The Conference Continues - Day 2

Waking up bright an early, HSMG members at the conference started checking in for breakfast and the Annual Membership Meeting at 7:30. Breakfast was buffet style, allowing everyone to get their food and be seated. Meanwhile, non-members were having breakfast out on the lawn, enjoying the cool but sunny start to the day.

Annual Meeting

The Annual Membership Meeting is an important part of the activities at the Annual Conference every year. That is the time that members get reports from the President and all Committee Chairs on what has been going on for the last year, vote on important issues and elect Board Members and the President for the upcoming two years. Every attending member gets an HSMG spatula.

This year Leigh O'Donnell was elected President and Maria Gelnett, Feleciai Favroth and Deb Scanlan were elected to the Board of Directors. All will start their two year terms on July 1, 2009.

One other exciting bit of news was that the membership had increased from 780 members at the 2008 Annual Meeting to 1102 members as of the 2009 Annual Meeting. That's an increase of over 300 members in just one year!

At the end of the meeting a drawing was held for a gift certificate for an Annual Membership. This year Pam Lyons was the lucky winner. Approved Annual Meeting Minutes will be available for members in the HSMG Member Area (login required).

The President, Marie Gale, presided over the meeting using correct parliamentary procedure to ensure that everyone had the right and ability to participate.

"One of my favorite parts of the meeting, is being able to say, 'All in favor, raise your spatulas!' and seeing members exercising their rights," said President Gale.

Experts Panel Over Lunch

A fourteen-person Experts' Panel was convened over lunch. While attendees were enjoying their meals, the panel answered pre-submitted questions on a wide variety of subjects pertaining to the science and art of soapmaking and the many ramifications of managing a soapmaking business.

Feleciai Favroth moderated as the panel reviewed and answered the questions and then took questions from the floor.

More Speakers and Classes

For the first two time slots of the day - one before the Experts' Panel and lunch, and one after - were "Power Sessions". Three concurrent sessions, each held twice, gave everyone an opportunity to see what best applied to their own business and soapmaking plans and passions.

Linda Stevens wowed the crowd with her explanation of how to set up your shop for the most efficiency. In her usual down-to-earth style, she gave everyone good graphic and detailed guidance on how to make be best soapmaking shop possible.

Kelly Bloom provided attendees with insight into trademarking, and how to protect your creations and business. .

Susan Ryhanen went through the steps to transform your business from retail to wholesale, giving attendees ideas on how to avoid the pitfalls and make a successful transition.

After snacks in the afternoon, Jamila White closed the classes of the day with an e-Commerce Reality Check for all those with websites who want to use them to the fullest.

"Totally Pamper Me!" Spa Night

After dinner, Tammy Doering of Dead Sea Bulk Materials hosted a "Totally Pamper Me!" Spa Night. Attendees got to sample products and complete their choice of spa applications.

Many people chose the Dead Sea Face Mask, which resulted in a room full of happy, green-faced attendees. Others chose foot or hand spa treatments, as well as other facial applications.

The In-Between Time

As on the previous day, there were breaks and snacks between each of the session slots. The Florentine Ballroom was filled with people checking their raffle tickets, talking to Vendors, networking and, of course, eating!

Talking to other soapmakers, vendors and suppliers face-to-face is one of the many benefits of coming to the conference. No where else do you get such an intense interaction with others who share the same passion and are willing to impart what they know.

Next: Goodies, Prizes & Other Fun Stuff