Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference Day 3

Another jam packed day started out with a fabulous seminar on Colorants by Lori Nova. We will all color with confidence now! Dr. Kevin Dunn discussed Cold Process Kinetics which always excite me. Kevin was generous to give us the link to his pdf for more information on time and temperature in cold process soapmaking http://cavemanchemistry.com/HsmgTemperature2009.pdf David Steinberg made sure we all make safe products by discussing preservatives. Lela Barker talked about Exporting & International Distributors, while Marla Bosworth stressed the importance of Differentiating Yourself because there are over 15 thousand soapmakers in the US! Kayla Fioravanti told us all not to panic, and How to Thrive in a Sluggish Economy. We got to socialize over cocktails on the Mediterranean Lawn before a wonderful Gala Awards Dinner. Next year's Conference will be in Denver!

Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference Day 2

Another busy day started off with the HSMG Annual Meeting. Leigh O'Donnell will be HSMG's new President! Go to http://www.soapguild.org/index.php if you would like more details. I attended the fantastic seminar by Linda Stevens on Setting Up Shop. Among other things, She shared details of making 230 pound batches of soap! Kelly Bloom discussed trademarking and Susan Ryhanen encouraged us all to make the leap from Retail to Wholesale. There was an Experts Panel question & answer period over lunch. Jamila White gave us all an E-Commerce Reality Check. Dead Sea Bulk Materials sponsored a Totally Pamper Me Spa Night, complete with mud & certificates.

Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference Day 1

The Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference in Palm SPrings was fantastic! Every day was jam packed with information. It was great to network with Vendors & other Soapmakers. Before the Conference started I enjoyed a deep tissue massage & foot ritual at The Well, the world famous Spa at MiraMonte Resort.

We enjoyed a Continental breakfast under a clear sky out on the Mediterranean lawn & were inspired by the Keynote Speaker- Erin Brockovich. We were encouraged to use technology to engage customers, create interest & excitement by Donna Maria Coles Johnson. Linda Stevens was captivating discussing Profit Margin Killers. Kayla Fioravanti taught everyone GMP. Lisa Chouinard taught Delicious MP Soap & Toys in MP Soap. I was fortunate to be chosen as a leader in AnneMarie Faiola's Lotionmaking class & hands-on workshop. Kelly Bloom showed us CP Soap Design by demonstrating her Stars & Stripes design. The first day had a perfect finale with cocktails (including mango martinis chilled through an amazing ice sculpture), carnivale style dinner & comedic entertainment sponsored by Essential Wholesale, complete with jam packed goodie bags.