Last year, I visited Vermont for the first time. I'm always wanted to go to Vermont so you might think it was a disappointment when I finally got there and stayed in a hotel for 3 straight days. If you thought that, you'd be wrong, because I was there to attend to 2008 Conference of Handcrafted Soap Makers and I had a ball. This year, I'm going to their 2009 conference, and once again, it will be at a place I've always wanted to go: Palm Springs, California. And once again, I'll be in a hotel for 3 straight days. But the weather's a little different in Palm Springs so I'm sure I'll be motivated to spend more time in the California sunshine. Either way, I am jazzed to the max. Won't you join me?
If you're a Professional Member of the Indie Beauty Network, the Soap Guild is offering you a $50 discount on the conference price if you register this month! Plus, they will help you find someone to share hotel costs with if you'd like to share a room. There are tons of knowledgeable and enthusiastic speakers, including Yours Truly, live comedy entertainment, and prizes and goodies. Like last year, Indie Business Media (my husband and I) is going to videotape the event so we can create another promotional video. (You can see the one we created last year at this link.) We are honored that the Soap Guild has invited us back again this year. I was one of the very first members of the organization, way back when it was a backyard meeting in the founder's home in Apple, Ohio! While my then full-time job kept me from attending the first meeting, I have been in attendance at nearly every conference since then and I have never once regretted it. So what are you waiting for??! Head on over to the Soap Guild website and register today!! And don't forget to grab your $50 discount this month only! To enjoy the discount, put IBN in the member field area at checkout!
Can’t go this year but I hope you have a blast!
Can’t go this year but I hope you have a blast!
That’s right, we want to meet some Indie Beauties at the HSMG Conference in Palm Springs!
In tough economic times, small businesses (such as HSMG & IBN member businesses) are the ones that have the highest chance of success. In fact, when a small business perseveres, they see the biggest gain when things turn around!
According to the Small Business Administration, the two biggest mistakes that a small business can do are to reduce on promotion and to cut training budgets. That being the case, the 2009 Annual Conference has been geared toward how to effectively (and cost-efficiently) promote your business and to provide technical training on aspects of soapmaking and business management.
We’re thrilled to have a professional, engaging speaker like Donna Maria and we are glad to partner with IBN to offer you this special discount.
See you in SUNNY Palm Springs!
Leigh O’Donnell
HSMG Conference Coordinator
That’s right, we want to meet some Indie Beauties at the HSMG Conference in Palm Springs!
In tough economic times, small businesses (such as HSMG & IBN member businesses) are the ones that have the highest chance of success. In fact, when a small business perseveres, they see the biggest gain when things turn around!
According to the Small Business Administration, the two biggest mistakes that a small business can do are to reduce on promotion and to cut training budgets. That being the case, the 2009 Annual Conference has been geared toward how to effectively (and cost-efficiently) promote your business and to provide technical training on aspects of soapmaking and business management.
We’re thrilled to have a professional, engaging speaker like Donna Maria and we are glad to partner with IBN to offer you this special discount.
See you in SUNNY Palm Springs!
Leigh O’Donnell
HSMG Conference Coordinator
Ah, you’re making me homesick for Southern California. Palm Springs is a small town with great weather, food, spas and golf courses. You’ll enjoy the sunshine and relaxed vibe. I doubt you’ll stay in the hotel the whole time. You have to enjoy the sunshine. Have fun, and take pictures! 🙂
Ah, you’re making me homesick for Southern California. Palm Springs is a small town with great weather, food, spas and golf courses. You’ll enjoy the sunshine and relaxed vibe. I doubt you’ll stay in the hotel the whole time. You have to enjoy the sunshine. Have fun, and take pictures! 🙂
Thanks for all this information Leigh. I know for myself that the difference in how I manage my company, produce my products, and relate to my customers has been a direct result of the positive and beneficial information given to me at the past two soap conferences I have attended.
By streamlining my products, analyzing my ingredients and making the most out of my formulations (which I am sure still have a ways to go!), I have been able to reduce the cost of all my products without compromising quality. This is a priceless tool during the current market trends and I am truly thankful that I am a part of this Guild.
I can hardly wait for this year, to learn more fabulous information and put it into practice. I can honestly say the conference is worth every penny. Soapers out there – if you have questions I would be happy to help out – just email me! denaige@bubblehut.ca
Thanks for all this information Leigh. I know for myself that the difference in how I manage my company, produce my products, and relate to my customers has been a direct result of the positive and beneficial information given to me at the past two soap conferences I have attended.
By streamlining my products, analyzing my ingredients and making the most out of my formulations (which I am sure still have a ways to go!), I have been able to reduce the cost of all my products without compromising quality. This is a priceless tool during the current market trends and I am truly thankful that I am a part of this Guild.
I can hardly wait for this year, to learn more fabulous information and put it into practice. I can honestly say the conference is worth every penny. Soapers out there – if you have questions I would be happy to help out – just email me! denaige@bubblehut.ca
I am registered, paid up and ready to go God willing! Looking forward to seeing old friends, making new ones and learning all I can on how to improve my soapmaking skills and business skills.
