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Professional Development Day 2026

July 16, 2026

Description

Professional Development Day

Gain meaningful insight into working in the fiber‑craft industry. Whether you’re just beginning to shape your business idea or you’ve been in the field for years, there’s always more to learn—and plenty of ways we can grow and succeed together.

July 16, 2026

 Guest House at Graceland

Memphis, TN

What's Included

  • Engaging speakers, covering various professions within the fiber arts industry
  • Panel discussions
  • Networking opportunities


Ticket Price 

  • CGOA Members: $250
  • Non-members: $450


Space is limited; registration closes June 15 or once sold out.

Venue - Schedule - Speakers - FAQ 

Venue

Guest House at Graceland


PDD registration does not include hotel stay. When you register, you will be sent the CGOA booking link for the Guest House at Graceland so you can book your room, at the rate of $189 (plus taxes) per night, to enjoy the full on-site experience. 

Hotel guests can enjoy:

  • Free airport shuttle
  • Nightly peanut butter and jelly sandwich bar at 9 p.m.
  • Live music and complimentary Elvis movies
  • Outdoor swimming pool

*There will also be CGOA (Ch Sp) Retreat occurring in-person at the same venue immediately after Professional Development Day. For more information, and to register for the retreat, click here.

Schedule

Thursday July 16

  • 9:00am - 12:00pm: Morning introductions and speakers
  • 12:00pm - 2:00pm: Break
  • 2:00pm - 5:00pm: Afternoon speakers and panel discussion


Speaker Topics

Professional Pattern Design: From Concept to Creation

Take the first step, develop pathways to bring ideas into actual designs, thinking critically about how to create something technically sound and markable


Publishing Pathways: Traditional Publishers, Indie Platforms, and Smart Self-Publishing

Individual patterns to full books, gain insight into various models for going from idea to marketplace with a successful launch. 


Swatching for Success: Extracting Every Insight from Your Gauge Swatch

Use swatches as engineering tools to predict fit, drape, grading, and yarn behavior—before you design.


Building Your Crochet Business: Collaborating with Tech Editors, Testers, and Other Professionals

Learn how to assemble and manage a reliable team to make your business run effectively and efficiently.


Plus, discussions on

  • Finding your niche
  • Social media and how to navigate what is best for you
  • Creating club memberships
  • Time management and how to juggle it all

Stay tuned for the speaker reveals! You’ll learn from an exceptional group of crochet professionals, each bringing years of experience and a plethora of information.

 


FAQ

Q: Can I attend if I am not a Professional?

A: Yes! Anyone with interest is welcome. However, if you are working in the industry this is a

great way to see how things are working for others.

Q: Can I attend the Ch-Sp Retreat too?

A: Yes! This is a stand-alone event, and you can attend only the Professional Development if

you wish. However, if you are attending the Retreat the day ends with enough time to join the

Retreat Welcome Reception that evening.

Q: I have some specific questions, will there be time to have them addressed?

A: Yes! The speaker session has some specialized topics, however all of our speakers have

worked in a wide scope within the industry. The afternoon panel discussion is a perfect time to

have any questions on any topic addressed.

Q: What should I bring with me?

A: A notebook, a pen, your questions, and if you want to network with others business cards

don’t hurt.

Q: Is lunch included?

A: Lunch is not included.

Q: Is hotel included?

A: A hotel room is not included in your event ticket purchase. You can use the booking link in

your confirmation email to book a room at the hotel where the Professional Development Day will be held. We

recommend that for convenience. 

Q: I want to stay at a different hotel.

A: We know that some attendees will want to stay elsewhere. That is fine. You do not have to

stay at the hotel to attend.

Q: What if I want to share a room with a friend?

A: Since the hotel reservation is not part of your retreat ticket purchase, you can make that

arrangement with the hotel directly.


Cancellation Policy

  • on or before Apr 1, 2026 will be refunded in total minus a $100 processing fee
  • after Apr 1, 2026, but on or before May 31, 2026 will be refunded 50%
  • no refunds after May 31, 2026

Questions




Location

The Guest House at Graceland


Event Hotel: the charming Guest House @ Graceland is an idyllic refuge full of southern hospitality

Closest Airport: Memphis International Airport

Distance Airport to Hotel: 12-minute drive to the hotel (4.1 miles in distance)

Attractions: Graceland Mansion, National Civil Rights Museum, Stax Museum of American Soul Music





If you have questions about your lodging options or have special requests, drop us a line at cgoa@crochet.org.

Pricing

See prices under the Ticket Price heading

Want to register for 2 attendees? You'll need to register for one attendee at a time. Complete the registration for the first attendee. Then, go back and register for the second.

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