What goes on at a Convention

by Rita Jones

The IGCA Convention is certainly the highlight of the year.  It is a time that brings candlemakers together from all areas to share their ideas and display their works.  The many diverse activities provide every  individual  something of interest to look forward to and participate in.

For some, the competition is a challenge to bring out the very best of their works.  The results of their efforts are truly amazing.  The anticipation of the competition room opening for all to see proves how important this event is.  New ideas abound and one has to go away with a renewed energy to return home and  try them out. 

In a similar vein, many Conventions feature a display of candles from any who will bring a sample of their work.  This “show and tell” event provides a wide diversity of styles and uses of candles which open the mind  to new horizons.  We tend to get stuck in the rut of the narrow path of  “we have always done it that way” and this certainly widens the outlook.

Meals at the convention are definitely something to look forward to.  It is really a learning process if you share a table with different groups for each meal and exchange ideas and information.  Everyone comes away with a new approach.  Creative minds and extra efforts of those in charge of table favors  combine to highlight features about the area where the Convention is held.  And then there are the door prizes which are an extra treat.  Members and vendors supply the group with such an interesting array of small and large gifts.  New  products like the palm and soy waxes, bears to dip, candle snuffers, molds, and gift certificates all add to the excitement.

The vendors contribute so very much to the week.  In addition to displaying their products and informing us of what is new and available, many of the vendors help with the setup and cleanup which is inevitable with workshops, meetings, etc.  They have become true friends of the organization.  There is also nothing comparable to seeing their products first hand and learning how best we can incorporate them into our own operations.

One night is set aside for the Flea Market.  What better place to find that item that you just can’t find anywhere else.  The tables provide a very interesting and varied display of items—some of which are no longer available on the market.  Many a treasure has been taken home from this event.

The Auction night is one of total entertainment!  Although there are many, many great items to bid on, the highlight of the night is the interaction among members with each other and with the auctioneer.  It adds up to a fun night!

Even with extensive work by the Workshop Chairman, there is never enough time to work in all of the workshops, so one must pick and choose. The “hands-on” workshops are great and a true way to really learn the “how-to”.  Another type of workshop is the sharing workshop where everyone brings an idea or a sample candle.  Everybody wins in this type of sharing.  Sometimes sources for the materials used are shared and sometimes it is an idea for a unique or best-selling candle.  The very best way to learn is to teach a workshop.  You will learn so much from those that take the class!

No matter how long you have been in the business, there are so many ideas and so much information that you pick up along the way.  Newcomers always have a fresh approach and the pros pass on priceless information.

Anyone who has attended a Convention will tell you what the very best part is—the members!!!  You are made to feel so very welcome--whether this is your very first Convention or your 10th.

Where else would you find such a group of people who are willing to share ideas and information about their business but in the IGCA. Whether you are in that hospitality room with all that great food, sitting in the lobby or in a workshop, you will find the most caring and sharing of people.  Nothing compares!  This is a place where you will make lifetime friends