Table of Contents
Pre-Planning and Registering
Getting There
Lodging and Food
Checking In
About Bend
During the Conference
Services at the Conference
Volunteering
Events
Vendor Hall
Going Home
Pre-Planning and Registering
Q: What is the cost of the conference?
A: Workshop pricing is: 1-day $125, 2-day $250, 3-day $350.
A la carte options are available for half-day seminars at $90 each, Zoom access to the four virtual seminars at various prices, and for the three evening events: $60 for the Thursday Reception and Shopping Extravaganza in the Marketplace, $75 for the Friday banquet and keynote address, and $60 for the Saturday fashion show and reception. Keynote and Fashion Show tickets, available starting June 11, are $25 each.
Q: When and how can I register for the Conference? Registration closed May 22.
A: All Registration information is available on the conference website https://anwgconference.org/archive/2023/ click on the “Registration” tab at the top of each webpage.
Q: I have already registered and want to edit my registration. I asked to change my password and don’t understand what they sent me; what is it?
A: If you select the option “I forgot my password / I don’t have a password” then rsvpBOOK will send you a link to a page where you can reset your password. For most people this message will have the blue underlined text “Reset Password”, but others will instead show you the full URL itself. Paste this into your internet browser.
Q: How do I know what to bring for my workshop/seminar? Will the instructors be emailing us with details?
A: Each workshop and seminar description on the website lists the materials and equipment that students need to bring, as well as the materials fee and details. Refer to the Workshop Schedule and the Seminar Schedule for links to the appropriate sessions. Please note that materials fee will be collected by the instructor during class. Please bring your materials fee in cash.
Q: I haven’t heard from the instructor yet and I need to know how to prepare for my workshop. Shouldn’t I have gotten an email by now?
A: Registration closed May 22nd and all instructors now have complete lists of students. Students in on-loom weaving classes have already been notified of warping instructions (weaving classes for Dunning, Hartshorn, Moore, Neilson, Walker, Wilson). Instructors with additional instructions will be emailing students by June 3rd. Please let the instructor know that you’ve received their emails. If you have not received warping instructions from the instructor, please email Ginger Kaldenbach, Education Co-chair.
Q: Can I change my seminars/workshops after signing up? What’s the deadline?
A: If you wish to make changes to your seminar choices, add a workshop, or change the name you wish to display on your nametag you may do so until May 22, 2023. From March 27 through May 22, you may add a fourth seminar. Additions and changes to workshops and seminars are subject to availability.
Q: How do I get back to my registration page without a password?
A: Near the top of the confirmation email is the line
To view your Confirmation, please click here.
Click on the “click here” link. That will take you to the Confirmation page. At the very top center of that page is a blue button that says “Edit My Registration”. Click on that to get to your registration page; no password is needed.
Q: How do I get tickets for my spouse/friend to attend the evening events? Closed until 6/11.
A: Individual tickets for the evening events (Marketplace reception, banquet and keynote, and fashion show and reception) are available until May 22. You can purchase additional tickets for those events for family and friends. Beginning conference week, June 11, you will be able to purchase Thursday shopping extravaganza tickets and Sat. Fashion show tickets. Keynote only tickets will also be available, but not for the banquet, as total food counts have to be in before June 11.
Q: Does being on the wait list for a seminar count as one of my three seminar choices for a Conference Package?
A: No, being on the wait list does not count as one of the seminar choices. Most of the people on wait lists for a full session will not be moved into the class, so you should select your alternate choices, in addition to adding yourself to wait lists for your top choices.
Q: I’m on the waiting list for a workshop or seminar. What happens when a space becomes available for that class?
A: When someone releases their seat in a session, the registration system will automatically move the first person on the wait list into the class. If that person is registered for other sessions at the same time, the system will remove them from the conflicting sessions. Sometimes this is straightforward, but other times it’s complicated and the system might not do what you want. When you get a notice that you’ve been moved into a session from the wait list, check your new sessions to make sure they’re what you want. You might owe more money or be due a refund.
Q: I was on the wait list for a seminar and selected three seminars from the other time slots. I was moved into the waitlisted seminar and now have four. What now?
