Annual Conference

Every year the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild, Inc. hosts an Annual Conference for soapmakers. The conference location moves through different regions of the country on a rotating basis, providing easier access to members, exhibitors and speakers. The 2012 Conference will be held in Portland, Oregon, May 9 - 11, 2012.

The conference runs three days, with registration starting on the evening before the first day. There may be optional seminars or other activities on the day of registration. Classes and presentations are held during the day and in the evening there are parties or events. Dinner on the last night is the Annual Awards Banquet.

Conference attendance is open to members and non-members of the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild, Inc. The registration fee includes attendance to all classes, demonstrations and workshops, participation in door prizes, drawings and prize awards, optional participation in the Soapers Showcase, and invitations to special hosted evening events and parties. Meals and snacks are provided as part of the conference fee. Special discounted prices for hotel rooms for conference attendees are negotiated by the HSMG.

Topics and Speakers

A variety of speakers, both from inside and outside the handcrafted soap industry, are scheduled each year, covering a wide range of subjects of interest to soamakers. Topics usually include various aspects of cold process and soap making, soapmaking, marketing, promotion, websites, labeling, and a smattering of business concerns. For members wishing to participate in the Certification Program, sessions for examinations are scheduled at several times during the Annual Conference.

Exhibitors

Exhibitor space is available for vendors and suppliers who offer products and/or services to handcrafted soapmakers. Throughout the conference, plenty of time is set aside for attendees to visit the Exhibitor Hall. This is often a way for attendees to actually see and touch those products they see on-line or to be introduced to new products or services; it's also a chance to talk to exhibitors and vendors face-to-face.

For more information, also see: Conference Videos