Margo, Thanks so much. I am still thinking about coming this year but I am not sure. I will print out the catalogue today and do some serious reading this weekend. Perhaps after that I'll have more questions.

Great information, Margo. I missed the flash 2 years ago because I waited too late to go to the booth and it took too long to find it. So you definitely need to be a little early instead of a little late, unless of course you don't want your picture taken. Our bus group will be having dinner at the Aquarium on Thursday. Has anyone been there before?

Margo -- you are a wealth of information. Will you be there this year? I understand that Wanda is not organizing the dinner due to health, so will there be a dinner? I am not taking any classes this time so that I can just "see" the vendors and quilts. I didn't realize there are special exhibits.

Thanks for all the wonderful information, Sharon

First of all, be aware that the whole thing is so big that it really can be overwhelming!

You can get a hard copy of the show catalog or print one off the Internet: http://www.quilts.com/home/shows/viewer.php?page=FallFestival

Read and study the catalog, not only for class info and schedules, but they cover everything from where to stay to what to wear!

Most important to me is remembering that fashion stops at the knees in Houston! WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES!!! There are not many places to sit and rest.

When you get your catalog, go through the list of vendors and circle the ones that you want to be sure to visit. The vendor mall is so large that you probably won't even walk by some booths! If you are walking by, and see something you are interested in, stop right then to check it out, or write down the number of the booth so you can return later. Don't depend on remembering where the booth is! Trust me on this!

Same thing goes for the quilt show. Check out all of the special exhibits and mark the ones you think you want to be sure to check out.
Don't over-schedule your time at the show. It can take an entire day just to see the quilts, and the vendor mall could be another day or two. Pace yourself.

The first thing I mark is the TQS/Ricky Tims booth locations so that I can get there each day for the 1:00 Meet & Greet. It doesn't take but a few minutes, and you don't want to be late or you will miss the flash!

Speaking of flash. Always check before you take photos, both in the vendor mall and in the quilt show. Ask the vendors if it's OK and look for posted signs on the quilts.

Most of all....have fun! Houston is a fabulous experience.

If you were to write 'A Guide to the Houston Quilt Festival for Dummies" what would you put in it? Where to stay? How to negotiate? Please help this Dummie!