A: The registration system doesn’t detect that you now have four seminars when the limit is three with a conference package. Please remove one. Otherwise, the hard-working conference volunteers will find it eventually and ask you which one to remove.
Q: I can’t attend the conference after all, how do I cancel my registration?
A: Send a request to registrar@anwgconference2023.com
Q: How do I get back into the system after my registration was canceled?
A: Send a request to registrar@anwgconference2023.com.
Q: I canceled my registration but it turns out I can attend after all. How do I reactivate it?
A: Send a request to registrar@anwgconference2023.com.
Q: It can take a long time to get a response to a question sent to the registrar email address (registrar@anwgconference2023.com). What hours is that inbox staffed?
A: Questions sent to that address are handled by the conference registrar, Janis Johnson, who lives in Oregon, and like all of us organizing this conference as a volunteer. Please be patient, particularly when emailing late in the day or early in the morning.
Q: Why didn’t I receive a confirmation email?
A: Confirmation email comes within a few minutes. The sender is Conference Registrar <events@rsvpbook.com> and the subject line is ‘[2023 ANWG Conference] Registration Confirmation”. This might end up in your spam folder. Google Mail might put it with Promotions. We can send it again; mail a request to registrar@anwgconference2023.com
Q: My credit card wasn’t accepted! What do I do?
A: Breathe deeply and try it again. Almost all of the credit card problems we know about have come from not entering complete information, or entering incorrect information, or not clicking on the center of the button. Some cards have been rejected due to being invalid or over the credit limit.
Q: How many seminars can I choose?
A: The Conference Package includes 3 seminars, the Marketplace Shopping Extravaganza and reception, the banquet and keynote speaker, and the fashion show and reception. A la carte seminars are offered now so you can purchase another in-person seminar or a virtual seminar, subject to availability.
Q: What are the virtual seminars?
A: Friday and Saturday we are hosting 4 virtual speakers in the large Cascade B classroom. For these sessions participants are in a room together and the instructor is remote. These seminars range from 1.5 hours to 3 hours in length and may be purchased a la carte. These 4 seminars are also available on Zoom for various prices in the registration system now.
Q: What’s the difference between a virtual seminar and a Zoom Seminar?
A: “Virtual Seminar” refers to a seminar held where the speaker is at a remote location and attendees are in a common location at the conference. Attendees are able to ask questions, meet and interact with fellow attendees and, in some cases, engage in hands-on activities. The intent is to provide conference attendees with an experience essentially the same as a traditional in-person seminar, but when the speaker is at another location.
“Zoom Seminar” refers to a seminar where both the speaker and the attendee are at locations remote from the conference. Attendees may not be able to participate in hands-on activities, meet or interact with fellow attendees, and may be limited in their ability to ask questions of the speaker. The intent is to provide a lecture-style seminar to individuals who are unable to attend the conference in person.
Q: What options are there for attending (workshop only/workshop+seminars/a la carte seminars only/other)?
A: We are providing many options to attend the conference including the Conference Package (available until March 19) which includes 3 seminars and the 3 evening events, individual workshop and seminar pricing, and a la carte pricing (starting March 27) for the evening events, all seminars, and Zoom seminars, subject to availability.
Q: Is there an upper limit on registration? If the conference is full, will you offer a waitlist?
A: Yes, our maximum seating for the banquet and fashion show events is 630. Each workshop and seminar has a maximum capacity set by the instructor. Wait lists will be available.
Q: What is the cancellation policy if something happens, like illness or a family emergency?
A: Any cancellation before April 11 will result in a refund less an administrative charge of $50. Cancellations after April 10 will not be refunded. As a courtesy to other attendees, we ask that you notify the registrar as soon as possible so seats can be made available to others. To see the full cancellation policy go to the Cancellation Policy page.
Q: What are the various deadlines for signing up for workshops, seminars, challenges, guild booths, shows, etc. – is there a single calendar somewhere?
A: The Conference Schedule is published here https://anwgconference.org/archive/2023//calendar/ Each event and show has a deadline. Visit the various webpages online for details. The Registration page has the dates for various registration windows.
