Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Annual Convention is a five-day event where basketmakers of all skill levels come together to share techniques, showcase their talents, and promote the art of basketry. Scheduled for October 21-25, 2026, at the Blue Water Convention Center in Port Huron, Michigan, this convention is a key event for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Attendees can enjoy public days featuring vendor booths and an exhibit room showcasing juried and sharing baskets. Annual Convention takes place in Port.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: October 2026 at the Blue Water Convention Center, 800 Harker St, Port Huron, Michigan; confirm exact convention dates on michiganbasketmakers.com.
- 2Organiser and Format: Annual convention of the Association of Michigan Basketmakers, built around member workshops, teacher-led sessions and public open days.
- 3Public Access: Public Days run Friday 10 AM-5 PM and Saturday 10 AM-6 PM, giving non-members a window to see baskets, materials and demonstrations.
- 4Sector Focus: Basketry-specific programme covering weaving techniques, splint and reed preparation, molds, dyes and finished traditional and contemporary baskets.
- 5Who Should Attend: Basket weavers, guild members, craft teachers and fiber artists sourcing specialist materials, tools and patterns from Michigan and regional suppliers.
Why visit
Experience a unique opportunity to see the latest in basketry supplies and techniques. Dates and Venue: Annual Convention 2026 runs from October 21-25, 2026 at Blue Water Convention Center in Port Huron, Michigan. Scale and Focus: This event is one of the largest gatherings for basketmakers in the United States, attracting over 200 attendees.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the Annual Convention provides visibility to a dedicated audience of basketry enthusiasts. Buyer Authority: Open to both members and the public, with opportunities to explore vendors and exhibits. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Suppliers of basketry materials, Artisans showcasing handmade baskets, Educational institutions offering basketry courses. Position your offer across basketry materials: natural and synthetic weaving materials, splints,.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Basket weavers and splint workers, from first-time hobbyists to advanced makers
Members of regional basketry guilds and state craft associations
Basketry teachers and workshop leaders looking for new techniques and materials
Fiber, willow and natural-material artists sourcing reed, splint, dyes and molds
Craft retailers and gallery buyers scouting finished baskets and kits
Public visitors attending the Friday and Saturday open days
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Specialist suppliers of black ash splint, reed, cane, willow and sweetgrass
Dye, stain and finishing-product vendors for natural basket materials
Basketry tool and mold makers offering forms, rims, handles, awls and packing tools
Independent basket artists selling finished traditional and contemporary work
Workshop teachers and guild representatives promoting classes and memberships
Craft publishers and pattern designers with basketry books and kits
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Natural basketry materials: black ash splint, sweetgrass, willow, reed, rattan cane, white oak and cedar
Basketry tools: molds, forms, rims, handles, bases, awls, gauges, packing tools and clamps
Dyes, stains, sealers and finishing supplies for splint, reed and finished baskets
Kits, patterns and instruction books for coiled, twilled, ribbed and Nantucket-style baskets
Finished handmade baskets: market baskets, gathering baskets, wall pieces and sculptural forms
Teaching materials and workshop supplies for guild classes and convention sessions
Repair and restoration supplies for vintage and heritage baskets
Location & Facilities
Venue
Blue Water Convention Center
Port Huron, United States
Facilities
Parking
Blue Water Convention Center in Port Huron typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Blue Water Convention Center in Port Huron typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Blue Water Convention Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
Association of Michigan Basketmakers
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Last edition
2025
Completed
Next edition
Not announced yet
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Port Huron, United States
Why it matters
Attending Annual Convention on 2026-10-21 to 2026-10-25 in Port Huron lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
Latest News - National Basketry Organization
ReadBasketry+ Magazine - National Basketry Organization
ReadReviving Tradition: How Modern Basketry Merges Innovation with Heritage
ReadNational Basketry Organization, Inc. - Facebook
ReadConferences & Festivals - National Basketry Organization
ReadFrom cradle to casket: Tennessee Basketry Association holds annual ...
ReadPlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Primary commercial gateway with the widest choice of domestic and international flights; rental cars and shuttles available. Confirm current drive times and traffic
TBA
to venue
approx. 1.5 hours by car
by car
Flint Bishop International Airport
Smaller regional airport with limited routes; useful for travelers from select U.S. hubs. Confirm flight availability and drive time
TBA
to venue
approx. 1 hour by car
by car
Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport
Limited scheduled service; cross-border travelers need passport and visa/ESTA documentation. Check customs wait times
TBA
to venue
approx. 30-40 minutes including border crossing
by car
St. Clair County International Airport
General aviation airport; no scheduled commercial airline service. Confirm with your carrier or charter operator
TBA
to venue
approx. 10-15 minutes
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Port Huron
4-star
Blue Water Convention Center (approx. 140 ft away)Guest rating 4.5 from about 1.8K reviews; eco-certified. Amenities include paid breakfast, paid Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning, fitness center, bar, restaurant and room service.
Comfort Inn Port Huron
2-star
Blue Water Convention Center (approx. 0.7 mi away)Guest rating 3.6; amenities include free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, fitness center and accessible facilities.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Port Huron by IHG
2-star
Blue Water Convention Center (approx. 1.1 mi away)Amenities include free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, pet-friendly policy and fitness center.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Bus
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forBlue Water Area Transit local routes serving Port Huron
Blue Water Area Transit is the regional transit authority servicing Port Huron; route maps and schedules are published on bwbus.com.
Taxi / rideshare
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forDowntown Port Huron and convention center hotels to Blue Water Convention Center, 800 Harker St
Useful for the 0.7-1.1 mi hops from Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn Express to the venue, and for evening trips into downtown Port Huron.
Car
Estimated costFuel and any applicable lot fees; parking availability at the venue lot is listed on Parkopedia
Best forDriving to Blue Water Convention Center, 800 Harker St, Port Huron
The venue has an on-site parking lot; driving directions are published via map services linked from the venue listing.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
Weather
October in Port Huron is mid-autumn: expect daytime highs around 14-17 C (57-63 F) and overnight lows around 5-8 C (41-46 F). Rain showers and breezy lake-effect conditions are possible, so pack a waterproof layer and closed-toe shoes. These are climatological ranges, not a forecast; check a local forecast before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Cross-border trip planning
Port Huron sits on the St. Clair River across from Sarnia, Ontario. If you plan a Canadian side trip, carry your passport and U.S. re-entry documents; border wait times vary, so build in extra time.
Tipping and payments
The U.S. dollar is the local currency, and cards are widely accepted in Port Huron. Restaurants and taxis commonly expect a 15-20% tip; small craft vendors may prefer cash for low-value purchases.
Craft-circle etiquette
Public days are open to the public, but workshops and classes may be reserved for registered members. Ask before photographing teachers' original patterns or finished pieces, and follow any instructor-specific rules.
Cool-weather layers
October mornings are cool and workshop rooms can be drafty. Dress in layers and wear closed-toe shoes for walking between the convention center and nearby hotels.
Accessibility at the venue
The Blue Water Convention Center is a waterfront venue at 800 Harker St. Confirm specific accessibility needs with the organiser or venue before registering, especially for workshop rooms and public-day seating.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Port Huron; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Visa
Attending this Michigan convention from abroad generally means a U.S. business visitor (B-1) visa or, for Visa Waiver Program nationals, an approved ESTA. Confirm your nationality's category on the U.S. Department of State business visa pages before booking travel.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Captures confirm the B-1 classification is described by the U.S. Department of State and USCIS as covering business visits including conventions and conferences; application wait times and fees vary by embassy and were not captured.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport: approx. 1.5 hours by car; Flint Bishop International Airport: approx. 1 hour by car; Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport: approx. 30-40 minutes including border crossing; St. Clair County International Airport: approx. 10-15 minutes. Allow road or rail time to Blue Water Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Blue Water Convention Center: Blue Water Convention Center (approx. 140 ft away): DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Port Huron; Blue Water Convention Center (approx. 0.7 mi away): Comfort Inn Port Huron; Blue Water Convention Center (approx. 1.1 mi away): Holiday Inn Express & Suites Port Huron by IHG.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Port Huron; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Blue Water Area Transit runs the local bus network across Port Huron and the wider Blue Water Area, with all routes and schedules listed on bwbus.com, plus real-time trip planning through the Transit app. Blue Water Convention Center sits at 800 Harker St; check the closest route stop before travelling and confirm current fares with the operator.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Blue Water Convention Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Seasonality: October is a wet, transitional month in Port Huron, with occasional rain showers, gusty lake breezes and cool mornings. Pack a waterproof jacket and closed-toe shoes; check a local forecast in the week before travel.
