31st Annual Educational Conference

Core Conference Dates October 15-18, 2026

Kansas City, Missouri

Join us at The Fontaine in Kansas City — and celebrate 35 years of ASDP with us.

The ASDP Annual Conference is for sewing and design professionals at every stage — custom clothiers, tailors, patternmakers, fashion designers, educators, alterationists, costumers, and bridal specialists — whether you're an ASDP member or discovering our community for the first time. Four days of programming cover business development, technical skills, design and patternmaking, and specialty techniques, with pre-conference Master Classes available for those who want to go deeper.

Sewing and design professionals often work alone, in a field the broader business world doesn't always understand. Conference is where that changes — a room full of people who get it, who can talk about pricing custom work, managing clients, and building a reputation without having to explain themselves first. The 2026 conference marks 35 years of ASDP, and this year's theme — Stitching Your Path: Designing Your Business — is about taking ownership of where your career goes next.

Quick Links

Registration & Pricing

Presenters

Class Schedule

Hotel & Travel

Sponsorship Opportunities

Thank You to our Sponsors!

Veiw the 2026 Class Brochure

Registration Info

Members get the Early Bird rate starting June 15. Prices go up July 15 — your member rate is valid through September 14. Non-member registration opens August 15. Late pricing begins September 15 for everyone.

All pricing changes take effect at 12:01 am Eastern on the dates listed.

Choose your experience: Core Conference, Single Day, 2-Day Master Class, or the MC + Core Combo (save $150 at checkout). Social events can be added à la carte if you are not attending the full Core Conference or if you are bringing a guest.

View full pricing, social events, and registration details. Members can access the Conference Registration link on the Member Center Hub Page.

Not yet a member? Membership saves $$$ — and gets you in the door first. Learn about joining ASDP!

Class Schedule

Master Classes run before the main conference and offer two full days of intensive instruction — extended time with an expert that isn't possible in a standard session. Three options are available this year:

Sculptural Sleeves: Advanced Pattern Design with Lalon and Theresa Alexander
Custom Couture Skirt with Helen Haughey
Clothing Closures with Barbie McCormick and Ellen Miller

Master Classes can be taken on their own or combined with Core Conference registration for $150 discount.

Core Conference is three days of education and skill-building, bookended by an opening celebration Thursday evening and a closing gathering Sunday. Programming spans the full range of professional practice — business development, technical construction, design and patternmaking, and specialty techniques — with a mix of full-day and half-day sessions so you can shape the experience around what matters most to your work.

Hotel & Travel

All conference activities will be held at the The Fontaine, 901 W 48th Pl, Kansas City, MO 64112. We've secured a group rate of $184 per night (includes resort fee) exclusively for conference attendees.

Book Your Hotel Stay

Planning your trip? Watch for our Conference Travel Guide coming in July, featuring Kansas City attractions, dining recommendations, transportation information, weather tips, and suggested activities for companions accompanying conference attendees.

Vendor Market

The Vendor Market runs all day Thursday, October 15—the perfect way to kick off the week. Browse tools, materials, services, and resources from vendors serving the sewing and design professional community.

This year, we're planning a special focus on independent and digital patternmakers. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to discover innovative pattern designers and learn more about their work, with additional details and participating vendors to be announced in the coming months.

Interested in exhibiting?

Watch for vendor announcements and marketplace updates as the conference approaches.

Sponsorship

Supporting the ASDP Annual Conference puts your brand in front of sewing and design professionals from across the country — in print, online, and on-site throughout the week.

Sponsorship packages range from $250 to $5,000 across five levels — Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Needle. Every level includes swag bag placement, website and brochure recognition, Fashion Show Program listing, and social media exposure. Higher tiers add dedicated posts, VIP event tickets, Vendor Marketplace access, and featured presentation opportunities.

Become a Sponsor

Download Sponsorship Package Details (PDF)

Contact

Questions and comments can be emailed to conference@sewingprofessionals.com.

Thank You to our Sponsors!

Silver Sponsor

Helen Haughey Designs

Bronze Sponsor

DittoForm.com

Copper Sponsor

Mendel Goldberg Fabrics

2885 Sanford Ave SW #19588, Grandville, MI 49418