US Conference 2024
Overview
The 26th Annual HSCG Conference will be held at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Connecticut from May 15-18, 2024.
The Annual Conference is a four-day event, with registration starting on the evening of May 15, 2024 followed by our popular Expert Panels. Optional Intensive Seminars will be held on May 15, 2024 prior to registration and can be attended for an additional fee. The final event of the conference is the Annual Awards Dinner, a relaxed networking event that will wrap up your conference experience.
Expect a completely packed schedule with classes and presentations during the day and special events in the evening. Breakfast and both morning and afternoon snacks every day are included. Lunch is included on two days, and dinner during the Annual Awards Dinner.
As with past conferences, the HSCG has negotiated special hotel rates for conference attendees. We'll have this booking link available soon!
Topics and Speakers
The HSCG searches for expert speakers within the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry as well as speakers with experience outside of the handcrafted circle. You can expect a diverse range of topics covering business, maker and advanced subjects to help you grow your business and expand your knowledge base. Past conferences have featured topics like advanced formulation, website design, new product innovation and more.
Certification
For members wishing to participate in the Certification Program, sessions for examinations are scheduled at several times during the Annual Conference for your convenience.
Who can attend?
Conference attendance is open to Members and non-members of the Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild. Members receive a substantial discount on the registration fee, which includes attendance to the Experts Panels, and speaker sessions, as well as participation in all drawings and prize awards, and the Makers' Showcase (optional). Certification time slots are open to HSCG Members exclusively. All attendees are invited to attend sponsored parties and events, and HSCG Members are invited to attend the Annual Meeting, held during lunch on the second full day of the conference.
Registration
Registration for the 2024 conference is open. Due to space limitations, the number of attendees is limited and is likely to sell out as it has in past conferences. Make sure to register early so you can take advantage of early-bird discounts and join us in Hartford, Connecticut!
What Comes With Your Registration?
Every registration includes:
- Access to all classes, demonstrations and workshops topics and sessions.
- Access to special events.
- All conference meals and breaks.
- Detailed handouts from speakers
- Access to WHOVA, the HSCG Conference App
- Entrance into the Conference Exhibitor Hall
- Access to the digital Program Book with specials and information
- An HSCG Water Bottle
- A Conference Bag
- All HSCG Gifts and Goodies
- All sponsored gifts and goodies
- Entry to the Awards Dinner on May 18, 2024
- 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 Marriott Hartford Downtown. (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.
- Intensive Seminars taking place on May 15, 2024
Registration Fees and Deadlines
| Rate Class | Expires | Member | Non-Member |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate | June 29, 2023 at 4:00 pm EST | $539 | n/a |
| Premier | October 31, 2023 at 4:00 pm EST | $579 | n/a |
| Prime | February 27, 2024 at 4:00 pm EST | $619 | $779 |
| Regular (Full) Rate | May 15, 2024 * | $659 | $898 |
|
* Registration at the full rate will be available until the conference starts on May 15, 2024, UNLESS the conference reaches capacity and is sold out before then. |
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Guests
If you want to bring a guest with you who won't be attending the conference but wants to join you for meals, you may purchase a guest meal ticket. The cost is $349 and covers all meals, the Awards Dinner and any special parties. Purchase Guest Meal Ticket.
Associates
An HSCG member may bring up to 4 associates (family members, business partners, staff, etc.) to the conference under his/her member number and take advantage of the member rate for the associates.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor space is available for vendors and suppliers who offer products and/or services to the industry. Throughout the conference, plenty of time is set aside for attendees to visit the Exhibitor Hall. HSCG Vendor members are entitled to a significant discount on exhibitor space at the conference.
Cancellation Policy
The cancellation policy is set by HSCG policy. Please review it.
Cancellation Policy
For fully paid registration fees, guest tickets or exhibitor tables canceled on or before November 30, 2023 the HSCG will issue a refund for 50% the conference registration fee paid. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after November 30, 2023. Cancellations must be made in writing either via email to conference@soapguild.org or by regular mail to HSCG, 184 Edie Rd Ste A, 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).
Sale or Transfer of Registration to Third Party
Any attendee who is unable to attend the conference and wishes to sell or transfer their registration to another attendee must do so no later than March 15th, 2024. The original registered attendee must contact HSCG Headquarters via phone or email to confirm the sale or transfer to a third party before the third party reaches out to us. We are unable to accommodate sales or transfers completed after March 15th, 2024 without receiving contact from the original registered attendee.
