Teach Soap

On my recent visit to a local soap supplier I was informed that there will be a big Soap convention in May in Portland, OR. Info can be found here:

I have a TON of questions!

Has anyone been to one of these conferences? Would you recommend it? Do you think it's worth the money (seems pretty expensive to me!)? Is this really more for professional soap makers, or do you think a newbie/hobbiest like me would get a lot out of it?

I don't think I can afford one of the general tickets, but I was looking at the pre-conference. They're offering a half-day class (you can pick 1 out of 3 offered) for $79. I'm seriously considering it!

Anyone else planning to go?

I was thinking about going to that too, until I saw the price. There is a discount for members of the guild, but membership is expensive as well.

I have been to events at the Red Lion before, and though there are private areas for attendees only (talks, classes, lunches, dinners, etc.), I would imagine that there will be things available for the general public, i.e. booths with product for sale. I think that if you are in the business and actually have your business up and running, it would be a great way to network with others and learn new trends. I dont know how beneficial it could be to the hobbyist though, a lot of it might be way over our heads or not relevant to our needs? I was planning on just dropping by anyway and see if there is any public contingent to it, if not, no sweat, as its in my neighborhood.

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Kristen D. Vineyard
visit my blog http://washwithvegetables.blogspot.com

I went to one as a an unpaid guest when they had it in Palm Springs. I just couldn't justify their fee, even though you can take it off your taxes as a business expense. If you are new to soapmaking, you might find the classes helpful.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Bramble Berry offers a soapmakers intensive weekend with classes and get togethers. This may be more of what you are looking for. I would love to do this but my vacations are very specific... based on family. This is on my bucket list to do someday. I did get to visit Otion last year when we went to Washington for a wedding (Hi Kat!) and had a great time there that day.

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Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!

I'd love to go to one of the Otion weekends too. But that would require an overnight stay somewhere for me, whereas this conference is just 30 minutes away.

I think I still might go to the pre-conference, two of the classes look interesting to me.

Lunasear - if they do have a part of the show that's open to the public could you let us know? I may or may not do the pre-conference and it would save me a drive.

Hello

Hey girls does anybody has already been to the soap guild conference? Does it really worth it ?

I've heard a lot of comments from the conference both positive and negative.

What can you tell me ? Thanks a lot !