Rules and Info | Conclave 2026

FAQ & ANNOUNCEMENTS

We will post answers to frequently asked questions and important information during the convention here. Please watch the website for changes to this page.

WHY SHOULD I ATTEND CONCLAVE 2026 WITH OTHER BRITISH CAR EVENTS TO THINK ABOUT?

In short, it's an important year. The Austin-Healey Club of America has hosted conclaves dating back to the mid 1970s, and this one will be the 50th Anniversary AHCA Conclave. We're looking back at the previous decades as well as trying some new things and making innovations for the future. This is an event true Healey enthusiasts won't want to miss, and hundreds will be joining you there! Due to the venue costs negotiated with the host hotel, we're also able to pack quite a lot in. Your registration includes the majority of the events during the week, including events like the gymkhana--which isn't always feasible.

Meanwhile, Conclave 2026 is being hosted by the Midwest Austin-Healey Club (Chicagoland's Healey Club), one of the most active and experienced British car clubs in the country. Our members have organized numerous successful regional events and past Conclaves, and that experience allows us to focus on what matters most—creating a week that is fun, well-run, and full of opportunities to enjoy your car. Just as importantly, Galena sits in the heart of the Driftless Region, one of the country’s best-kept driving secrets. Unlike the flat farmland many expect from Illinois, this area is filled with dramatic elevation changes, winding ridge roads, sweeping valleys, and quiet country routes that seem almost designed for British sports cars. Add to that the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts, a full slate of driving and social events, and the celebration of fifty years of Conclave tradition, and you have the makings of a truly memorable week for Austin-Healey owners and fans alike.

ROOM BLOCKS AND RESERVATIONS

To book your room at Eagle Ridge, please call the reservation desk at (800) 892-2269. You will receive a room block code on the confirmation page when you register, and in your confirmation email that you will receive at the same time. All guests are responsible for booking their own accommodations, but special pricing is offered on all available rooms--including rooms at the Main Lodge, Courtyard, and Single and Two Bedroom Villas. You must register for Conclave prior to receiving the room block code.

An additional room block exists for those wishing to attend the VSCDA Ariens Art on Wheel Vintage Weekend at Road America. Information has been added to the confirmation page to join our block at the La Quinta in Sheboygan, just a short drive from the track.

TRAILER PARKING

Trailer parking is not allowed in the main event parking lot. Eagle Ridge has designated an area for trailers which is on the main property. You will be directed where to park your trailer on arrival. Motorhomes and longer trailers can be accommodated, though we appreciate your understanding you are not allowed to lodge in your motorhome on Eagle Ridge's property. Please respect parking areas designated for Healeys.

I'VE NEVER BEEN TO CONCLAVE, AND ALSO THIS ROAD AMERICA THING... WHERE DO I REGISTER FIRST?

These are separate entities, so unfortunately you can't register for everything in one place. That said, we can certainly make it easy! The order we'd encourage you to follow is:

Register as an attendee for the event first. You can add things like meal tickets later--just know that availability does run out, so it's best to do this up front. Note: You WILL receive a confirmation page when registration is completed. Please review this to make sure you've purchased the number of banquet tickets and such that you intended. You can use the confirmation email to make limited edits as things are available.
Book your stay at Eagle Ridge. You'll get a room block code in your registration confirmation
Book your stay at Road America. If you're attending the VSCDA weekend, we have a limited room block at the La Quinta in Sheboygan. Information on this is included on the Conclave registration confirmation page.
Buy regalia. We'll have very limited quantities at the event for sale. Sizes and item types are not guaranteed. We strongly encourage purchasing in advance.
If you're attending VSCDA, you can technically pay at the gate at Road America. It may be less expensive to register in advance, particularly if you're planning to camp or set up an RV at the track.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN YOUR REGISTRATION

Those who have booked prior to April 1st will receive Eagle Ridge "bucks" to spend at the resort, which can be used anywhere at Eagle Ridge. Registration pricing for Conclave is guaranteed through June 2026, after which rate increases may apply, so make sure to register early and save! Some items are optional and have a separate cost, such as the ice cream run (if you buy ice cream--you are still welcome to join us on the drive of course!).

