First Timer's Guide

Welcome to your first QuiltCon!

Whether you’re QuiltCon-curious or officially booked and ready to go, this guide has everything you need to navigate your first QuiltCon experience with confidence.

What is QuiltCon? 

QuiltCon is the largest modern quilting event in the world, bringing together thousands of quilters from around the globe to celebrate modern quiltmaking. There are workshops, lectures, a curated vendor hall, community, and TONS of inspiration.

You don’t need to be an MQG member to attend QuiltCon, but it can have some perks, like early access to registration and discounts on classes and lectures.

QuiltCon 2026 is February 19-22, 2026, at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, NC.

MQG Membership & QuiltCon

Anyone can come to QuiltCon, but it sure does pay to be an MQG member if you are planning to attend QuiltCon! 

Benefits of MQG membership at QuiltCon: 

  • Early Registration: Register before it opens to the general public!
  • Save 20% on workshops and lectures until October 31, 2025
  • Receive a four-day show pass free with a $50 purchase of workshops, special events, and lectures.

If you're not already a member, join us today.

Attending QuiltCon for the First Time

Do I have to buy a four-day badge to register for workshops and lectures?

Yes, you must register for a four-day show badge to sign up for any workshop, lecture, or tour in advance of QuiltCon. Find more information about registration options here.

When will I get my tickets? How will I get my badge?

  • QuiltCon four-day badges are printed at QuiltCon! Look for an email the week before QuiltCon with all the pickup details!

  • QuiltCon single-day passes are emailed directly upon purchase. No physical items will be mailed.

The registration desk will be open during the following times! Four-Day Show Badges can be picked up any time the registration desk is open. 

  • Wednesday, February 18 4 pm-7 pm

*** Registration Welcome Reception & Cash Bar, Featuring SewTites from 4 pm-7 pm ***

  • Thursday, February 19 8 am-5:30 pm

  • Friday, February 20 8 am-5:30 pm

  • Saturday, February 21 8 am-5:30 pm

  • Sunday, February 22 8 am-2 pm

What are the must-haves I should pack?

  1. Comfortable shoes - there is a lot of walking at QuiltCon so be prepared! 

  2. A power bank for your phone. If you are a picture taker, there will be lots of opportunities! 

  3. Bringing a fun “card” or sticker with your social media info is a great way to connect with the people you meet! Also bringing some pre-made address labels you can use to enter booth giveaways, is helpful so you don’t have to write your information down a million times!

How can I stay up to date on everything that is happening at QuiltCon?

Download the QuiltCon 2026 app! This app will have maps, the ability to add your QuiltCon schedule, and so much more. If you are registered for QuiltCon, you will receive an email with instructions on how to download the app when it is ready in early February. If you do not receive an email by February 10, please reach out to register@themodernquiltguild.com.

Can I take pictures at the Quilt Show?

Yes! Make sure to also take a photo of the artist's statement hanging next to the quilt so you can tag the maker in any social media posts! 

Can I bring a drink to the Quilt Show and Vendor Hall?

Only water bottles with resealable lids are permitted in the Vendor Hall and Quilt Show.

How can I meet others at QuiltCon?

  • Volunteer! Many volunteers have told us they have loved the experience and have made wonderful connections with their fellow volunteers. You can find out more information about volunteering here.

  • Explore social media to find fellow quilters! Check out the hashtags #QuiltCon and #QuiltCon2026 on Instagram.

  • Social hours are another great way to meet new people! On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, we will have social hours located on the Mezzanine level. These events are provided by some of our wonderful sponsors and are just a fun activity to plan for!

  • Join the morning Mix and Mingle! This is a great way for QuiltCon first time attendees or attendees traveling by themselves to make new connections and meet fellow quilters! There will be two Mix and Mingles ,Thursday, February 19, and Friday, February 20, both from 8:00AM - 8:45AM in the Congressional room at the Marriott. No prior registration is required.

QuiltCon Goodie Bags

Our amazing sponsors always give us fun swag and a cute commemorative bag that we give away randomly to any MQG member who registers and pays for their registration by November 30, 2025. The bags are distributed onsite, and goodie bag winners will not be notified in advance. Look for a special icon on your badge when you check in at registration. Don't worry about missing things; there will be lots of helpers around at the registration area to help you find everything. 

