"CONNECTING THE DOTS" - Statewide Artisan Conference

Virginia Statewide Artisan Conference

MARCH 16-18, 2015 at the Doubletree Hotel, Charlottesville VA

Not your everyday event...from pre-conference immersions to invigorating topics, interactive activities and celebratory honors... come prepared to be engaged as you connect the dots around your Virginia artisan endeavors!

CLICK HERE to register online

CLICK HERE to download a printable registration form

CLICK HERE to reserve your hotel room at the discounted rate of $99 per night

The ACV invites craft and agri-artisans, their guilds, regional professional groups, associations, local affiliates and supporting businesses and venues to gather as peers for an empowering experience of networking... and exploring old ideas in brave new ways.

Monday Snapshot

Day-trip on the Monticello Artisan Trail (opt-in fee applies and includes lunch).
Digital Marketing Workshop with Dave Neudeck, Virginia Tourism Corporation (opt-in fee applies and includes continental breakfast)
Statewide Artisan Trail Roundup Facilitated by Doug Jackson, VA Department of Housing & Community Development
Meet our guest speakers at our experiential "Meet-n-Greet" at The Glass Palette Festive foods & beverages provided. Opt-in fee for fused glass workshop)

Tuesday Snapshot

Featured Vibrant Keynote Speakers: Jason Horejs & Jason Tesauro
Pop Up Exhibition with "People's Choice" Awards
Member-informed Entrepreneur & Creative Workshops
Awards for Excellence & Master Artisan Celebration. Special Guest Musical Artists "Fatty Lumpkin & the Love Hogs"
Meals all day are included in your registration fee. Continental breakfast, banquet luncheon & heavy hors d'oeuvres dinner at the awards celebration provided (optional cash bar)

Wednesday Snapshot

ACV "Mosh Pit" Membership Gathering (continental breakfast provided)

Other Features

Low registration fees, thanks to our sponsors!
Special Reduced hotel rate $99 p/n (limited room block so hold your room today!)
Portfolio Critiques (opt-in fee applies)
Exhibitors Hall
Interactive Networking Activities
Conference Tees ($15 contribution)
Volunteer Discounts
"Next Generation" Student Discounts

CLICK HERE for the Conference Agenda

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The Artisans Center of Virginia (ACV) is the official state organization representing Virginia’s artisan community. Highly visible and unique in its mission, the ACV reaches out to burgeoning “next generation” artisans and small business artisan start-ups, as well as seasoned practitioners who are focused and ready to take their businesses to a next level.

From developing skill techniques and basic business practices to exploring new sales outlets, communication trends, and production advances; the conference program is directed and designed by artisans for artisans to empower and help them grow their endeavors.

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Join craft and agri-artisans, artists, regional professional groups, local affiliates, and supporting businesses from all across the state of Virginia for an empowering weekend of networking and exploring old ideas in brave new ways.

CLICK HERE for the latest update on the conference program, guest speakers and celebration activities

CLICK HERE to register online

CLICK HERE to volunteer

Download the program agenda

CLICK HERE to reserve your hotel room at the discounted $99 p/n

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Keynote Speakers

CREATIVE KEYNOTE: Jason Horejs, owner of Xanadu Gallery in Phoenix, Arizona and author of the best selling book "From Starving to Successful" and creator of the insightful Red Dot Blog.

Art flows through Jason Horejs' veins! Having helped thousands of artists across the country, he profoundly understands how they love to create but struggle with marketing & business and is shifting the paradigm as he elevates art as business to new heights.

Click here to learn more about Jason Horjes

AGRI-ARTISAN KEYNOTE: Jason Tesauro, Chief Sommelier at Barboursville Vineyards and co-author of three books including the "Modern Gentleman: A Guide to Essential Manners, Savvy & Vice."

Jason Tesauro dedicates himself to wine, words and the pursuit of hand-crafted cool. He is an ambassador of agricultural artisans, addressing trade and consumers with workshops and seminars worldwide and is the recipient of two national magazine awards for food/wine/lifestyle journalism.

Click here to learn more about Jason Tesauro

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Pre-Conference Workshop

DIGITAL MARKETING BOOTCAMP: Dave Neudeck, Director of Digital Marketing, Virginia Tourism Corporation

Dave Neudeck has worked with Virginia tourism industry for the past 14 years and directs the digital marketing initiatives that support the iconic Virginia is for Lovers brand. These efforts include managing the Virginia.org websites which receive more than 9 million visits annually. In addition, Dave works to bring innovative and engaging strategies to Virginia’s social media efforts, email communications and search engine marketing.

Click here to learn more about VTC's digital marketing opportunities

CLICK HERE for All Guest Speakers

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