Your registration includes the following and more. Some events will have a cash bar (obviously not the driving ones). Check the official event schedule for details here:

Sunday's welcome reception
The First-Timer's Meetup
Free access to daily events and area such as the vendor area, crafts/models/photos viewing area, and our hospitality area
Driving rallies and tours
Multiple tech sessions and topic discussions (4 are scheduled)
All driving events, such as the TSD Rally, the Funkhana, and the Gymkhana (autocross).
Valve cover races
Transportation to and from the Celebration Belle boat tour (registration for the cruise is required)
Invitation to join us for the Road Trip to Road America for the VSCDA weekend
Access to the cocktail reception prior to the banquet dinner. Missed the chance to buy banquet tickets? You can still join us for drinks beforehand!

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARRIVE

When you arrive at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, the first step is to check in at the resort front desk and get settled into your room. Once you're settled, head over to the Conclave Registration Desk where our volunteers will welcome you, check you in for the event, and provide your registration packet. Your packet will include your name badge, event schedule, driving route materials, and other helpful information for the week.

If you’ve arrived with a trailer, Eagle Ridge has designated a specific area on the property for trailer parking. Signs and volunteers will help direct you to the appropriate location so trailers can be safely stored for the duration of the event.

We recommend stopping by the Hospitality Room early as well—it’s a great place to say hello, meet other attendees, and get oriented to the event. Volunteers and club members will be available to answer questions about the schedule, driving events, or anything else you might need.

You’ll receive a printed schedule in your registration packet, and we will also provide an electronic version so you can easily keep up with what’s happening throughout the week from your phone or tablet.

If you’ve brought your Healey, you may also want to take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the resort grounds and designated parking areas. Many participants enjoy gathering around the cars throughout the week, so don’t be surprised if conversations start forming right in the parking lot.

Most importantly, take a moment to relax, enjoy the scenery, and start reconnecting with old friends while meeting new ones. Conclave is as much about the people as it is the cars, and the week tends to begin with informal gatherings and conversations long before the first official event begins.

IN CASE SOMETHING GOES WRONG

The Midwest is home to some of the nations most knowledgeable Healey experts, and many of them frequent Conclave events. If you're worried about a breakdown, honestly this is the place you want it to happen. Spare parts can be borrowed or shipped quickly, and guidance is available from hundreds of like-minded enthusiasts to help keep your Healey on the road. Cell coverage is okay, but can drop in and out. Fortunately, GPS signal is not related and works throughout the region. The program book will list places to call for help, and being not too distant from a major metropolitan area (you can be in the Chicago suburbs in under 3 hours, and Dubuque in 30 minutes) assistance is typically available when you need it.

As for your registration, we totally get that families have needs on short notice, or that people get called into work, or that... just in general... life happens. For this reason, we have a cancellation policy in case you need to make last minute changes. Please make all cancellation requests in writing to redtr6@gmail.com. Any purchased regalia will be shipped to you after the convention if you cannot attend for any reason. Regalia items will be mailed to the address used for your registration unless you indicate otherwise.

A full refund of registration fees will be made on or before July 31, 2026.
A partial refund of registration fees will be made on a best-efforts basis for cancellation requests made between August 1st and August 15th, 2026. Items such as breakfast and banquet tickets will be fully refunded so long as MAHC has not already committed orders to vendors. You may receive all or some of your refund on the credit card used for registration depending on the date you originally registered. Any remainder due will be mailed by check to the address used for your registration unless you indicate a different address (please verify your address when making a cancellation request).
After August 17, 2026, we'll have already fully committed registrations to internal costs. Refunds will be made on a best-efforts basis, but are not guaranteed.

DISMISSAL FROM THE EVENT

Safety and respect for others is obviously paramount to an enjoyable event for everyone. Unnecessarily dangerous acts or grossly disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. We definitely do not anticipate any problems. However, if you fail to comply you will receive a single verbal warning, after which you may be excused from the event at the sole discretion of the 2026 event chairs. You will not be issued a refund of fees, and may not continue to participate in any events related to Conclave 2026. Please don't be "that guy."