Call for Proposals
The Handweavers Guild of America, Inc. seeks a diverse selection of fiber art proposals for Panel Discussions, Sessions (Art Sparks, Seminars and Workshops), and Thread Talks for the biennial Convergence® conference and the annual virtual Spinning & Weaving Week Celebration.
Thread Talks
Take the stage and share your fiber art idea, project, or experience. We are searching for creative makers who will inspire, surprise, and delight the audience with their stories in under 15 minutes. We all have stories to tell about our love of and experience with fiber. This is your chance! Thread Talks will be pre-recorded and presented as part of the 2026 Spinning & Weaving Week Celebration.
Talk: Pre-recorded via Zoom and scheduled to air October 5-11, 2026
Deadline: June 1, 2026
Guidelines
Guidelines
Conditions for Acceptance
- You must be available to present your Thread Talk along with 3-5 additional speakers at the 2026 Convergence Conference. The presentation is tentatively scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, August 12, 2026. This date is subject to change and could also take place on Thursday, August 13, 2026 or Sunday, August 16, 2026.
- It is recommended that you provide visuals such as a PowerPoint to support your presentation
- A microphone, podium, projector, and projector screen will be provided.
- You must be likely, in our judgment, to be a good addition to the fiber art conversation -- someone who can contribute to the conversations and community at the conference, and the projects that may come out of it.
At a Thread Talk, you agree to:
- Limit your talk to no more than 15 minutes.
- Avoid aggressively pushing your own services, products, or causes.
- Share information but do not advertise or ask for money. No selling from the stage.ļ»æ
Selection Process
We will evaluate your nomination and will share this information with staff members and third parties selected to review speaker applications. Priority will be given to those who hold an active HGA membership. HGA reserves the right to reject applications for a Thread Talk.
Compensation
Thread Talk presenters will receive a complimentary Convergence® Value Package (CVP) and a $30 honorarium. The CVP allows the presenter to attend the full five (5) days of the Convergence® conference, including the fashion show, keynote, marketplace, exhibits, and more (valued at over $200).
Art Sparks Sessions
Art Sparks are short-form sample classes or mini-workshops focused on a highly specific topic. Designed to introduce participants to a new technique, tool, material, or concept, these sessions may feature original content or a concise unit adapted from a larger course. We seek a diverse range of proposals reflecting both traditional fiber arts practices and fresh, innovative perspectives. Because this is an online event with participants joining from around the world, proposals should be thoughtfully designed for virtual learning and accessible home participation. Art Sparks Sessions are offered in 30-minute or 1-hour segments and are presented in a webinar format, allowing participants to watch, learn, and engage through Q&A.
Sessions: October 5-11, 2026
Deadline: March 21, 2027
Convergence Sessions
Seminars and Workshops
Convergence® features more than 100 educational Sessions designed to inspire fiber artists at every level—from beginner to expert. Sessions range from 90-minute seminars to immersive three-day workshops and explore weaving, spinning, dyeing, basketmaking, felting, sewing, professional development, and more.
The Convergence® Session Review Panel invites proposals from innovative fiber art leaders representing a wide range of perspectives, traditions, and techniques. We seek a dynamic mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced offerings, including both time-honored fiber practices and fresh, forward-thinking experiences that are unique to Convergence®.
Sessions: Tentatively scheduled for Summer 2028
Deadline: March 21, 2027
Panel Discussions
Panels are 60-minute sessions with 1 moderator and 3 panelists, organized around a general topic, or they may include multiple perspectives on a more specific topic. To propose a panel, the moderator of the panel should submit a proposal that provides a brief description of 1) the panel’s overall goals and 2) each participant’s contribution to the panel discussion. Note that panels are expected to be based on (panel) discussion and active exchange of ideas instead of being sessions consisting of a series of paper presentations.
Dates: October 5-11, 2026 presented via Zoom as part of the Spinning & Weaving Week Celebration
Deadline: June 1, 2026
