The Midwest Craft Con is a three-day retreat for mid-career crafters, makers and creative business owners. The conference will include inspirational keynote addresses, thought-provoking panel discussions, hands-on workshops and business-focused breakout sessions from experts from Ohio, the Midwest and beyond. But it won't be all work: You'll make new friends at our evening mixers, explore our trade show and network with makers — it'll be a weekend-long retreat with your best craft buddies. We hope you can join us!

Our keynote speakers are Abby Glassenberg and Lisa Congdon. Read more about them here. 

When is it?

Midwest Craft Con will be from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, Feb. 19 to 21, 2016, happening at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Columbus, Ohio. 

What's included?

Three days of sessions, panels and keynote speakers, plus fun maker-centric activities and ample socialization time. Your ticket to Midwest Craft Con gets you 24-hour access to the Hyatt. Note that you'll be responsible for paying for your own room and meals aside from a few mixers we'll host. 

When you register, we'll send you a confirmation email with a link to reserve your hotel room. We highly recommend staying on site, as events will go late into the evening, and our booking the hotel's public spaces is contingent on having our people book rooms. We've negotiated a special price of $129 for a double and $159 for a quadruple, and we would be happy to help you find someone to share with if you're coming on your own! 

Our concept for Midwest Craft Con is aimed at mid-career crafters and creative businesspeople, offering a mix of presentations, workshops and panel discussions on topics such as:

• Mei Pak on Social Media the Right Way

• Tara Swiger on Crafting a Customer Path

• Sandria Marie giving Acting Lessons for Shy Crafters

• Abby Glassenberg on Awesome Email Newsletters

• Allison Chapman on How to Stay in Love With Your Handmade Business

• Lawyer Annal Vyas on contracts, business forms and copyright

See the whole speaker lineup here! And here is the detailed schedule of classes.

Help out a fellow maker!

You also have the option to donate to our scholarship fund. Consider giving a dollar or two to help out a crafter who can't afford this awesome experience on their own right now. This donation is tax-deductible, thanks to our partnership with Crafty Mart, a a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. 

What else do I need to know?

We aim to make this conference inclusive and fun, so you should have a look at our Code of Conduct that we expect all attendees to adhere to. 

For those coming from out of town and unfamiliar with the local craft scene, we're putting together an add-on Crafty Tour of Columbus! 

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Check out our website here for more details about us and our event, and you can email us at midwestcraftcon@gmail.com.

Ticket sales have ended, but there are a few makers who are looking to transfer their tickets because they can no longer make it. Email us at midwestcraftcon@gmail.com to find out more.

Is my ticket transferrable?

Tickets are nonrefundable, but you can transfer your ticket up to the day before the conference.