Scrapbook Conventions: What to Know If You Go

I recently attended the Great Lakes Mega Meet, my first scrapbook convention. I loved it! Great shopping, great classes, and wonderful people. From the experience, I have gleaned a few tips that may be useful to you if you are getting ready to attend one of the many scrapbook conventions around the country.

• First and foremost, register early! Classes and crops fill quickly so you need to get your registration in as soon as you know you want to go. That way you will also be able to arrange for lodging early as well, thus assuring yourself of a great room near the convention site. Check with the sponsors to find out if certain hotels are offering a group rate for attendees.
• Next, when you register be sure to sign-up for some classes. I took several classes at the convention I attended and loved them all. I felt that the most profitable time that I spent was in the classrooms. Be sure to take classes on subjects that are new to you such as Black and White Photo Tinting, Pop-up Pages, or Advanced Sticker Art, just to name a few possibilities.
• Carry a lightweight bag with you. The convention I went to provided tote bags to attendees who registered for all three days. This bag serves several purposes. It can hold your purchases, snacks, make-and-take projects, and samples, along with class tickets, schedules, and other event information. Be sure not to overload yourself, however, because even the lightest bag at 8 a.m. seems to weigh a ton at 6 p.m.
• Now that you have a bag picked out, make sure to put a bottle of water and a light snack inside of it. Time flies when you are having fun and you will need to protect yourself from feeling woozy due to lack of water or sugar. This also will tide you over until the lunch rush has passed and lines for food are shorter. Bringing me to my next point. . .
• Eat slightly earlier or later than the noon rush. Lines were huge during the regular lunch hour and nearly nonexistent any other time.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You will be spending a lot of time walking around carrying that "light bag" with all your goodies in it and will appreciate the extra comfort of a good pair of walking shoes.
• If you see a great deal on an item you want, buy it. Things sell out fast, therefore if you wait to think about it, you might not have the opportunity to get it later.
• Also, for shopping, bring cash. Checks and credit cards were accepted at the convention that I attended, however they slowed the lines down considerably. Several vendors opened cash only lines. You will save yourself a lot of time if you have cash available for all your purchases.
• And finally, if you can't get a group together, go alone. I met several other scrapbookers who were attending on their own. Everyone was so friendly, I felt very comfortable chatting with whomever I happened to be sitting with at the time. Here's the picture of our table during the Friday night crop. The ladies I met that night included, Julie, Gwen and Susan, and we had a great time! Thanks Girls.

Check out convention schedules for your section of the country. If you don't see one near you online be sure to check with your local scrapbook store for information. You will love it!