Other (amazing) QuiltCon Merch

The Goodie Bag isn't the only way to take a bit of QuiltCon home with you! There will be a limited number of shirts, bags, and other fun items to purchase in the MQG Shop, which opens on Wednesday at 4PM and stays open for the duration of the show. 

Workshop & Lecture FAQ

I signed up for workshops! Do I need to bring basic sewing supplies?

The MQG works very hard to make traveling with your workshop supplies as easy as possible. Every workshop room will have the following shared supplies for students.

  • Cutting Mats

  • Rotary Cutters

  • 6” x 24” Rulers

  • Irons and Ironing Mats

  • Scissors 

Students are welcome to bring any supplies they wish, but please do not bring any extra irons for safety and power concerns. Be sure to check the required supplies for your workshop as well. All this information can be found on the QuiltCon 2026 Interactive Schedule here.

Sewing machines are also generously provided by our sponsors for any workshop that requires a machine!

Will my 6-hour workshop have a break for lunch?

Yes! There will be a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. for all 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. workshops, and a dinner break from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. We require all students to exit the workshop rooms during these breaks to allow for faculty and event staff to have a break as well. Please be aware that food vendors in the convention center are normally very busy during these times, so please plan accordingly. 

I am so excited to take as many workshops as I can! How many do you suggest? 

There are so many wonderful things to do at QuiltCon! Many first-timers can feel overwhelmed, so we suggest changing up your activities throughout the day. Plan to take breaks, shop the vendor hall, visit the Quilt Show multiple times, and check out the Demo Stage. With all the activities at QuiltCon, you may only want to take 1-2 workshops your first year attending QuiltCon. This way, you can experience a little bit of everything! Learning in workshops is great, but definitely don’t overload yourself, and be sure to leave room for other activities!

What if I don’t get the workshops I want?

After a workshop sells out, a waitlist opens in the registration system. A waitlist spot can open at any time, and we contact people via email when a seat opens up for them. Waitlists certainly do not guarantee getting into a workshop, but they are your best hope if a workshop you want to take is sold out. Waitlist notifications will come from register@themodernquiltguild.com. Remember that QuiltCon is SO MUCH MORE than just workshops! There are lectures, there are quilts to see, shopping to do, friends to make - so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get the workshops you want. 

If I buy a lecture pass, can I just stay in the lecture hall throughout without having to get up between lectures?

You can leave your bag or personal belongings in the lecture hall between lectures at your own risk, however, we do need to scan attendees for each lecture to ensure that we are not surpassing the fire code guidelines for the space, so you will be asked to step out and get scanned back in. This also allows each lecturer a few quiet moments to prepare for their lecture without an audience, which is greatly appreciated.

Join the QuiltCon Community

This year, we've set up a special community just for QuiltCon attendees and those considering attendance who want to learn more about the event from other MQG members. Any MQG member can join the community and start a discussion, ask about hotels or dining options-maybe even make a new friend to explore QuiltCon with! 

Join the QuiltCon 2026 Community

QuiltCon is about Community, Art, & Education. We can't wait to see you there!

Be a Volunteer! 

Volunteering is a great way to participate in the event and get to know other quilters. QuiltCon would not be possible without the help of our amazing volunteers! Volunteers help sign attendees into workshops, use white gloves in the quilt show to help attendees see close-ups of quilt fronts/backs, answer general questions, meet and greet attendees, help staff our bag check area, and so much more. Each volunteer receives a special shirt as one of our thanks for your service. Volunteer shift sign-ups begin in September, so consider signing up! And keep in mind that most volunteer tasks are assigned onsite, based on the number of people who turn up for their shift, and the event needs during that time.

Learn More

Make sure to visit the MQG Shop early!

The MQG Shop at QuiltCon always has the best limited-edition merchandise.  Any merchandise onsite is limited and when it’s gone, it’s gone for good - so visit the MQG Shop early for the best selection! The MQG shop will open on Wednesday afternoon during our Welcome Reception starting at 4PM!

Onsite Concessions

The Raleigh Convention Center has on-site concessions that will be available during the event. This is managed directly by the convention center, and we have little control over the hours of each concession area, though we always request a wide variety of items to be available for attendees. You can also check out the Visit Raleigh website to get an idea of restaurant options in the area. 

Visit Raleigh Website