I am registered, paid up and ready to go God willing! Looking forward to seeing old friends, making new ones and learning all I can on how to improve my soapmaking skills and business skills.
It just keeps getting better and better! Thanks Donna Maria and Leigh for getting the word out about the upcoming HSMG Conference. I am definitely looking forward to meeting some IBN members so take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. See you in Sunny California!
It just keeps getting better and better! Thanks Donna Maria and Leigh for getting the word out about the upcoming HSMG Conference. I am definitely looking forward to meeting some IBN members so take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. See you in Sunny California!
@Tinu: Thanks for stopping by. Maybe next time. Will take some pics and share the California sunshine!
@Tinu: Thanks for stopping by. Maybe next time. Will take some pics and share the California sunshine!
I have attended this conference every year for 5 years, and every time it gets better and I learn something new. I always look forward to seeing old friendds and meeting new ones, plus have made contact with some great vendors! And it’s always held someplace interesting to visit. I wouldn’t miss it!
I have attended this conference every year for 5 years, and every time it gets better and I learn something new. I always look forward to seeing old friendds and meeting new ones, plus have made contact with some great vendors! And it’s always held someplace interesting to visit. I wouldn’t miss it!
@Sr. Cathleen: One of the best things about going is that we get to see you again! So excited about that. It’s always a treat to be in your presence. Looking forward!!
@Sr. Cathleen: One of the best things about going is that we get to see you again! So excited about that. It’s always a treat to be in your presence. Looking forward!!
@Delores, @Denaige: Great! Two more soap addicts. Can the world have enough of us??! I’m very excited to be able to see and learn from you again. Sunshine, learning, Indie Business power — what can be better than that??!
@Delores, @Denaige: Great! Two more soap addicts. Can the world have enough of us??! I’m very excited to be able to see and learn from you again. Sunshine, learning, Indie Business power — what can be better than that??!
@Vee: I feel the same way. I wouldn’t miss it!! Thanks for visiting and sharing your experience. I will look forward to seeing you in May in beautiful Palm Springs!
@Vee: I feel the same way. I wouldn’t miss it!! Thanks for visiting and sharing your experience. I will look forward to seeing you in May in beautiful Palm Springs!
What a great post,Donna Maria! Your support of the HSMG, our annual Conference and soapmakers in general is felt all thoughout the industry! It’s great to have you with us – I am so looking forward to seeing you in Palm Springs … if I don’t see you in Washington DC before then!
Also loved the Utterli post!
Marie Gale
President, HSMG
What a great post,Donna Maria! Your support of the HSMG, our annual Conference and soapmakers in general is felt all thoughout the industry! It’s great to have you with us – I am so looking forward to seeing you in Palm Springs … if I don’t see you in Washington DC before then!
Also loved the Utterli post!
Marie Gale
President, HSMG
@Marie: Thanks for stopping by and leaving your presence here. Looking forward to seeing you again and lifting my Soap Guild spatula in solidarity with you and your members. By the pool. Sipping something wonderful. In our bikinis. (Well, 2 outta 3 ain’t bad, for me anyway!!) Can’t wait!
@Marie: Thanks for stopping by and leaving your presence here. Looking forward to seeing you again and lifting my Soap Guild spatula in solidarity with you and your members. By the pool. Sipping something wonderful. In our bikinis. (Well, 2 outta 3 ain’t bad, for me anyway!!) Can’t wait!
Indie POWER is right. There is an amazing energy at these conferences that just can’t be felt anywhere else! I highly recommend the HSMG (the soap guild) as well as these conferences. It’s money well spent… worth every penny.
Palm Springs will be my fourth conference since joining the Soap Guild. The first I attended as a participant in Portland, Oregon (2006), and then was asked to demonstrate Hot Process Soap Making in St. Louis, Missouri (2007), then Cold Process Swirling in Burlington, Vermont (2008), and now very much looking forward to sharing my secrets for “Coloring Soap with Confidence” in Palm Springs this coming May 2009.
Who would have thought that *S*O*A*P* would be taking me to parts of the US that I’ve never been to before and giving me the opportunity to not only further my business but also meet the most amazing and passionate individuals. I can’t wait for this year to see all the friends I’ve made in the past 4 years and also meet new ones. I hope to see you there!
Indie POWER is right. There is an amazing energy at these conferences that just can’t be felt anywhere else! I highly recommend the HSMG (the soap guild) as well as these conferences. It’s money well spent… worth every penny.
Palm Springs will be my fourth conference since joining the Soap Guild. The first I attended as a participant in Portland, Oregon (2006), and then was asked to demonstrate Hot Process Soap Making in St. Louis, Missouri (2007), then Cold Process Swirling in Burlington, Vermont (2008), and now very much looking forward to sharing my secrets for “Coloring Soap with Confidence” in Palm Springs this coming May 2009.
Who would have thought that *S*O*A*P* would be taking me to parts of the US that I’ve never been to before and giving me the opportunity to not only further my business but also meet the most amazing and passionate individuals. I can’t wait for this year to see all the friends I’ve made in the past 4 years and also meet new ones. I hope to see you there!