18th Annual DRUM CIRCLE FACILITATORS GUILD CONFERENCE
February 24-26, 2023
Center, Pulse, GROOVE!
A weekend-long professional development event specifically for those using drums and percussion for recreational music making. The symposium-style gathering features presentations by industry leaders on a wide variety of topics including techniques for leading drum circles, business development, folkloric music, program design, and more. In attendance are full-time drum circle facilitators as well as many people using this work in other settings: creative arts and music therapists, social workers and counselors, wellness practitioners, community organizers, music educators, spiritual leaders, event specialists, etc.
The conference is an opportunity to learn from each other and be together in community. Expect full days of presentations that engage your mind and heart that lead to evenings opportunities for jump time (practicing facilitation techniques) and Late Night jam sessions. Expect much music making.
The 2023 theme is Center, Pulse, GROOVE! The theme initially stems from conversations with, and about how, Drum Circle Facilitators responded to the Pandemic that left very little time for reflection and inner growth. As we find our way forward in this new normal, for both ourselves and those we serve, returning to the basics of Center, Pulse, GROOVE! is necessary for moving forward. There are many ways this theme can be interpreted and applied to Drum Circle Facilitators.
We have a fabulous group of speakers for this year's conference. Mary Knysh is our keynote with an amazing group presenting throughout the weekend. Checkout the speaker page for presentation details.
~~Pre-Conference Workshops FREE on Friday morning, February 24th ~~
In additional to the full conference speaker line up DCFG is offering FREE workshops on Friday, Morning February 24th. These workshops are free and require registration. Make a selection during registration.
CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
Details:
Where: Ocean Creek Resort, 10600 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 (www.oceancreek.com)
FEES/REGISTRATION:
The Registration fee includes conference admission and 7 meals from Friday lunch through Sunday lunch. Travel and lodging are the responsibility of the attendee.
New this Year - We are excited to move towards more global equity in our registration fees so we are presenting the option to pay a registration fee based on your country of residence using 4 Country Tier groups. The registration fees are listed below and all in USD. (For a PDF of the image below click here.)
- Tier 1/General Registration: $425.00
- Tier 1/DCFG Member Rate 10% Discount: $389 (you must be logged into your account to receive)
- Tier 2 Countries: $289
- Tier 3 Countries: $213
- Tier 4 Countries: $77
SCHOLARSHIPS: APPLICATIONS HAVE CLOSED FOR THIS YEAR
The Drum Circle Facilitator's Guild provides scholarships to members that might not otherwise be able to attend. We believe in supporting each other and "facilitating" attendance when it might not otherwise be possible. Scholarship recipients receive free registration that includes conference admission and meals beginning with dinner on Friday to Sunday lunch a $425 value. Lodging and Transportation are the responsibility of the recipients. Are you interested in helping to provide more scholarships? Make a donation to DCFG specifically for conference scholarships. Contact Greg Whit, Executive Director about making a donation: contact@dcfg.net.
Scholarship Form
VENDORS:
Interested in showing off your wares and connecting with an amazing group of DCF's? Why not be a Vendor. Check out our Vendor information page for more information.
Vendor Information Page
TRAVEL
The conference will be held at Ocean Creek Resort, a beautiful waterfront property in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA. Myrtle Beach is served by several major airlines including: Allegiant, American, Delta and United. Visit the Myrtle Beach International Airport website for the most recent list.
Transportation to and from the airport will be the responsibility of each attendee. Ocean Creek Resort does not provide transportation. If coming via cab or Uber/Lyft, have your cab wait until you are checked in. It is a large property with multiple buildings and the check-in location is a bit far from where you will actually be staying.
LODGING:
We have secured very favorable rates at Ocean Creek Resort and are committed to keeping participant costs low. Your conference registration fee includes conference admission and meals beginning with Friday dinner through Sunday lunch. If staying at Ocean Creek Resort, which is highly recommended, make your room reservations directly with the resort.
For more information about the resort, go to www.oceancreek.com. Here you can see the basic room layout for the room types below. The housing is in condos and not hotels so the décor will defer.
Daily conference rates with fees and taxes (USD):
Lodge Villa
- Studio: $80.64
- 1 Bedroom: $88.48
- 2 Bedroom: $98.56
Ocean Front: (only the master bedroom and living room will face the Ocean; other bedrooms are on the rear of the building.)
- 2 Bedroom: $135.52
- 3 Bedroom: $160.16
RESERVATIONS AT THESE RATES MUST BE MADE BY January 30TH!!
To make reservations you can call Ocean Creek resort and specify that you are with the drum circle group or book online at www.oceancreek.com using the GROUP code 530907.
A one-night deposit is charged on booking and this is non-refundable UNLESS you purchase the VIP protection plan for an additional $30 plus tax. Ocean Creek charges a 2.5% convenience fee for credit cards used to pay the balance on lodging when you pay in person at the resort.
Room rates are good for 3 days pre- and post- for longer stays if desired. If you are attending the VMC 6-day training the rate is good for the training.
Check-in is 4pm and check out 11am. Early check-in is possible based on room availability. PARTICIPANTS checking out on Sunday will need to bring their luggage to the conference center or make their own arrangements for late check out.
VENDORS:
Interested in showing off your wares and connecting with an amazing group of DCF's? Why not be a Vendor. Check out our Vendor Information page for more information. Vendor reservations are due by January 23, 2023.
VENDOR INFORMATION PAGE
QUESTIONS? Contact Greg Whitt, Executive Director of the DCFG at dcfgdirector@gmail.com