Q: How many total workshops/seminars can I take?
A: 3-day, 2-day, and 1-day workshops are offered over 4 days, and over 47 seminars over 2 days. But don’t overbook yourself! Leave some time to shop in the marketplace, and to visit with fiber friends old and new. We want you to relax and enjoy your time at the conference.
Q: Will “walk-in” registration be offered to fill any last-minute openings?
A: To be determined subject to availability and instructor approval.
Q: How will someone know if there are any last-minute offerings?
A: They will be announced via the blog and on the website home page.
Q: How soon can I get information to prepare for my workshop (i.e., loom dressing instructions, materials/supplies to bring, what can be purchased, etc.)
A: Many of the workshop and seminar pages already include information about supplies and prerequisites, and instructors will be sending out emailed instructions as needed beginning in April 2023.
Q: Do I need to belong to a guild affiliated with ANWG in order to attend? If so, how do I know if my guild is a member of ANWG so that I can go? Will there be a surcharge if I’m not affiliated with a guild that belongs to ANWG? What if I live far away from any city or town that has a guild, can I just join ANWG outright?
A: You don’t need to be an ANWG guild member to attend, and yes you can join ANWG as an affiliate member for $25/yr. If you are not a member of an ANWG guild current in their dues by 12-31-22, you will be charged an additional $25 to attend the conference. See https://northwestweavers.org/guild-index/ for a list of guilds that are members of ANWG. If you’re interested in becoming an individual member of ANWG you can learn more at https://northwestweavers.org/about/membership/
Q: Do I need to be an ANWG guild member or affiliate member to enter an item in a conference exhibits/shows?
A: Yes, you must be an ANWG guild member or affiliate member to enter an item in a conference exhibit/show.
Q: Do I need to attend the conference to enter the exhibits/shows?
A: Please see each show webpage for requirements and eligibility. The fashion show is not requiring conference attendance to participate, the other shows do.
Q: I’m interested in taking part in one of the shows, but I’m not sure how that works. Do I just fill out an application and mark what show or exhibit I’d like to enter, or do I have to apply for each show or exhibit separately? Do I just bring my items to the conference, or will someone tell me if you’ll include my piece for display?
A: The show/exhibit requirements and processes vary. Each exhibit/show has its own page with details, so you’ll want to start there. Each has its own entry forms and may or may not require an entry fee and/or photos. For the Fashion Show and the Fiber Connections Juried shows there is an entry fee of $15 per item, the entry form must include photos, and applicants will be notified by email if their piece has been accepted. For the Open Show and Conference Colors show there is no entry fee. Delivery of items will also vary. Please review the pages for each particular show/exhibit for details. You’ll find links to each under the Participate menu.
Q: What challenges/events/swaps/etc. are you planning that require potential participants to weave something?
A: See the blog posts highlighting events. Also, at the top right of each webpage you’ll find lists of the event webpages. Look under “Participate”.
Getting there
Q: How do I arrive by car? Plane? Train?
A: Bend is in the middle of Oregon. By car, highways 97, 20, 22, and 126 lead you to the area.
If you are thinking about flying to Bend, you might consider the Redmond airport, RDM, which has flights from many cities on all major carriers. The airport is 20 minutes north of Bend on Hwy. 97. For more information on the Redmond airport check out http://www.flyrdm.com/.
Another option is to fly into Portland’s PDX airport, and either rent a car and drive from there, or take the Breeze bus, which makes 2 round trips a day during the summer from PDX to Bend. Schedules and fares are available at https://cobreeze.com.
There is no passenger train service in Central Oregon.
For more about getting to Bend check out the Visit Bend website at https://www.visitbend.com/plan-a-trip/getting-here/
Q: Is there an airport shuttle?
A: Private shuttles, Uber, Lyft, and taxis are available.
Q: How soon can one arrive?
A: The check-in for Monday workshops is Sunday, June 11 from Noon-8 PM. Conference room rates are available three days prior and three days after the conference at the Riverhouse by phoning the reservation number and indicating you are with the ANWG Conference, Fiber Connections.
Lodging and Food
Q: What hotel options are there?
