QuiltCon 2016
 

I am going to QuiltCon in February, but just for the show. Getting excited about even that much. Any advice other than comfortable shoes? (shoe comfort is ALWAYS a high priority for me...LOL)

When I use to go to Quilt Market, I always had a snack and water in a fanny pack. Break in any shoes before you go. Have FUN.

I go to Paducah and that is all day walking, my feet were hurting. On the shuttle bus a fellow quilter told me about these shoes. A quilter next to us heard us talking and she said look, she had on a pair, several more quilters also said Yes, look at mine! LOL They are the best shoes I have ever worn for my feet. They are the only shoes I buy now.
Aetrex shoes. They have orthotics selections too.

Take a fitbit or pedometer. You will be amazed at how far you walk. Enjoy!

Forgot to mention. If you plan on using your credit cards for purchases, notify your bank. At Houston Quilt Festival, several people had their credit cards flagged. The vendors are from all over the country. So it looked like the card was being used in many states at once.

I wear a thin jacket/shirt with inside deep side pockets. I don't bother with a purse. I haven't been to a big quilt show that didn't have water available. Water bottles are heavy in a bag. Usually taking pictures is forbidden at vendor booths. Bring a sheet of address labels. That will save you so much time. I had address labels printed with my email and phone # along with my address for signing up at vendors and for prize give aways.

Good tips! I didn't think about it looking like I am buying all over the country. My bank has been great about possible fraud alerts so I need to be on that. And I always carry water and it does get heavy. I have just recently thought to stop the madness, but don't always remember. I lug water and then regret it.

I take a backpack with me if I plan on making purchases. It's a lot easier to carry around than a purse or shoulder bag, and many places don't allow you to use rolling carts.

Just drink it and be done with it, LOL! When you get busy such as at a quilt show, you forget all about your daily hydration needs. We need a lot of water.

MIL and me always took our 2 wheel ''ol'lady grocery carts You can hang a tote over the handle for snacks/water bottle to keep your hands free. I always carry my wallet and keys in my pocket.

As for hydration, we have water bottle carriers we made and take with us. However, I only take a small water bottle due to the weight and the fact that it is easier to fill at a water fountain.
Thanks for reminding me to alert our banks before we go to Road2California.

I agree with taking water. It's always really expensive at these events. Before you take a cart along, check with the show. Houston Quilt Festival doesn't allow them on the floor unless you are a vendor. I prefer to take a tote bag. I've been banged with too many over full backpacks when people turn around. They seem to forget they have this big thing on their back! Another thing to watch is if you put your money in the backpack be sure to put it in a pocket that's against your body. I watched a woman take her wallet out of an outside pocket on a backpack, put it back and put the bag back on. As far as I'm concerned that's almost begging to have to lifted. For quilt fest, I have a badge holder that I hang around my neck and carry my money and credit cards there so they are always in front of me and next to my body.

Put on your patient hat because there are usually crowds and have fun!

The best thing I ever got for quilt shows (besides shoes) is a safari type sleeveless vest. Plenty of pockets and I added a few on the inside that velcro shut for cash and credit cards. and don't forget to notify your credit card company. One time at the international show in Ohio, they canceled my card. Thank God I was able to contact them and could continue buying. Have fun!

If you've never been to Quilt Con, check with someone who has to make sure water bottles or wheeled bags are allowed. Both are banned at the Houston Quilt Festival

OnebyOne - thanks for the tip on the shoes - I've been looking for something similar and these look like they are exactly what I need!

It takes a little planning when going to a big quilting event.
When I went to a similar large quilting event, a friend suggested that I preprint labels ahead of time with my name, address and email so that I don't have to take the time to write all of my contact info on ballots for the giveaways that many of the vendors offer. I also used them for raffle tickets and if I wanted to be on some of the designer newsletter lists.

I usually try not to take my purse as it gets heavy after a while. I take a large tote bag to carry my purchases with my wallet and some tissues and tylenol. I also take a small notebook to write down things. Sometimes I am undecided about a purchase and later can't remember where it was. Of course comfy shoes and water.

Most quilt shows don't allow the wheeled totes/carts any more. I take a back pack and waist pack with me.