Welcome to Quilters Unlimited of Tallahassee

page last updated 8/9/09

Tips for Surviving a "big" show

These tips were provided by one of our esteemed Guild members on surviving going to a really big quilt show, in particular, the International Quilt Show in Houston. A few additional remarks have been added here and there.

1. Wear comfortable shoes. I mean really comfortable. If you can't do a ten-mile hike in them, don't bring them.

2. I like to get a hotel within walking distance. Sometimes the show will have "official" hotels --- they fill up quickly and then you think you're stuck using the shuttle (too much waiting around and time wasting), but a little research online can sometimes reveal something close by that still has rooms available. Nobody has looked there because it wasn't on “The List.”

"Beach Glimpses" by Maureen O'Doogan (copied from her website with permission).

3. If you do want an “official” hotel (or one very close), make your reservation as soon as the hotel’s advance reservation system will allow – this may be, for example, 330 days before the intended check-in date, but rarely a year or more.

4. I'm not a big taker of classes, but I look for lectures to sign up for, preferably sprinkled throughout the show. That makes me sit down. Otherwise, there's always just one more thing to look at and suddenly I haven't taken a break in way too long and my back is in knots, etc.

5. Getting decent food at the Show is really difficult. I still haven't figured out what to do to get it. There is another lunch option, which is within walking distance of the convention center; there is a restaurant downstairs in the Hilton. It's hotel food, which isn't great, but it's a step up from convention center food.

7. I keep my camera at the ready. I have a little camera case that attaches to my belt with velcro. I can open it with one hand. I take hundreds of pictures at Houston, and having to dig into my purse and fiddle with a zippered case would be annoying.

8. The Show does not allowed wheeled-bags, so you can get swamped with your purchases. Rather than drag them back to your hotel room, the Houston Show does provide a place you can check your bag for a fee. They also have an on-site pack-and-ship provider.

9. If you join the International Quilting Association, you can get in early to see the quilts on Wednesday night and one morning before the show (I think it's Friday, check the program).

10. Getting there --- as of last year, the direct flight from Houston to Tallahassee is no more. I drove for the first time.

11. I go with a friend every year, and we've experimented with how to divide our time between looking at quilts and shopping. It's a matter of personal preference, but something to be aware of.

A few other notes…..

a) As in every other day in life, eat a good breakfast. Make sure you get some protein, keep sugar low. Otherwise you’ll pay for it by 3:00 in the afternoon.

b) Sign up to take the stretching class first thing in the morning.

c) Our annual trip to Houston isn't complete until we've eaten dinner at Mama Ninfa's. Don't settle for the little place downtown by the food court --- be sure to have your hotel shuttle take you to the original location. Truly wonderful Mexican food in an authentic atmosphere.

Quilters Unlimited
P.O. Box 4324
Tallahassee, Florida 32315
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