Conference FAQ

The following are the most frequently asked questions about the HSCG Annual Conference. Click any question to display the answer, or view all answers.

If you have a question that is not answered here, contact the HSCG office by email at or by phone at (518) 306-6934 or (toll free) (866)-900-7627.

About the HSCG Conference

YES!  As an HSCG Member you can register up to 4 attendees at the Member Rate.
No.  The HSCG Conference is an all-in event.  We do not have the capability to offer day passes.  Registration is for all of the days of the event and includes access to all of the speaker sessions, networking events, meals, breaks, goodies, drawings, Exhibitor Hall and more.  You will be glad you decided to attend the whole thing, it is well worth your time/money.
Be comfortable! The conference can best be described as casual, most members wear pants or jeans and comfortable shirts.  Be sure to wear clothing appropriate for the venue and check the weather before you leave.  Most important to bring:  comfortable shoes and a sweater or sweatshirt as meeting rooms are notoriously COLD and we have little control over that.
YES!  Many attendees look for roommates to save money on their hotel bills.  You can find a roommate if you are a member by posting in the HSCG Members Only Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/HSCGMembers/
YES!  There are four meal plan options available:  Regular, Vegetarian, Vegan or Gluten Free.  As there are hundreds of people to consider when choosing food and beverage, if you have restrictions beyond those listed, we recommend contacting the venue directly to arrange for special handling of your meals.
No.  The HSCG is a non-profit.  We do not have the funds to do audio recordings that would be considered of a suitable quality, of the speaker sessions.  The Speaker Sessions and information are only available at the conference itself.
YES!  There is an Exhibitor Hall at the HSCG Conference every year and attendees can browse the different supplier booths, meet with their representatives, purchase products and sample a variety of testers.  Some Exhibitors offer special show deals and some will take orders for product they have back at their home base. 
YES!  We will keep your registration materials, goodie bags and promotional products for you and give them to you when you arrive.
YES!  Not only should you register before you arrive at the conference, you will save $10 per test if you do!  http://www.soapguild.org/store/certification/
YES!  However, you will save at least $200 on your registration if you do become a member.  The member rate is significantly lower.  We encourage you to see what the organization has to offer and please contact us in the HSCG Office if you have any questions:  866-900-7627
YES!  There will be representatives from the HSCG Staff at the conference to assist you with your questions about membership.  If you wish to join or renew at the conference you may do so.
YES!  Lunch is included and your speaker/presenter will most likely eat at the same time.  This is valuable networking time!
No.  The 1/2 Day Seminars are considered an add-on for registered attendees of the HSCG Conference.

You need to cancel in writing, either by email to conference@soapguild.org or by mail to:  HSCG, 178 Elm St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.  Depending on when you cancel, you may be eligible for portion of your registration fee as a refund.  Here is the cancellation policy:

Cancellation Policy

For fully paid registration fees, guest tickets or exhibitor tables canceled on or before November 30, 2015 the HSCG will issue a refund for 50% the conference registration fee paid. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after November 30, 2015. Cancellations must be made in writing either via email to conference@soapguild.org or by regular mail to HSCG, 178 Elm St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

This cancellation policy will remain the same regardless of whether or not the conference has open spots, sells out or has a waiting list. If a Waiting List is created due to a sold out conference, the HSCG shall follow the Wait Lists Policy of June 30, 2009 (as revised October 7, 2013).

The HSCG is a non-profit and the organization puts forth a significant investment and obligation to the venue to put on the conference.  As such, there is a cancellation policy to protect the association, the membership and to be fair to all.

Cancellation Policy

For fully paid registration fees, guest tickets or exhibitor tables canceled on or before November 30, 2015 the HSCG will issue a refund for 50% the conference registration fee paid. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after November 30, 2015. Cancellations must be made in writing either via email to conference@soapguild.org or by regular mail to HSCG, 178 Elm St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

This cancellation policy will remain the same regardless of whether or not the conference has open spots, sells out or has a waiting list. If a Waiting List is created due to a sold out conference, the HSCG shall follow the Wait Lists Policy of June 30, 2009 (as revised October 7, 2013).

YES!  But the HSCG Conference is paperless!  You will be given access to all of the speaker session handouts (even the ones you don't attend), starting a few days before you leave for the conference.  You will have the option to:

  • Print all or some of the handouts at home and bring them.
  • Use your laptop, tablet or mobile device at the conference to access the materials.

The materials will remain live for several months after the event to be sure you have had enough time to access the information.

You should bring the following the the HSCG Conference to get the most out of the event:

  • A laptop, tablet or mobile device to access the website and handouts (the conference is paperless)
  • Business Cards (for networking)
  • An Extra Bag (for packing all the goodies you won/purchased)
  • A sweater or sweatshirt (meeting rooms can be very COLD)
  • A water bottle (it's important to stay hydrated)
  • Comfortable Shoes (the days are packed and full of information)
  • Questions! (Perhaps write them down in a notebook)
  • Some Extra Cash (For the Raffle, Merchandise and Exhibitor Hall)

Most of all come rested!  The HSCG Conference is a marathon, not a sprint!  We make no apologies for packing the schedule with information, events, sessions, parties and more, so that you get your money's worth!

No.  Registration includes the following:

  • Access to all speaker topics and sessions.
  • Access to all special events and networking parties.
  • All conference meals and breaks.
  • Detailed preparation information (online)
  • Conference Registration pack.
  • All HSCG gifts and goodies
  • Industry goodie bag
  • All sponsored gifts and goodies
  • Access to the Exhibitor room
  • Entry to the Awards Dinner on May 21, 2016
  • Entry into at least one raffle
  • Lots of networking time with other soap and cosmetic makers and industry experts
  • Tons of fun and information!

Registration DOES NOT include:

  • Guestrooms at the Saddlebrook Resort. (However, attendees ARE entitled to a discounted room rate.)
  • Ground transportation to and from the hotel.
  • Any meals outside of those outlined in the conference schedule.

194 days
to the
2018 Conference!

The 2018 Conference is sponsored in part by:

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the 2018 Conference, please email the Conference Sponsorship Coordinator at . The 2018 Sponsorship Brochure (.pdf file) is available and has detailed information about the available sponsorship and exhibitory opportunities.