Selection of a suitable date for a Lone Star Region Convention can be a bit of a puzzle, for the Region has no rules or requirements; however, custom has decreed the constraint that the convention be scheduled for the summer period, and take place over a weekend. Choosing calendar dates for the convention is the option of the convention General Chairman and the Convention Committee.

Traditionally, Lone Star Region Conventions have run from 5 pm on a Friday until around noon on the following Sunday; those hours define the "official" convention period. This does not mean, however, that all programmed activities must be confined to that time period, for the General Chairman has the option to schedule some convention activities prior to the 5 pm Friday time, and after the noon Sunday time. In doing so, however, the Chairman must consider whether travel requirements will permit enough people to be present to enjoy those activities.

One point to be considered in setting the dates for the prospective convention is possible conflict with the NMRA National Convention; the term "conflict" means more than just avoiding the same dates. Having the Lone Star Region Convention near or during the same time period as the NMRA Convention could have an adverse impact on attendance at the LSR event, for many members of the Region make the effort to attend the national convention, and might forego the Regional event in favor of the national event. These members should be given to opportunity to attend both the Region and the National Conventions without having to make a decision to forego either one in favor of the other. Ideally, several weeks should separate dates of the LSR and the National Conventions, so that the members who wish to do so can readily attend both conventions.

Another point for consideration is the 4th of July holiday, the only national holiday that occurs during the candidate convention period. Should that date occur such that a long weekend would result, there is possibility that members might choose vacation-type activities over attendance at a convention.

A third consideration is Father's Day, traditionally the third Sunday in June. Complaints have been received that having the LSR Convention on the Father's Day weekend creates a dilemma for a family. Accordingly, an effort should be made to avoid scheduling the LSR Convention over the third weekend in June. Many families will appreciate the consideration.