FAQ

Where is Bead Fest taking place?
Who runs Bead Fest?
What's the schedule for Bead Fest?
How much does it cost to attend?
How do I register?
What forms of payment do you accept online?
Are there any other ways to register?
What is the cancellation policy?
How do I add or change workshops?
How do I cancel my registration?
If a Workshop is SOLD OUT, can I be put on a wait list?
Can I register for a friend?
What supplies do I need for my workshops?
Do I need to do anything else to prepare for my workshops?
What do I need to do when I come to the show to check in for my workshops?
Where are the classrooms located at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center?
Is this a wholesale or retail event/what do wholesale buyers need to do?
Can children attend Bead Fest?
Will I receive a confirmation email?
What do I need to do when I come to the show to pick up my Expo tickets?
Where can I buy food and refreshments during the Show?
How do I get to Bead Fest?
Where is there parking?
How do I reserve a hotel room for Bead Fest?
I have special needs; can you help me?
Does the Hall have free wifi?
How do I become an Exhibitor?
How do I advertise with Bead Fest?
I still have a question you didn't answer.

 
Where is Bead Fest taking place?
Bead Fest Spring is taking place April 9-12, 2015 in Oaks, PA. The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center Center hosts our workshops and our Expo Hall. The Expo runs from April 10-12, 2015 and Workshops run from April 9-12, 2015.
The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Hall B, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA 19456

Please note that we will be in a new and larger Hall than previous years and registration check-in will be located in Hall B and not Hall A. 
Check out our floor plan to see the new layout!  
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Who runs Bead Fest?
Interweave Bead Fest is brought to you by F+W, a Content + eCommerce Company. F+W connects passionate, like-minded groups of people to share an ongoing exchange of information, ideas, and inspiration. It is among the world's largest craft media companies in magazine and book publishing, digital media, broadcast programming, online education, events for art and craft enthusiasts and more. F+W is the proud publisher of such magazine titles as Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist, BeadWork, Step-By-Step Wire Jewelry, Jewelry Stringing and Handcrafted Jewelry among many others.
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What's the schedule for Bead Fest?
Our event is in a new hall! Bead Fest will now be in HALL B.
Workshops take place on Thursday, April 9 through Sunday, April 12, 2015.
The Expo is open for shopping on Friday and Saturday from 10 AM-6 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM-5 PM.
View the Show schedule for more information.
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How much does it cost to attend?
The cost for an individual workshop starts at $55.00 and goes up from there based on the length of the workshop and the supplies included. The Expo is $15 if purchased on-site and will grant you entrance all three days of the event. Online tickets are $12.
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How do I register?
All registrations take place online.  When you register online it is a secure registration and payment process. Some workshops sell quickly so this will provide you fast and easy access to your favorites before they are sold out.

Your registration confirmation will be sent to you via email. You will also receive Bead Fest updates on workshops, instructors, special events, hotel & travel information and more. (Note: Registration confirmation and email updates are sent to the email address used to register.)

Note: An email address is required for every registrant. If you do not currently have an email address, you can create one for free—try gmail.com or yahoo.com.

Your badge and Workshop schedule will not be mailed in advance of the show. Your schedule is available online through your confirmation email and your badge will be waiting for you at On site Registration when you arrive at Hall B at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA.
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What forms of payment do you accept online?
VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.
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Are there any other ways to register?
We strongly recommend that you register online . If you are not able to register online, please contact the Bead Fest Staff 8:30AM-4:30PM Eastern at (215) 510-2864 or beadfest@fwmedia.com. You can visit the On site Registration desk in Hall B at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA beginning Thursday, April 9 at 7:30 AM. We accept on site payment via credit card, or cash. On site registration is based on Workshop availability and we strongly suggest you check the website prior to the event to see if space is available.
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What is the cancellation policy?
If you wish to cancel or change a workshop, you have until Thursday, February 26, 2015. A cancellation fee of $20 per workshop will be deducted from your refund amount. After February 26, there are no additional cancellations or changes allowed and no refunds will be provided. There are no exceptions.
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How do I add or change workshops?
The easiest way to add a workshop is to email beadfest@fwmedia.com with your name and which workshop you would like to add to your schedule. You are always able to register again online for another workshop. Please be sure only the additional workshop is checked off to prevent double billing.

You can swap workshops and make changes to your schedule through February 26, 2015. If you would like to change a workshop you must contact Bead Fest Customer Service - the fastest way is by emailing beadfest@fwmedia.com or you can call us at (215) 510-2864 8:30AM-4:30PM Eastern .

