How to Prepare for a Bead Convention

1 Money: Depends on how much you are willing to budget for it... If you are good at sticking with what you set as a rule, then bring enough cash and credit cards for what you want, plus a few luxury finds. Otherwise, I usually bring about 100-200 in cash and one credit card with just enough on it to stay in my budget. It becomes easy to go nuts when you see all the neat demos and products. Also, make sure to check if the convention has an online list or possible classes and costs if any.

2 I make a list of and "must have" items to look for first, that way I don't get overwhelmed and spend too much time just wandering aimlessly. Tip: Hit the silver vendors first because they usually sell out the fastest. Get there early if you have any "will die without it" items on your list.

3 I always try to be there when they open the doors. Up front there is usually a little welcome committee that has information packets to hand you. If your lucky you will get a map. Plot out where the silver vendors are, and any specialty vendors to make it easy to find them first.

4 I try not to buy too many impulse buys. If you like a vendor and don't want to spend too much time "looking", you can buy a catalog for later online shopping. A time saver is to bring pre addressed labels for sticking on mailing lists, saves on the writer's cramp. I also check to see if any of my favorite vendors will be giving a discount for being at the show.

5 Bring a back pack or large tote bag for carrying your purchases. You can slip in a small bottle of water and a snack lunch for later. The available food at these conventions are usually high priced and bad tasting. Wear comfortable shoes, because there involves alot of walking at a convention. If you are on any online groups ask about a time and meeting place for a chance to meet a few new people. Check ahead of time if there will be any special classes or demos you want to attend, incase there is a cost. I bring a pen for marking the name of vendors on the outside of purchase bags to make an inventory when I get home. Bring a camera to take picture of samples, friends and such, but remember to ask a vendor first if you want a pic of their stuff.

6 Feel free to ask questions about products and such, Bead folk are a great bunch of people. All in all, conventions are a great place to learn about new products, see demos, meet people and find those hard to find items. Take your time and enjoy the show!