Packing: October 2026
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Annual Convention usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm the exact October 2026 convention dates and public-day hours on michiganbasketmakers.com before booking travel.
T-2
Check U.S. entry requirements for your nationality; a B-1 business visitor visa or ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program can cover convention attendance where eligible.
T-3
Book a hotel near the Blue Water Convention Center; the DoubleTree is adjacent, while Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn Express are within about 1 mile.
T-4
Reserve any workshop or session seats that require pre-registration; public days are open, but classes may fill.
T-5
Plan your airport transfer: most commercial flights arrive at Detroit Metropolitan (DTW), with Flint Bishop (FNT) as a smaller alternative; confirm drive times and rental car or shuttle options.
T-6
Pack closed-toe shoes and a warm layer for cool October mornings; workshop rooms can be drafty.
T-7
Bring a notebook or camera (if permitted by instructors) to record weaving patterns and material sources.
T-8
Set a budget for materials and finished baskets; many vendors and teachers sell supplies on site during public days.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Blue Water Convention Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Annual Convention registration concourse
Blue Water Convention Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Blue Water Convention Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Annual Convention fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Where does the Association of Michigan Basketmakers Annual Convention take place?
The 2026 edition is listed for Port Huron, Michigan, with the Blue Water Convention Center as the venue district. Check the official Association of Michigan Basketmakers convention page for the confirmed hall and address before travelling.
How do I register for the Association of Michigan Basketmakers Annual Convention?
Registration runs through the association's own convention materials on michiganbasketmakers.com, which publishes downloadable registration forms and convention cover documents ahead of each edition. Members and the public access vendor and exhibit areas through those channels.
Who attends the Association of Michigan Basketmakers Annual Convention?
Basketmakers of all skill levels, guild members, craft enthusiasts buying supplies, artisans learning new weaving techniques, and public visitors during open vendor hours.
What can exhibitors sell at the Association of Michigan Basketmakers Annual Convention?
Basketry materials, tools and kits, finished handmade baskets, teaching resources, and exhibition pieces demonstrating weaving techniques, per the convention's vendor and exhibit focus.
How do I get to the Blue Water Convention Center in Port Huron?
The venue is at 800 Harker St in Port Huron, served by Blue Water Area Transit bus routes and reachable by car with an on-site parking lot; DoubleTree by Hilton Port Huron is about 140 ft away for a walkable stay.
Glossary
- Splint
- A thin strip of wood, often black ash or white oak, split for weaving basket bodies, rims and handles.
- Reed
- A processed round or flat cane material, usually rattan, used for basket stakes and weavers.
- Black ash
- A hardwood traditionally split into splints by Great Lakes and Northeastern basketmakers; valued for strength and flexibility.
- Stakes
- The upright spokes of a basket that form its structure and are woven around.
- Weavers
- The horizontal strands passed over and under stakes to build basket walls.
- Rim
- The rigid hoop that finishes the top edge of a basket and secures the weaving.
- Lashing
- The wrapping that binds the rim to the basket body, often using thin splint or cane.
- Mold
- A wooden or form block over which a basket is shaped to control diameter and profile.
- Coiling
- A technique where a continuous core is stitched together in spirals, common in pine-needle and sweetgrass basketry.
- Nantucket basket
- A woven basket style with a solid base, rattan staves and a rim, associated with lightship-era craft traditions.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Annual Convention 2026
- Annual Convention Port Huron 2026
- Port Huron United States
- Arts & Crafts Port Huron 2026
- Arts & Crafts Convention Port Huron
- Natural and synthetic basketry materials
- Basketry tools and supplies
- Handmade baskets and kits
- Educational resources for basketry
- Basketry tools, molds and kits for weavers
2 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.