Last weekend I attended my first Pinners Conference here in Texas, and while I had a blast, I walked away with some valuable lessons for next time. If you’re thinking about attending, here are my top tips to help you make the most of your day (or days)!

1. Plan Your Classes in Advance

Before purchasing your ticket, I highly recommend reviewing the class schedule carefully. You might be tempted to buy a six-class pass like I did, but be mindful of the options. Not every class may align with your interests, and it's disappointing to realize that after purchasing.

Additionally, many classes require you to buy a class kit if you want to follow along with the project. While the kits are optional, working on the project during the class enhances the experience, especially when the instructor is guiding you step by step.

If you take a class that requires glue or wet medium, remember you only have an hour. Once that hour is over, you have to leave the classroom because the volunteers are preparing for the next class. So, now you have to carry around a wet canvas!

2. Arrive Early for a Head Start

If you’re planning to take multiple classes throughout the day, get there as soon as the doors open. This gives you valuable time to browse the vendor booths without feeling rushed. The earlier you arrive, the more time you have to check out the products and crafts that interest you before the crowd swells.

3. Time Management is Key

My first class started at 11:00 a.m., and each session lasted an hour. Between classes, there’s a 30-minute window, which at first glance seems like enough time to shop or grab a bite. However, that half-hour can fly by, especially when lines are long not only at the vendor booths but the food court as well. Be mindful of how quickly time passes to avoid feeling rushed.

4. Make-and-Take Projects Cost Extra

Many vendors offer "make and take" crafts at their booths, which is a great way to try out new products and techniques. But beware—they come at a price! These quick projects can be tempting, but the costs can add up. I found it helpful to set a budget for these impromptu crafting opportunities so that I could enjoy a few without going overboard.

I did a “make and take” at Christi’s E. Creations. She showed me how to make Texas earrings and a necklace to match. I never knew that making jewelry was so hard! I think that my fingers are just not steady enough to work with those tiny jump rings.

5. Bring Your Own Snacks (Trust Me!)

One thing I wish I’d known before attending: the food options were limited, and the lines were incredibly long. With only 30 minutes between classes, I barely had time to stand in line, let alone enjoy my meal. Next time, I’m definitely packing my own snacks and a light lunch so I can make the most of my breaks and not stress about food.

6. Pack Smart

Pinners is the kind of event where you accumulate a lot of stuff. From class materials to make-and-takes to purchases, you’ll need a way to carry everything. Bring a large bag, backpack, or even a rolling cart to store your goodies. I saw several people with rolling carts, and I’ll be following their lead at the next conference!

7. Hydrate Without the Cost

Conferences are notorious for overcharging for basic necessities, and Pinners was no exception. Water bottles were nearly $4! I highly recommend bringing your own reusable water bottle to save some money and stay hydrated throughout the day

8. Consider Attending Both Days

If you can swing it, attending both days of the conference is well worth it. I tried to pack everything into one day and found myself constantly rushed between classes and vendor booths. By spreading things out over two days, you’ll have time to savor the experience, explore the vendor floor, enjoy a few of the “make and take” at the vendor booths, and engage more fully in each class without feeling the pressure to rush off.

9. Volunteer

Another great way to enjoy the conference is to volunteer. While you won’t be able to participate hands-on in the class, you do get to sit in and listen to the instructor. Some teachers even offer the volunteers a class kit as a thank you for helping out.

This can be a great way to experience more of the conference without the extra cost of attending additional classes.

10. Choosing Your Classes

The variety of classes at Pinners is fantastic, from cooking and sewing to painting and photography. I started my day with a sourdough-making class, and by the end, I was hooked! I left with a sourdough starter, a cookbook, and a sourdough hook.

My next class was a canvas art session where we created a sunflower using only mulberry paper from Mulberry Paper and More. It was so much fun that I practically ran to the vendor’s booth afterward to buy packs of their mulberry paper.

Be careful, though—it's easy to get caught up in the excitement, so set a budget before you go!

11. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing

Comfort is key when attending a full day of crafting. If you plan to take painting or hands-on classes, don’t wear your favorite outfit, as there's always the chance of spills or stains. They don’t provide aprons! Also, you’ll be walking a lot between classes and around the vendor floor, so make sure your shoes are up to the task.

12. Bring a small bag of wipes

Many of the classes involve crafting or painting, which can get messy. While teachers usually hand out wipes to clean up, they tend to do so sparingly. Bring your own small pack of wipes so you can stay fresh between classes.

13. Bring a notebook and pen

Not all workshops provide handouts, and some instructors rely on screens or projectors for teaching. While they encourage taking photos of the slides, that’s not always helpful when you're sitting far from the screen. Bringing a notebook and pen allows you to jot down tips and details without worrying about whether your phone’s photo will be legible later.

Whether it’s your first time attending or you’re a seasoned Pinners attendee, following these tips can help you maximize your experience. From thoughtful planning to smart packing, these lessons learned will have you well-prepared to enjoy everything the Pinners Conference has to offer!

Pinners Conference: 13 Tips to Maximize Your Experience and Make the Most of Every Class