"What should I bring?"

[Tori_Gage]

Hey all!

On another post Loraine asked what we would bring that she might not think of. Good question! I though it might be helpful (especially for first timers) to put this in its own thread, so I'll start...

The hall we use for demo/lecture days can (but not always) get VERY cold and over airconditioned, so I always bring a warm layer/shawl/sweater even if it's 100 degrees outside (some years it's worse for me than others, one year I brought the blanket from the bed down with me. It was cold enough to make a person long for menopause)!

The old saying holds true, bring twice the money and half of the clothes that you'll think you need! (SHHH Ofilia, don't tell them that I bring twice the clothes, too!)


If you are NOT taking a class-

Bring your glasses anyway! You will use them for open torch nights.


If you ARE taking a class-

I find the lighting in these big convention center rooms to be less than I need, so I'm bringing my travel OTT light and an extention cord.

If you are driving, you may want to throw a few cushions in your car, those chairs in the class area are fixed (not adjustable), as are the tables, so you may need to adjust your position relative to the torch. (The pillows from the beds are too big, I tried that and kept sliding off!)

Something to take your beads/shards/murrini/class projects home in.

Mark your tools as yours before you leave home. It saves on any confusion later. I use nail polish and my name in marker.

I don't ever have a table at the bazaar, so I have no suggestions for that.

Have fun!

Tori

[PamDugger]

Okay, I hate to say this, but I bring snacks. I almost always have something in my purse or carry-on on a plane to eat. I once got stuck on a plane for 7 1/2 hours sitting on a runway waiting for the 2 hour flight home. There was no food on the plane, and I was really hungry before I got on. So, food!! There's not always an opportunity to sit down and have a meal when you are at the Gathering - let's see, shop at the vendor area or eat - guess what wins!

Bring your business cards as it makes it easier to exchange phone numbers with newly made friends if you can just hand them your card. Also, bring a little purse or pocket-size notebook so you can jot down a particular product or formula or technique that you see.

Bring comfy shoes. I am not used to being on my feet 16 hours a day, so several pairs of comfy shoes for me are a must.

I agree with Tori, I always pack way more clothes than I use, so I am going to attempt to trim my clothes down. If you are planning on trying something particular at open torch, you might want to bring any specialized tools with you. (I usually bring my scissors)

That's all I can think of for now!

[Debby_Weaver]

If you are going to participate in the bead swap, it saves time to bring a number of zippy bags with your business card already stuffed inside - and put these bags with the beads for the swap. Usually a 2"x3" bag is perfect.

Notebook and pencil (and pencil shapener but not a battery operated one - your neighbors in the lecture hall will hate you!) Pens are okay - they are quieter!

Your glasses!!!

In all likelyhood, you will buy some glass - I always do no matter what I say! There is always something new. You can wrap your glass in clothes but, if you have room (and leave some room!) pack some bubble wrap. Some people use the PVC tubes they raise their bazaar tables with to carry glass home in. If you have a tube-like carrier the right length, bring it.

In case you think you will buy a lot, you may want to bring a flat rate USPS box. Ask the clerk how much postage you will need to send it, and get enough stamps to put on it. I would not put them on in case you do not use it - then you can use them for something else. The box is free! The front desk should be willing to mail it for you since they do not have to do anything - postage is already on it! Talk to your postal clerk about this if you need more information - ok?

I understand there is a swimming pool - your bathing suit!

Night/reading light - I am going to have a big time change so I am planning to bring a book and reading light so I can read if I wake up early or can't go to sleep. Then I don't have to disturb my roommate. *I usually bring two books - I read a lot - and the first one I leave so I don't have to carry it back -- I get these books at yard sales or used book stores*

You will get a totebag at check in but you might want to bring another one - I always do.

Camera - not so much for the demos but for the people! And just remember, no pictures of bazaar tables unless you ask first!!!! I sometimes want to take table pictures for set up ideas but ALWAYS ask first and don't get pissed off if people say no. Lots of people have had their work designs ripped off that way.

If you have a cell phone, don't forget the charger - you'd be surprised how many people do!

And your perscriptions!!!!!

That's all I can think of right now. This thread is a good idea. I think I have been to 9 or 10 Gatherings but I always forget something - usually my glasses!

Debby

[knakazono]

Thank you so much for posting this list of things to bring. This is my first Gathering and I found this post very helpful and informative.

Sincerely,

Katherine

[Lara]

Don't forget a pad and pen to take notes of during the demos.

[lorwolff]

THANK YOU for following up on this.
It is VERY helpful.

Hi Lara!

Can't wait to see you all in person,

Loraine

[Ofilia_Cinta]

Hey all!


The old saying holds true, bring twice the money and half of the clothes that you'll think you need! (SHHH Ofilia, don't tell them that I bring twice the clothes, too!)


Have fun!

Tori

Tori did not mention about bringing the extra suitcase full of money and plastic..... Hey, if we need to make a real fashion statement, we do it with our beads and how we accessorize;>)

Oh, and don't miss the "Creativity Unleashed" event... here you will find "accessories" to the max! I found some fab sequin shoes yesterday at a garage sale;>)!

Ofilia

[Lara]

Loraine! Hi there :-)

[MarcyLamberson]

My tip doesn't have to do with what you bring, but what you do...

Try everything. There is so much to see and do.

Meet as many people as possible and hang out with new ones. This Gathering can be overwhelming for some members and a friendly face and invitation for them to sit with you can not only make someone feel more comfortable, but also long lasting friendships.

Marcy

[Debby_Weaver]

I just realized ------- no one said to bring BEADS!!!!! ------ even if you are not doing the bazaar!

Beads to wear.
Beads to trade.
Beads to show off.
Beads with problems you need answers to.
Beads to leave as tips (or with tips)!!! - yeah, this is a good idea!

Just because you are not doing the bazaar does not mean you should not have a box of beads in your bag - always!!!!! I know we are not supposed to sell beads outside of the bazaar but someone may want to buy or trade one of your beads. Having someone ask you if they can buy or trade may just be what you need to hear if you are thinking about taking the next step into sales. (But DO NOT plan on stting up shop in your room - that is a big NO-NO!!!) If you really want to set your work out and see if there is a market for it, contact Cathy about whether or not there are spaces or half spaces left in the Bazaar.

Debby