Proposed Sessions will be evaluated based on overall quality, relevance to the industry, well-defined focus and objectives, practical applications of the material, relevance and timeliness of the topic, originality of material, hands-on learning for immediate application, and educator qualifications (including the level of speaking experience and expertise). Each Session must be educational in nature. It is not acceptable to use a Session to advertise a program, product, or service for sale. Convergence® Leaders are expected to comply with copyright law in selecting materials and images for their Sessions and are responsible for their permission of use in HGA’s marketing materials.
Non-Compete. HGA does not impose any restrictions on teaching the same Session outside of Convergence®. However, please keep in mind that by doing so you may dilute the number of participants in your Convergence® Session. Low enrollment may lead to cancellation.
Enrollment. HGA requires Leaders to accept a minimum of 12 students per Session, however, HGA reserves the right to run a Session should enrollment fall below. Sessions with 20 or more students may request assistance from a Convergence® Intern provided it is requested with the proposal.
Convergence® Interns. These students are currently enrolled in accredited fiber arts programs at the undergraduate or graduate level. The program is designed to assist with career development by providing real work experiences that provide students with opportunities to explore their interests and develop professional skills and competencies while providing the Leader with a capable assistant to help manage a larger enrollment in their Session. HGA strongly encourages participation in this program.
WiFi. Please note that HGA does not provide internet service for Convergence® Sessions as it is cost-prohibitive. We recognize the role that technology can play in presenting information. While we would like to provide internet access and fulfill the technical equipment needs of our Convergence® Leaders, we are not in a position to do so. Some conference facilities may offer free WiFi, but reliability cannot be guaranteed. Please contact the HGA office for more information about availability prior to submitting a proposal.
Supplies and Equipment. These items must be requested in your proposal. HGA will provide static-cling dry-erase boards (size may vary) and projector screens or a white space to project upon. HGA does not provide projectors. For a full list of equipment provided by HGA (such as dye pots, sewing machines, etc.), please refer to the application. Supplies and equipment brought by the Leader may be shipped in advance to the conference Decorator. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the Convergence® Leader. Upon selection of your Session and signing of the Convergence® Leader Agreement, HGA will provide shipping instructions and a fee schedule.
Materials and Sales. Digital handouts, shared with Session participants in advance, are encouraged. Convergence® Leaders may charge a materials fee for items they provide to their participants such as printed booklets, fiber, beads, dyes, etc. Please ensure that these fees are reasonable. Higher materials fees often dissuade registration. Convergence® Leaders may not sell additional supplies, publications, or handcrafted items in the classroom or in the public areas of the conference. HGA suggests Leaders connect with Convergence® vendors to arrange for sales. HGA will also work with Leaders to provide a scheduled and advertised time in the HGA Leader booth where a Leader may sell these items if they prefer to sell directly to participants.
Membership. All Convergence® Leaders must be or become HGA members upon receiving notification of proposal acceptance and must maintain membership through Convergence®. Memberships start at $53/year (subject to change).
If more than one proposal is accepted, HGA will do its best to schedule your Sessions concurrently. When this is not possible, you may be eligible for additional hotel compensation.