The Scrapbook Convention Survival Guide By Sara Naumann

Think papers. Think embellishments. Think of your favorite companies, all in one place—and all stocked with the newest, latest goodies. Then think of classes, taught by well-known instructors ready to share their designer tips and techniques.
A scrapbooking, rubber stamping or paper crafting convention is a treat—a true day (or weekend) of paper crafting heaven! And whether you’re new to the convention scene or an experienced convention-goer, we have a few tips for making the most of your time at a show.

Planning Your Strategy

Scrapbook conventions are advertised in national scrapbooking magazines, on web sites, through the local media and via your favorite stores, so keep your eye out for information on pre-registering. Now is the time to sign up for classes and register for the cropping party. Be sure to ask about special show packages, which typically offer a lower cost if you pre-register for classes, the crop and one or more days of the convention. Want a behind-the-scenes look at the scrapbook industry? Many shows use volunteers throughout the show hours and to help teachers set up classes, so check with the show coordinators if you’re interested.

If you’re traveling to the convention from out of town, book your hotel room early—and when you do, ask if there are any special discounts for convention attendees. It’s often easier to stay at the hotel closest to the convention site, even if it’s a bit more expensive. It will save you time getting to and from the show, and save your back carrying purchases from the show to the hotel!

Make Your Shopping List

Check the show’s web site or ask the show coordinators to mail you information on who will be exhibiting. Some scrappers like to pre-plan their purchases and set a budget; others simply splurge at the show. Whatever your style, it often helps to make a list of special items or themes you’re looking for.

What to Wear?

Comfortable shoes are a necessity, as you’ll be walking or standing on uncarpeted concrete floors. Travel light and leave a coat or jacket in the car or at home. The buzz of activity keeps the room very warm—and you want your shopping hands free, not full with extra clothing!

Pack Your Bags

Necessities include something to tote your purchases home in—a canvas bag with shoulder straps or a backpack is especially handy. Be aware that some conventions do not allow wheeled suitcases, so check beforehand. A plastic folder or sheets of cardboard will keep papers flat and protect them; a small folder or envelope will keep smaller embellishments from getting damaged.

“I always advise scrapbookers to bring pre-printed mailing labels, “ adds Jeanne Wines-Reed, coordinator of the Great American Scrapbook Convention, which is held each summer in Arlington, Texas. “Having plenty of labels with your name, address, phone number and email address saves you time filling out prize slips, contest entries, class evaluation forms and mailing list sign-up sheets. It’s critical!”

And don’t forget your cash, especially smaller bills! Some exhibitors accept only cash, so save your credit card purchases for the vendors who can process them. Most exhibitors do accept checks as well.

One last thing to think about: food! Most convention facilities have a concession stand open throughout the show. Standard fare is hot dogs, nachos and soft pretzels. Coffee, cola and bottled water are also offered. Be aware, though: Lines can be long and seating can be notoriously hard to find at lunchtime. Consider packing a snack and some water to carry you through the lunchtime rush.

Plan Your Day

Arrive as early as you can for the best selection. Some scrappers prefer to look at each booth without buying, then make purchases the second time through. Just remember that hot items do sell out—and with so much merchandise in one room, it’s easy to forget where you saw a certain item.

Cropping With Class

Attending classes is probably the most important thing you can do at a convention. You’ll learn techniques straight from the companies who create scrapbook supplies and glean tips and ideas from well-known scrapbook artists. Sign up early for classes—but if you can’t pre-register, check with the coordinator at the show to see if any classes have space.

Crop the Night Away

Do make time for the evening cropping party! Typically the crop room is set up with dozens of round tables where scrappers can sit, socialize, and scrap the night away.

Bring your photos and supplies of your own. Unlike cropping parties at your local store, there are rarely tools for free use—but other scrappers are usually happy to share. And bring your completed pages—cropping parties revolve around swapping tips, techniques and ideas.

Contests

Most shows offer a page contest; page submissions are posted in an idea center on the show floor. Judging takes place at the show and winners are announced on the last day. The page contest is often sponsored and judged by a magazine like Creating Keepsakes or Memory Makers, who generally publishes winning pages.

Have fun! Learn a lot! Be inspired!

Inspiration is the most important thing you can bring back from a convention. Take classes, watch demonstrations, talk with manufacturers and ask them questions. If you discover a new company, be sure to get a catalog or web site address. Most of all, take note of all the ideas and energy in the room.

As one scrapper said after the OverExposed Scrapbookers Expo in Portland: ”You know what the Expo did for me? It got me inspired again!”