate with your squadron chain of command for both hotel rooms and a ride. Each squadron will have their own procedures. They may have you make the hotel reservation, or they may make the reservation for you. Each room will cost $112.00 per night, plus tax. All rooms must be secured with a credit card. All guests staying at the hotel will get free breakfast each day.

Rooms must be reserved by April 15, 2023 to secure this rate!

Here are some of the events that we are planning for the Wing Conference:

Friday, May 5 at 7:00 PM- Cadet Social/7:00 PM Senior Social

Saturday, May 6 at 8:00 AM- General Assembly

Saturday morning and afternoon classes and seminars that we are planning to offer (This list is subject to change): Pilot Training, Aircrew Training, Ground Team Training, Cadet Advisory Meeting, Logistic Updates, Public Affairs Update, Encampment Prep, Inspector General Meeting, Personnel and Professional Development Update, National Cadet Special Activities/National Emergency Services Academy Update, Small Unmanned Aerial Systems, Basic GPS, Aerial Photography, Urban Direction Finding, Cadet Programs Update, Specialty Track Updates.

Saturday, May 6 at 6:00 PM Cadet Social/6:00 PM Senior Social

Saturday, May 6 at 7:00 PM Awards Banquet

Sunday, May 7 at 8:00 AM Wing Commander Staff Meeting for all Wing Staff and Squadron Commanders.

Uniform Requirements for the Banquet:

(See CAPR 39-1)

Cadets: Class A uniform, Dress uniform without outer blouse, appropriate civilian attire

Seniors: Air Force style Mess Dress, Corporate Semi-formal uniform, Corporate Service Dress or Air Force style Class A uniform, Air Force Corporate uniform without blouse/blazer, or appropriate civilian attire.

Guests: Black Tie or Suit and Tie. Females: Floor length evening dress or suit with matching jacket and pants or skirt dress shirt or shell, closed-toe shoes, or short or mid-calf cocktail dress.

Uniform Requirement for the Conference:

Cadets: Light Blue Shirt

Seniors: Light Blue Shirt, Corporate Aviators Shirt, or Corporate Polo Shirt

Friday Social Gathering:

All: Appropriate Civilian Clothing. Avoid cutoffs, shower shoes, bare midriff.

Reminders and Rules:

• No firearms are allowed at CAP activities.

• Cadets will be accounted for at all times. They may not "hang out" in other cadet rooms. They can only be in their own assigned room or the public areas of the hotel that are not being used by Senior Members for their social times. At all times, no cadet will be alone, unless they are in their own hotel room.

• Cadets may not leave the hotel property without signing out with their chain of command.

• The USAF is NOT funding travel to the conference. The wing is not planning to fund travel to the conference in most cases. Squadrons may use corporate vans IAW appropriate regulations and fund the travel themselves.

• Squadron Commanders will coordinate a plan to supervise their own cadets. If they wish to share that responsibility with other squadrons, they will work that out among themselves. Bottom line: All cadets will be supervised by a senior member or by their parents at all times.

The very LAST day to register for the conference will be April 25th, but you must reserve your room at the Ramkota ($112) by April 15th.