Attending a creative conference should be on the top of your list of things to do this year! There is no better way to find like-minded friends than to be where they gather.  Conferences provide the opportunity to meet and talk with like-minded people who share your passion.  After attending 2 creative shows this year: MimiGStyle and Go Wild y’all, I have put together 6 reasons why you must attend a creative conference too!

Reason #1: Creativity

Our creative spirits are awakened when we see the creativity of others.  Being creative takes energy.  Sometimes, we get into a slump and find it hard to be creative. One of the best ways to break a slump is to get inspired by others.  Just seeing what other people have made, in real life, gives you energy to return to your crafty space and make something!

Reason #2: Communication

Creativity is a language not everyone speaks.  Being around others who speak your language removes social barriers.  You can freely talk about your craft with someone who is listening, understanding, and providing feedback.  When you can talk with others who speak like you do, it is relaxing and reassuring.

Reason #3: Compassion

We do some crazy things for our creativity.  It is rare when you find other people who do the same things you do.  When you go to a convention you are around compassionate people who get your kind of “crazy”.  In fact, they might even tell stories that surprise you!

Reason #4: Collaboration

Being crafty together provides support and inspiration.  At conventions you meet people who connect with you. These are people you can collaborate with for ideas, suggestions, and/or reassurance.  These collaborative friends often teach you new things or inspire you to try something a little differently.  They are an invaluable network of supportive friends that will encourage you to be the best that you can be!

Reason #5: Commitment

When you have a network of supportive friends you become committed to your craft.  At conventions you can attend classes and learn new skills which helps to elevate the projects you create.  Your new friends and new skills will encourage commitment to your craft that helps you explore your creativity and brings out the joy of what you love to do.

Reason #6: Curiosity

Attending a conference satisfies curiosity.  We are creative people and we want to know how things work, or how to improve our skills, or what products and tools are available.  We can’t help it we are curious!  You will learn things at conventions that you did not even know you wanted to learn.  A convention exposes you to new things through the classes you take, speakers you listen to, and new friends you make.

Some of my new friends from the Mimi G Fashion Sewing & Style Conference 2017

Here is a list of

upcoming knitting Creative Conferences:

Stitches Midwest  August 3-6 in Schaumburg, IL

Stitches Texas September 14-17 in Irving, Texas

Camp Stitches October 12 – 16 in Idaho

Stitches United March 22-25, 2018 in Hatford, CT

Camp Stitches May 31 – June 4, 2018 in Vermont

upcoming sewing Creative Conferences:

MimiGStyle on-line sewing academy

Madalynne on-going workshops in Philadelphia, PA

Well Sewn Style on going bootcamps in Philadelphia, PA

Sew Expo March 1-4, 2018 in Puyallup, WA

Modern Stitching Affair April 26-29 in Madison, WI

A Gathering Of Stitches (visit for a variety of events coming up this summer – they look wonderful!)

Association of Sewing & Design Professionals 2017 Annual Convention October 19-22 in Orlando, FL

upcoming planning Creative Conferences:

Wild for Planners 2018 in Austin, TX

PlannerCon 2018 in San Francisco, CA March 3-4