Usually in these types of workshops you work on projects in a group, but they also sell their products at a huge discount. I went to stitching sisters even and a lot of their stuff was half off which was nice for their magnahoops to be more affordable, and the dealer will discount the event machines. You are not obligated to buy any of the products, but at the event I had a lot of fun. I am going to a floriani one in april, can't wait