A: The conference had room blocks at three hotels: The Riverhouse Hotel, The Red Lion Hotel, and Element Hotel. These conference room rates are not available any longer. In addition, Bend has thousands of hotel rooms and vacation rentals. A quick web search should return lots of options. Restaurants are also plentiful. The Riverhouse has a restaurant and there are several across the street in the shopping center.
Q: What about meals?
A: All meals are on your own. The Riverhouse restaurant, Currants, has breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. restaurants within close proximity include: Sheri’s, iHop, Deschutes Junction, McKay Cottage, Subway, DQ, Burger King, McDonalds, Boneyard Brew Pub, and Bend Burger Company, best burgers and fries in town!
Q: Can I bring my therapy animal?
A: Yes, both the Riverhouse and the Red Lion offer pet-friendly accommodations
Q: Do we need to pay for parking?
A: No, parking at the hotels and convention center is free.
Q: We plan to stay at a campground or RV park. Do you have any recommendations?
A: If you do an internet search for “Bend OR RV parks” you’ll come up with a list of parks and campgrounds in the area. The two RV parks that are in town are Scandia and Crown Villa. Scandia is the closest one to the Riverhouse, but both are at the south end of town, while the Riverhouse Convention Center is at the north end of town. You should probably plan for 10-15 minutes of travel time for those locations.
Checking In
Q: When I arrive, where should I go first?
A: The Riverhouse Convention Center main lobby reservation desk will be open daily from Sunday, June 11 – Saturday, June 17. See the schedule for exact hours. https://anwgconference.org/archive/2023//calendar/ The Riverhouse address is 3075 N. Business 97, at the junction with Mt. Washington Dr. and Butler Market Rd. exit off parkway.
Q: What if I arrive at the site outside of “open hours”?
A: Check in the following morning.
Q: What should I expect to receive when I check in?
A: A registration envelope with all your conference information, a conference bag, booklet, and nametag if you are registered for more than just evening events or a seminar.
Q: Where do I go/What should I do if my packet is missing something?
A: Return to the registration desk in the Convention Center lobby.
Q: When can I get into the classrooms to drop off my loom?
A: Workshop classrooms are available Sunday, June 11 from Noon-8 PM for students to set up looms. Monday and Tuesday the rooms are open from 7:30 AM – 6 PM. Wednesday – Saturday the rooms are open from 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM. They will be locked up after the last student and teacher leave.
About Bend
Q: What is the typical weather like? What clothes should I plan to bring?
A: Central Oregon June weather is typically sunny, 70’s-80’s, with cool nights. Bring summer clothes and a sweater or jacket. The Convention Center and hotels are air conditioned.
Q: What kind of a town is Bend, OR? Is there public transportation? Will the local guild help provide local transportation for those of us without cars?
A: Bend is an outdoor recreation paradise, with lots to offer visitors of all ages. Folks new to Bend are encouraged to visit https://visitbend.com for more local info. The bus system is Cascade East Transit: https://cascadeseasttransit.com/about/. Some van transport may be available to COCC for the tapestry exhibit and the downtown area. Uber, Lyft, and taxis operate in Bend.
During the Conference
Q: I am very sensitive to fragrance and smoke, and it can trigger an asthma attack. Will the conference week be designated “fragrance and smoke free”?
A: Yes, we request that all attendees leave your perfume, oils, and scented lotions home. In a classroom situation for several hours at a time, fragrance can be very detrimental to many people. The Riverhouse complex is smoke-free.
Q: Will there be maps, schedules, and other info posted around in case I lose or forget my schedules in my room?
A: The information table will have extra schedules and maps. Keep your conference booklet with you at all times. It contains a wealth of information and maps. They will also be available online. You can access them at the website under the “Places” tab: https://anwgconference.org/archive/2023//maps/
Q: Will there be space available for “pick up meetings” or ad hoc get togethers of study groups or guilds?
A: All classrooms are taken, but meet ups could be held in the hotel bar area or outside.
Q: Will there be a message or bulletin board somewhere to post notices?
A: TBD.
Services at the Conference
Q: Where is the lost-and-found located?
