What is the Convergence conference?

HGA's Convergence conference is an outstanding conference for everyone who loves and works in fiber. It is the biennial, international conference sponsored and organized by the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc., and hosted by a committee of dedicated fiber enthusiasts. Each Convergence conference features special lectures, workshops and seminars, exhibits, tours, special events, and a commercial vendor hall full of fibers, fiber-related equipment, and an artist market. The Convergence 2012 conference will be held in Long Beach, California, in July 2012.

When will conference registration materials be available?

Registration materials are included in the Fall 2011 issue of Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot. Current HGA members receive a special registration rate. Registration details are also available on this site.

When does registration open?

Registration opens December 12, 2011. You can register by mail, fax, or online through HGA's secure server. Mail or fax registration received before December 12, 2011 will be considered received on December 12, 2011. The registration insert in the Fall 2011 issue of Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot magazine provides full information.

What payment methods may I use?

Registration and all fees associated with Convergence 2012 Long Beach are payable via check or money order in US funds, drawn on a US bank, or by credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover).

Do you have to be a member of HGA to register for the Convergence conference?

Yes, all class participants are members of the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc. You may join HGA at any time or when you register for Convergence.

There are so many wonderful choices of workshops, studio classes and seminars! How do I choose?

Be sure to read the complete descriptions of the workshops, studio classes and seminars, not just the titles. Mark your delegate registration book to highlight your favorites. Here are some ideas for making your choices:
- A favorite topic to study in depth.
- A leader you've always admired.
- An unfamiliar topic, just to get an overview.

How can I be sure to get the classes I want?

Register early! HGA cannot guarantee that you will get your requested classes, but early registration will give you the best chance for your first choice. Remember, there are plenty of wonderful offerings.

When will I receive my confirmation?

Because so many registrations are received on the first day of registration (or are received early, and thus are treated like they were received on the first day of registration), our registration staff becomes very busy with processing. Registrations are processed in the order they were received. Allow five weeks for processing and mailing of your confirmation package. Confirmations will be sent by email whenever possible.

I have never been to a Convergence conference. How will I know what to see and do?

I want to take a Workshop or Studio Class, but my schedule will not allow me to attend the entire conference. What can I do?

Convergence 2012 Long Beach classes are available with a Convergence Value Package or individually. You can choose just what you want, to customize your Convergence experience to suit your needs.

What is the Convergence Value Package?

The Convergence Value Package (CVP) offers the best pricing for the event items, better than if the items were all purchased individually. Also, the CVP offers you the opportunity to take classes at reduced rates. The CVP includes:
- Daily admission to the Vendor Hall
- Twilight Madness Shopping Extravaganza
- Daily admission to the Art Exhibits in the Convention Center
- HGA Art Exhibit CD
- HGA Tote Bag
- Admission to the Fashion Show
- Admission to the Featured Speaker

Since I plan to attend, are there ways I can be involved as a volunteer at Convergence 2012 Long Beach?

I would like to see some of Southern California, but I will not have transportation. What can I do?

A Convergence Tour is a wonderful chance to see some of the sights in Southern California with others who share your interest in fiber. Our custom tours give you the chance to see behind-the-scenes areas not available to the general public.

I am bringing my family with me to Long Beach. What other activities are available?

See the Visiting Southern California page on this site for resources to help you in planning your family trip to Long Beach and surrounding areas.

Where should I stay? Are there hotels nearby?

HGA has negotiated special prices with hotels near the Convention Center. Staying in one of the headquarter hotels gives you a chance to visit with others who share your interest in fiber. Convergence Hotel information and discount codes are included in the registration material and on this Web site.

What exhibit opportunities will be offered?

As with each prior Convergence conference, HGA always offers a range of exhibit opportunities for a wide variety of fiber arts. HGA will sponsor the annual Small Expressions exhibit, along with several other exhibits. There will also be group and solo exhibits in conjunction with Convergence throughout the conference community.Sign up for our email newsletter for notice of exhibit calls for entry.

I am a student; are there any special opportunities for students?

Yes. Students enrolled in accredited academic programs are eligible to apply for a Convergence Assistantship Grant. Students may enter HGA-sponsored exhibits at no fee. Volunteer opportunities may also be available to allow you to see the art exhibits.

May I attend Convergence just for the day, and not take any classes?

Day Passes will be available. The Day Pass includes admission to the art exhibits and the endor hall only. Convergence classes, lectures, and the fashion show are not included in this fee. More information about Day Admission and activities available for Day visitors will be announced later.

What is Twilight Madness?

The Vendor Hall will be open late on Thursday evening July 19, from 7:00 - 10:00pm. This Shopping Extravaganza includes demonstrations, author signings, and specially-priced merchandise. Twilight Madness is your chance to shop for special values during this shopping spree!

I am an instructor; are you accepting proposals for the Convergence 2012 conference?

The deadline for proposals has passed. We invite you to submit a proposal for the 2014 conference in the fall of 2012. Sign up for our email newsletter for a reminder.

I am a vendor; are you accepting applications for vendor space at the Convergence 2012 conference?

Vendor registration information is available now. Previous Convergence vendors will automatically receive a packet of information. Let us know of your interest by emailing vendorrelations@weavespindye.org with your business name, email, and surface mail address.

May I send some promotional material for you to distribute to your registrants?<

Registered Vendors, local area guilds, and participating galleries may provide inserts for the Goody Bag. Provide 1500 items. Deadline for receipt of items is June 30, 2012. Contact hgaconvergence@weavespindye.org for shipping address and additional information.

May I send some material for the Education Table in the Vendor Hall?

BRING pre-approved materials to Convergence Vendor Hall on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, Noon - 2:00 pm, to be displayed. The materials may not be shipped. Email a description or an example of the educational material to hga@weavespindye.org for approval by June 1, 2012. Contact hgaconvergence@weavespindye.org for additional information.

Can you notify me of the Convergence conference announcements and developments?

Yes! Sign up for HGA's email newsletter for announcement of news about the Convergence conference and other HGA activities and events.
Convergence conference information may also be available on Facebook and Twitter

Who do I contact for more information on any topic?

Simply send a message to hgaconvergence@weavespindye.org with your questions.