Preparation and Registration

The 2009 Annual Conference of The Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild was held on May 12-14 at The Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, California. Over 200 soapmakers, suppliers and industry supporters met in the toasty desert to discuss business, legislation, marketing and above all soapmaking!

The Miramonte was a terrific venue for the conference. Although it was certainly hot, the grounds were beautiful with green grass, lavender, herbs and citrus trees. The buildings were easy to get to, yet strategically placed so it was a short, pleasant walk to go to and from. Of course, the pool was tempting, and more than one late night meeting was held in the hot tub!

Preparations

Conference ground crew, coordinators and some of the Board of Directors arrived several days in advance to start with the preparations. First was getting the 200 boxes of materials, supplies, gifts and goodies that had been shipped in during the previous several months. Then was getting everything compiled, set up and ready.

Wrapping, packing, bowing, setting up ... so many things to be done before the attendees arrive!

Registration

Registration began at 4:00 PM and the vendors were open. Attendees picked up all of their conference materials, and got oriented. Vendors were open in the next room where chips and guacamole, fruit, cheese and snacks were being served with a cold drink. Networking started straightaway, with attendees chatting with each other, old friends reacquainting themselves and new contacts being made.

Attendees received

• badge holders sponsored by Essential Wholesale
• water bottles sponsored by
  Mold Market
• clipboards sponsored by
  Texas Beauty Labs
• notebooks sponsored by
  Bramble Berry
• pens from Certified Lye
• and loads of goodies stuffed into reusable shopping bags sponsored by From Nature With Love

Pre-conference Activities

During Registration the first round of Certification Exams was completed. Twenty-eight soapmakers took exams. Meantime, the vendors were already set up and ready to talk to attendees once they completed registration.

The vendors were standing by in the next room where chips and guacamole, fruit, cheese and snacks were being served with cold drinks. Networking started straightaway, with attendees chatting with each other, old friends reacquainting themselves and new contacts being made.

Off to Relax and Get Some Sleep

People headed off to enjoy the 11 acre property and grounds of The Miramonte, with pools, hot tubs and the famous Well Spa. Pathways lined with herbs and citrus trees and quiet nooks and crannies to escape and soak up the quiet desert atmosphere.

Next: The Conference Begins