A: Lost and Found is located at the Information Desk at the front door of the convention center.
Q: Where are the closest pharmacies/stores? Can I walk there?
A: A shopping center is across Hwy. 97 from the Riverhouse complex. The nearest pharmacy is about 1 mile south on Bus. 97/3rd Street.
Q: If someone buys more than they can take on a plane, will there be a mail service or mini-UPS booth at the conference?
A: No, but there is a Postal Connections store about 3 blocks North next to the Winco grocery store on N. Hwy. 97. 100 NE Bend River Mall Ste 104, (541) 797-0017, postalconnections247.com
Q: Will there be services for those with disabilities?
A: An elevator is available in the convention center, and participants are encouraged to check with their hotel to ensure they can accommodate your needs.
Q: Is WiFi available?
A: Yes, free wifi is available at the conference hotels and the convention center.
Q: Will you have a first aid station? If not, where’s the closest ER/Urgent Care/Hospital?
A: No, the closest urgent care is south on Bus. 97/3rd St. about 3 miles. The hospital is about 5 miles.
Q: Will there be an open area or designated place for a spin-in? little-loom gathering? Knitting?
A: Yes, the Marketplace in the lower level of the Convention Center will have seating available, as well as the back hallway behind the ballroom/classroom area, and outside on the deck.
Volunteering
Q: How can I volunteer?
A: Sign up to volunteer in the online registration system beginning in May, 2023.
Q: Can I ask for a specific job or shift?
A: A list of options will be available to choose from.
Q: Is there a minimum amount of time that I must volunteer?
A: Most shifts will be 2-4 hours.
Q: How and when do I sign in for my volunteer slot?
A: The Volunteer Check-in is located at the Information Desk in the Convention Center Lobby near the front door.
Q: What if I need to cancel or change my volunteer slot?
A: Let the Volunteer Coordinators know as soon as possible.
Q: What perks do I get for volunteering?
A: To be determined.
Events
Q: What events are scheduled?
A: See the July, 2022 blog post highlighting events: https://anwgconference.org/archive/2023//keynote-events/ Also, at the top right of each webpage are lists of the event webpages. Just look under “Participate”.
Q: What is the Shopping Extravaganza on Thursday night and do I have to pay to attend?
A: The Thursday night Shopping Extravaganza sponsored by Heddlecraft Magazine features special conference attendee-only discounts at many vendors and a special offering by Heddlecraft Magazine. This event is not open to the public. The Opening Reception from 5:00-7:30 PM features a no-host bar and hor d’oeuvres. This event requires admission purchased through a conference package or an a la carte ticket purchase available March 27-May 22.
Q: I’m really interested in the Noh coats from the Noh Coat Challenge. Where/when will we be able to see them?
A: The Noh coats will be the finale of the fashion show on Saturday night, modeled by their creators. An exhibit booth in the Marketplace will feature a history of Bonnie Cashin’s Noh coat, pattern, fabric samples, and information on the Challenge. The Portland Handweavers’ Guild Booth will feature their mannequins adorned with miniature Noh coats. (You can learn more about the Portland Handweavers Guild and the mannequin project on their website: https://portlandhandweaversguild.org/mannequin-project-2015.)
Q: What features/events of the conference are open to the public?
A: Friday and Saturday the Marketplace is open to the public, as are the exhibits/shows.
Q: Can one participate in the towel exchange if they aren’t a conference attendee?
A: No, you must be in attendance to participate. Drop-off will be in the Convention Center Lobby from Wed-Friday. Pick-up the new towel on Saturday, June 17, Noon-5 PM.
Q: How and when can I sign up for events like the towel exchange and other participant events?
A: See the website for details. At the top right of each webpage are lists of the event webpages. Just look under “Participate”.
Q: I am considering entering a project in the open show exhibit. The requirements are that the entries be original. I am using my own choice of colors for the pattern and doing all the work. I would like to know if my project is considered original even though I am using a commercial pattern?
A: All items entered in any show exhibit must be original creations. Original creation is defined as the artist’s manipulation of a draft or pattern, colorway changes, or other alterations to the original draft or pattern. If the draft or pattern from another artist is unaltered, that artist must be given acknowledgement. No unchanged items from workshop instructions will be considered.