In order for our instructors to prepare for workshops adequately, workshop switching will not be allowed after February 26, 2015. We supply the instructors with their minimum workshop numbers prior to the Bead Fest taking place. We appreciate your understanding that this policy ensures a fair amount of prep time and reimbursement for our instructors, as well as enough materials present for each workshop member expected.
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How do I cancel my registration?
All cancellations must be made in writing to beadfest@fwmedia.com .
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If a Workshop is SOLD OUT, can I be put on a wait list?
A waitlist is available for any workshop that is sold out - you can find them in the registration system on the review agenda page. If you would rather not go through registration you can send us an email at beadfest@fwmedia.com requesting to be added to the wait list.
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Can I register for a friend?
We prefer each individual participant handles his/her own registration, but you can register additional attendees. Each additional attendee does require a unique email address.
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What supplies do I need for my workshops?
Each Workshop has a "Students Should Bring" list. The items listed will be general supplies, most of which you probably already have. Some workshops also have a materials fee, which covers materials purchased by the instructors in addition to those you'll be bringing from the "Students Should Bring" list. Often the Instructor will bring additional materials to share. You can find the "Students Should Bring" list for your workshop on the registration page or by clicking the More Info link under each instructor's biography. Visit the instructor page for instructor biographies and supply lists.
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Do I need to do anything else to prepare for my workshops?
Ensure that you are the proper skill level for the workshops you will be attending. Each workshop has a list of prerequisites and basic skills you will need. No refunds will be assessed for taking a workshop above your ability.
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What do I need to do when I come to the show to check in for my workshops?
Come to Hall B at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA and visit the pre-registered students counter - provide your last name and you will receive your name badges which will grant you access to the Expo floor.
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Where are the classrooms located at the Convention Center and Hilton Hotel?
You can find a floor plans of the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center by clicking on the links or by going to the Expo page.
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Is this a wholesale or retail event/what do wholesale buyers need to do?
Our events are open to the public and tend to be retail oriented. As such, prices marked by vendors should always be retail. For qualified wholesale buyers who attend, it is up to each vendor to choose whether or not they wish to conduct wholesale transactions, check the buyer's credentials to confirm that they are licensed for wholesale transactions, and set their own minimums for such transactions.
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Can children attend Bead Fest?
You must be 16 years of age to register for a workshop. By registering for a workshop you agree that you are capable of maintaining the pace of the workshop, or are willing to work at your pace within the schedule of the workshop.
Children of all ages are welcome on the Expo floor. Children 12 and under are free.
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Will I receive a confirmation email?
Yes, you will receive a confirmation email after registering for a Workshop or Expo Admission. If you did not receive your confirmation, please check your junk email folder. You can add the Bead Fest email to your address book to make sure you receive our emails: beadfest@fwmedia.com. If you still do not have your confirmation, please contact us directly for a copy.
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What do I need to do when I come to the show to pick up my Expo tickets?
When you come to Hall B at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA and head to the WILL CALL desk. Provide your last name and you will be given your pass for the weekend and sticker for the day.
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Where can I buy food and refreshments during the Show?
Concessions are located in the back corner of the Expo hall at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center and are open during show hours.
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How do I get to Bead Fest?
Fly into Philadelphia International Airport. If you choose not to rent a car you can schedule an airport shuttle to take you to your hotel or direct to the Expo Center, we recommend Tropiano. If you are taking Public Transit you want to take Bus 99 - it will drop you off right at the Hall A. You can find links to specific travel information on our Travel Page
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Where is there parking?
All parking at the Great Philadelphia Expo Center is FREE. There are plenty of handicap spaces but they fill up fast.
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How do I reserve a hotel room for Bead Fest
Bead Fest has once again partnered with EventSphere - we will have room blocks in the area hotels. Please visit the Travel Tab for complete details.
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I have special needs; can you help me?
Please let us know your special needs as soon as possible by sending an email to beadfest@fwmedia.com. The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center is compliant with the American Disabilities Act and we will work together to accommodate your needs.
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Does the Hall have free wifi?
There is no free wifi inside the Expo Hall. Wireless internet is available through the facility for daily purchase.
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How do I become an Exhibitor?
Download a contract or contact Dana Groves, Event Sales Manager, at dana.groves@fwcommunity.com or (215) 510-0493 for more information.
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How do I advertise with Bead Fest?
Contact Dana Groves, Event Sales Manager, at dana.groves@fwcommunity.com or (215) 510-0493 for more information.
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I still have a question you didn't answer.
Please email us at beadfest@fwmedia.com or call (215) 510-2864 and we will do our best to help.
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2015 Bead Fest Spring Sponsors