HSCG 2014 Conference

Last week, Cindy and I attended the HSCG 2014 Conference in Tucson, Arizona.  Spoiler alert… we had a blast!

At first, Cindy and I did not know what to expect.  This was our very first time attending an HSCG Conference.  We were nervous and excited at the same time.  It was going to be such a treat to meet our customers and other soapmakers and crafters.

Upon our arrival to the breath taking Loews Resort (where the conference was held) we quickly wanted to get our vendor booth set up and functional.  Since we brought a sample of each of the 816 fragrance oils that Natures Garden currently carries, we knew getting them unpacked and displayed was going to truly be a feat.

Walking into the conference area was inspiring, there was quite an array of other vendors also setting up and preparing for the conference.  Briskly walking past the displays, it was very easy to see that there was going to be something there for every attendee from fragrances to essential oils, unscented bases, educational books, supplies, and packaging; just to name a few.

Once we settled into our area, we quickly started to unpack and set up our displays.  People were already starting to register in the lobby and it was very easy to see everyone’s excitement for the conference to officially begin.  There was most definitely a contagious thrill mounting in the air.

As for the Natures Garden booth; we did bring a few other products for our booth, but the main focus was the fragrance samples.  We saw the HSCG Conference as a chance to let people smell fragrances that they always wondered about.  And boy, let me tell you the attendees were ecstatic over the scents.  It was very energizing to see the excitement as people sniffed away and asked questions.

It was very easy to see from the first night that this conference was going to be a huge success.  The charisma and vigor that all of the attendees, staff, vendors, and guild members had was inspiring.  Everyone was so very genuine and nice; not only to us, but amongst each other as well.  And, it was so very nice to see many of the experienced soap crafters giving advice, sharing tricks of the trade, and helping those that were either just starting out or thinking about extending their lines.

During the conference, the days were chucked full of educational classes, gourmet meals, meet and greet opportunities, and good times.  Every time a seminar let out, the vendors area would fill with attendees discussing everything they learned, the great experience they had, and the plethora of knowledge they attained.

All in all by the time that Friday morning hit (the last day), the conference was a buzz with all of the happiness of a well planned and informative week.  The Handcrafted Soapmakers and Cosmetics Guild had yet another successful conference year.  Everyone had a super fun time, learned a lot, and met such a variety of new and creative crafters.  All in all, attending the conference was so well worth it.

Next year the HSCG 2015 Conference will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana from April 18^th – 20^th.    Our suggestion for anyone that is on the fence about going is that attending this conference is highly recommended from these two first year conference attendees.  Not only will your days be filled with knowledgeable seminars and your evenings with fun get togethers, but you will meet some of the nicest and most helpful fellow crafters in the industry.

On a final note:  A special thank you goes out to all of the hard work that the members and staff of the Handcrafted Soapmakers and Cosmetics Guild did.  For us, this year’s conference was a huge success.  We met new people, had tons of fun, many laughs, and truly enjoyed our time at the conference.