Q: Are any tours planned?
A: We have a 2-hour trip on Wednesday, June 14, 1-3 PM to the Crescent Moon Alpaca Ranch in Terrebonne. Transportation will be 2 15-passenger vans with a $15 pp fee. Meet at the front of the convention center beginning at 12:45 to load and pay the fee in cash. The Marg Johansen Tapestry Exhibit and Sale will be held at the Central Oregon Community College Library Rotunda Gallery from June 5-August 29, 2023. It is located 4 miles southwest of the Riverhouse complex.
Q: Can my spouse go or be entertained while I’m in seminars?
A: Yes, anyone can sign up for the tour. Spouse entertainment is up to the spouse!
Vendor Hall
Q: How can one register to be a vendor?
A: Marketplace Vendor Packet is online here: https://anwgconference.org/archive/2023//vendors/
Q: Can vendors configure a certain way to accommodate a product/demo?
A: Contact the Marketplace Vendor Chair, Charlene Virts to discuss special needs.
Q: What lighting, electricity, etc. services will be available vs. what should vendors bring?
A: See the vendor packet here: https://anwgconference.org/archive/2023//vendors/
Q: When do vendors get access to the hall for setup?
A: Wed. PM and Thurs. AM.
Q: When must vendors take down their booth?
A: Sat. PM after 5:15, or Sunday morning 7-11:30 AM
Q: Is there wifi available for credit and debit cards?
A: Yes, the Convention Center has free wifi available throughout the building.
Q: Do vendors have to supply their own security? What about relief for breaks?
A: Volunteers will roam the exhibit hall for security and to relieve vendors for breaks.
Q: What loading/unloading rules are there?
A: The Marketplace Vendor Chair will notify each vendor.
Q: What assistance will be available for unloading/loading/direction?
A: There will be help unloading and loading again on Sunday.
Q: What’s the vendor hall layout? When will vendors know?
A: See the Marketplace Vendor Packet online here: https://anwgconference.org/archive/2023//vendors/ Over half of the vendor booths are reserved as of December 30, 2022. If you’re interested in being a vendor download the packet and contact Charlene Virts.
Q: Will there be food/beverage service in the hall for vendors?
A: Yes, a break room area will be available Thurs. – Sat. PM.
Q: Will there be a yarn winding station in the vendor hall?
A: Yes
Q: Will there be a rest area for shoppers?
A: Yes
Q: What will be the general hours of the vendor hall?
A: See the schedule.
Q: Is there a conference-special shop-til-you-drop time slot?
A: Yes, the “Shopping Extravaganza sponsored by Heddlecraft Magazine, Robyn Spady” will be held Thursday from 5 to 9 PM with a reception and door prizes. This event is included in the Conference Package and a la carte tickets are available for purchase now, online during the a la carte registration period, subject to availability.
Q: Will the conference be asking for door prizes from the sponsors? If so, what are the parameters, and when will the door prizes need to be collected by awardees?
A: Yes, the Marketplace Vendor Chair will notify vendors. Prizes will be picked up at the vendor’s booth.
Q: How can a vendor be a sponsor? What will one get for sponsorship?
A: Yes, contact the Conference Co-chairs via the contact form on the website.
Q: What size are the guild booths?
A: The guild booths are 8′ high, 10′ x 10′ with light colored drape.
Going Home
Q: What time do we have to vacate the site?
A: 11:30 AM, Sunday, June 18
Q: Is there an option for late checkout for those of us who can’t leave until Monday?
A: Additional nights can be booked at all the hotels.
Q: How do we get the shuttle back to the airport?
A: Arrangements need to be made ahead of time with private shuttles, taxis, Uber, or Lyft.
Q: How can I get something returned to me if I forgot it? Will there be a post-conference lost and found?
A: TBD
Q: How long will the ANWG 2023 Conference website remain live after the conference? Will any summaries or info be posted there?
A: The website will post award winners and conference photos daily during the conference. The website will remain active until July 2023, at which point it will be archived on the ANWG website: https://northwestweavers.org.