First Timer's Guide to QuiltCon
We know that QuiltCon can be a huge investment, not only in time and money, but in planning also! We get a lot of questions from first-time attendees, so we put together the most common ones to help make your first QuiltCon experience a great one.
Do I have to be a Modern Quilt Guild member to attend QuiltCon 2025?
No, you do not have to be a member, but it sure does pay to be an MQG member if you are planning to attend QuiltCon. MQG members get to register early, before registration opens to the general public. Any MQG member who registers during Member Pricing (July 31st, 2024 – November 30th, 2024) can register for a FREE Four Day Pass, as well as get a 20% discount on workshops and lectures. Find out more about becoming an MQG member today!
Attending QuiltCon
When will I get my tickets? How will I get my badge?
All QuiltCon four-day show pass badges will be available for pickup at QuiltCon. No physical items will be mailed. If you purchased single-day tickets, your tickets will be sent to you via email. No physical tickets will be provided for single-day tickets.
Four-Day Show Passes can be picked up any time the registration desk is open. The registration desk will be open during the following times:
Registration Desk Hours:
- Wednesday, February 19: 5 p.m.-7 p.m., with a Registration Welcome Reception & Cash Bar, Featuring SewTites
- Thursday, February 20: 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Friday, February 21: 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, February 22: 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Sunday, February 23: 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
What if I only want to go for the day? Can I get single-day entry tickets?
Single Day Show Tickets can be purchased online at your convenience, any time! If you prefer to purchase in person, you can do so at the Single Day Ticket door to the exhibit hall during these times:
- Thursday, February 20: 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
- Friday, February 21: 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
- Saturday, February 22: 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
- Sunday, February 23: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
What are the must-haves I should pack?
- Comfortable shoes – there is lots of walking at QuiltCon so be prepared!
- A power bank for your phone if you are a picture taker – there will be lots of opportunities!
- Bringing a fun card or sticker with your social media info is a great way to connect with the people you meet! Think about making some address labels or stickers you can use to enter booth giveaways to save time and energy.
Apps, Apps, Apps!
The QuiltCon app will be released soon. This app will have maps, the ability to add your QuiltCon schedule, and so much more. You will receive an email with instructions on how to download the QuiltCon app in February, if you do not please reach out to register@themodernquiltguild.com.
Additionaly, The Visit Phoenix App can be downloaded from any app store and is full of all the great places to see and do while you’re in town. Need a place to have dinner close to your hotel? Looking to spend some extra time in the area? The app can get you where you want to be.
Can I take pictures at the Quilt Show?
Yes! Be sure to also take a photo of the artist’s statement hanging next to the quilt so you can tag the maker in any social media posts.
Can I bring a drink to the Quilt Show and Vendor Hall?
Only water bottles with resealable lids are permitted in the Vendor Hall and Quilt Show.
How can I meet others at QuiltCon?
- Volunteer! Many volunteers have told us they have loved the experience and have made wonderful connections with their fellow volunteers. You can find out more information about volunteering here.
- Explore social media to find fellow quilters! Check out the hashtags #QuiltCon and #QuiltCon2025 on Instagram.
- Social hours are another great way to meet new people! Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evening, we will have social hours located in the Exhibit Hall Pre-Function Area, just outside the show floor. These events are provided by some of our wonderful sponsors and are a fun nightly activity to plan for!
- Check out affinity group meetups on the Interactive Schedule and find like-minded quilters to connect with.
Workshops & Lectures
I signed up for workshops! Do I need to bring basic sewing supplies?
The MQG works very hard to make traveling with your workshop supplies as easy as possible. Every workshop room will have the following shared supplies for students.
- Cutting Mats
- Rotary Cutters
- 6” x 24” Rulers
- Irons and Ironing Mats
- Scissors
Students are welcome to bring any supplies they wish, but please do not bring any extra irons for safety and power concerns. Be sure to check the required supplies for your workshop as well, all this information can be found on the QuiltCon 2025 Interactive Schedule.
Sewing machines are also generously provided by our sponsors for any workshop that requires a machine!
Will my 6-hour workshop have a break?
Yes! There will be a break from 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. for all 6-hour workshops that start in the morning and a break from 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. for all 6-hour workshops starting in the afternoon. We do require all students to exit the workshop rooms to allow for faculty and event staff to have a lunch/dinner break as well. Please be aware food vendors in the convention center are normally very busy during this time so please plan accordingly.
If I buy a lecture pass, can I just stay in the lecture hall throughout without having to get up between lectures?
You can leave your bag or personal belongings in the lecture hall between lectures, at your own risk, however, we do need to scan attendees for each individual lecture to ensure that we are not surpassing the fire code guidelines for the space, so you will be asked to step out and get scanned back in. This also allows each lecturer a few quiet moments to prepare for their lecture without an audience, which is greatly appreciated.
BONUS: Extra things to know about QuiltCon!
Be a Volunteer!
Volunteering is a great way to participate in the event and get to know other quilters. QuiltCon would not be possible without the help of our amazing volunteers! Volunteers help sign attendees into workshops, use white gloves in the quilt show to help attendees see close-ups of quilt fronts/backs, answer general questions, meet and greet attendees, help staff our bag check area, and so much more. Each volunteer receives a special shirt as one of our thanks for your service. Volunteer shift sign-ups begin in September, so consider signing up! And keep in mind that most volunteer tasks are assigned onsite, based on the number of people who turn up for their shift, and the event needs during that time.
How do I get a QuiltCon 2025 goodie bag?
All MQG members who register and pay for their registration by September 15, 2024, will be entered to win a QuiltCon goodie bag. The bags will be distributed onsite and goodie bag winners will not be notified in advance. Registrants will find out when they check in at registration if they have won a bag!
Make sure to visit the MQG Shop at QuiltCon early
The MQG Shop at QuiltCon always has the best limited-edition merchandise for the event. The shop will open Wednesday, February 19th at 4:00 p.m., during the annual Welcome Reception, featuring a cash bar and our friends from SewTites! You can print out your show badge and prepare for the fun. Get your merch then and add to your quilty wardrobe.
Leave Room for Magic
Many first-time attendees schedule every minute of their QuiltCon experience, which limits the ability to make plans on the fly with new friends! Review the demo schedule, the lecture schedule, and any other scheduled items you registered for here, but when you think about your top things you want to see, leave some flexibility. Sometimes a lecture might run long, or you might run into someone you want to chat up on the way between things. Give yourself spare time slots to fill with things you didn’t even know were happening or for meetups with new quilty friends.