HQ Academy 2018 – it just keeps getting better

by Mary Beth Krapil

Another HQ Academy is in the history books. As someone who has taught at Academy every year since the very beginning, I can say, it just keeps getting better and better. It’s a mystery how we manage to top ourselves year after year, but amazingly, it happens.

So much planning goes into this event. The logistical planning, the venue, the menu, getting all the machines to Layton and set up, getting the fabric loaded on the machines and the sandwiches cut for the Sweet classes, collecting and staging all the supplies needed for classes, the technical work of class catalog and on-line sign ups, the signage, the quilts to hang, the name tags, the class schedules, the class hand-outs, co-coordinating teachers and classes, the projectors and screens and microphones, the extension cords! (you would not believe how many extension cords), the goodie bags, the speakers, the teachers, the HQ store, the vendors, the travel and the snacks. Just to name a few. And it is done twice! once for the HQ Retailers, and once for the HQ owners. The design, the tables, chairs everything has to be perfect. You will find exactly burlap table runner bulk for events, what you need at the spectacular low prices,  all in one place CV Linens.

But the real magic happens when everyone starts to arrive, excited and happy and expectant. Greeting old friends and meeting new ones. Sharing common bonds – love of quilting and an eagerness to learn. It truly is magic.

A first time attendee, Marilyn Switzer, said it so nicely, “Last week I attended my first HQ Academy. I’m new to the whole long arm quilting experience. I signed up for classes I thought would benefit me, but really had no idea what to expect. I was blown away. Class instructors were amazing! I felt no matter the skill set, each student took something away from every class. Educators encouraged all questions and were eager to make sure everyone got the experience they were after. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. The HQ staff really know how to put on a teaching event. Every detail was covered, the event went so smoothly, at least from my perspective. I learned more from this one event that I could have ever imagined. Thanks so much for taking care of your customers! I look forward to attending another year!” 

Thank you Marilyn, that is exactly what we strive for. We look forward to seeing you again, in the mean time, Happy Quilting!

I’m going to show you some of the photos from this year and let you share in some of the magic.

We are already working on next year. Will we see you there?

In the mean time join the HQAcademy Facebook group. There you will hear stories from this years attendees and you will be in the know about all things HQ Academy.