The Florida Tropical Weavers Guild (FTWG) invites you to participate as a vendor at our annual conference which will be held March 14-17, 2024. We are returning to the same venue as the 2023 Conference, the beautiful Wyndham Orlando Resort & Conference Center/Celebration.
We are thrilled about the opportunities for attendees and day trippers that this location offers – we had more than 3x as many day trippers in 2023, compared to conferences at our previous venue. Conveniently located off Hwy. 192 in Kissimmee near Walt Disney World, the entire property was newly renovated in 2021. The hotel features several dining outlets including a lobby Starbucks, full-service bar, and a Pizza Hut Express. FTWG has been granted exclusive use of the entire Conference Center which features its own entrance and ample parking.
As in years past, the conference runs Thursday after lunch through Sunday noon. Mini-workshops are offered on Thursday afternoon and ten to twelve 2 1/2 day workshops are offered Friday through Sunday noon. Evening events include the annual state meeting, Fiber Exhibit, fashion show, and awards. The participants with interests in fiber related arts – weaving, spinning, dyeing, knitting, basketry, beading, polymer clay, woodworking, etc. – represent 15 guilds from all over Florida and include a number of attendees from other states.
Facilities
During the conference, FTWG has exclusive use of the conference center at the Wyndham. An attendant is available at the conference desk during all times the Vendor Hall is open. Lodging is a short walk down an interior hallway. We have a private space for meals, and a separate area for a dedicated Vendor Hall. You will be able to choose accommodations and dining options when you register.
Changes from Prior Years
One of our goals when searching for a new location was to find an option that would make it easier for day trippers to visit and shop. We will be adding packages for single day trippers and those who wish to take a mini class and stay overnight to shop as well as dedicated time in the schedule to encourage attendees to visit the Vendor Hall.
The check-out time at the Wyndham is 11:00 a.m., which means that you will need to check out of your hotel room before heading down to pack up your booth on Sunday. You may request a late checkout from the hotel after you are on-site. Whether or not they grant it is at their discretion.
The handling of meals will be similar to 2023. As a vendor, you can choose to (1) stay offsite and purchase meals through FTWG on an ad hoc basis; (2) stay onsite and purchase a room-only package, with no meals included; (3) stay onsite and purchase a room and board package that includes some meals.
The Wyndham does not provide free wi-fi in the conference center. If you need wi-fi to operate your mobile payment system, there will be an additional cost. Please let us know if you need more information about this option.
Fees
Three vendor space sizes are available:
10′ x 10′ for $50
10′ x 20′ for $75
10′ x 40′ for $150.
All tables must fit within the rented space.
Spaces are assigned on a first come, first served basis.
DEADLINE TO APPLY is February 1, 2024.
Vendor Responsibilities
Vendors should be set up in the auditorium by 12:30 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, March 14, 2024, as participants will begin arriving at 1 p.m.
Sale hours are set by the vendors, with the exception of designated vendor hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (to be announced) when all vendors must be present in their booths. However, you may want to see that someone is tending to your booth at other times while you are in class or sales may/will be missed as day trippers come in or attendees take a break from their classes to shop.
We do not believe security will be an issue as access to the Vendor Hall is only available during designated conference hours; however, FTWG is not responsible for vendor inventory.
Door Prizes
Door prizes are awarded at evening events. We would very much appreciate your contributing one or more prizes for these drawings. If you are unable to attend but would like to contribute a door prize, it will be most welcome and acknowledged at the conference and in the conference materials.
Additional Details
To find updated details regarding our 2024 conference, please visit the 2024 Conference page.
We are planning a terrific conference and a lovely weekend after being apart for so long, and we would love for you to be a part of making it another successful FTWG Annual Conference!