This page contains important information about convention registration. Please read through it all. Online and downloadable registration forms are at the bottom.

Registration Information

Early registration is essential, because FIT requires an early financial commitment from us, and because of the extra strain on our volunteer staff to process late registrations. Our pricing schedule therefore encourages early sign-up. See the Registration links below. On-site registration will be available, but at additional cost, and only if you are not attending classes. You can register either online using our secure server or by filling out and mailing paper forms via post.

Early registration will make it more likely that you'll get your first choice classes. In order to attend classes, you must obtain tickets during the morning ticketing period. Those who send in their registration forms early will get to select their classes first during this time. This sequence will be based on postmark date, not date of receipt in the Home-Office, and by lottery within those postmarked the same date.

For fairness to people outside the New York area, however, the first week of postmark dates received will be lotteried together. There are separate lotteries for each convention day (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday). Faxed or Internet forms will be accepted only if you are using a credit card. For faxed or Internet forms, or forms dropped off in the Home-Office, the date received will be considered the postmark date. FedEx, Priority Mail or other special handling is not necessary, and will provide no priority advantage.

People who work (teach and/or volunteer) at least one class period per day attending will have ticketing priority. However, only a limited number of tickets for each class will be available, and teachers/volunteers requesting this priority will also have their forms filled in order based on the ticketing sequence number they received when they mailed in their registration form. In addition, teachers must register by May 25 and turn in their model menu models on time to receive ticketing priority.

People who work during the morning ticketing period will not be permitted to obtain their tickets early. There will be people available to bring their selections to the ticketing area, where their forms will be inserted into the correct numerical location. Their tickets will be delivered to them.

You can come to the convention and just hang out in Hospitality if you'd like, and participate in informal teaching. Or, for an additional fee, you can attend classes. You can even come one day and attend classes, and come another without attending classes.

Payment for attendance without classes includes access to all convention areas except classes, plus survival kit. You can add classes at the last minute, on-site, but you will have to pay the difference between the classes and no-classes prices, plus a $10 per day premium. And remember that your priority number is assigned when you purchase the classes, so if you wait until you arrive at convention, your priority number will be very high.

Non-folding guardians of under-age children may register without charge, as may non-folders who are accompanying a person with special needs. They must complete registration forms, and check the Guardian box. Non-folders who would like to volunteer may register as Staff. They will be able to join us in all areas except classrooms.

If you want to order a 2010 Origami Collection, you'll get a lower price by ordering it with your registration.

Membership

You must be a member to attend the Annual Convention. You can renew your membership here:

Cancellation Policy

Registration:

  • Cancel on or before June 19th: full refund
  • Cancel after June 19th: Sorry Kit only

Housing:

  • Cancel before June 1st: full refund
  • Cancel between June 1st and June 19th: refund only if we can re-assign your room
  • Cancel after June 19th: no refund

Folders vs. Non-Folders

Should you register as a Folder or Non-folder? The distinction is important. We pay a lot of money to FIT for the space, and to rent tables and chairs, and so we reluctantly eliminated all categories of non-paying Folders several years ago. All Folders must register using the Attendee Registration Form, and pay for some level of attendance.

There are three categories of Non-Folders. The most common is a parent or guardian who wishes to supervise a minor child. There is no charge for them to attend, but they cannot join their children in the classrooms. If a child cannot be left without supervision in the classroom, then perhaps they are too young to attend convention. Another category is an aide who accompanies a person with special needs. Again there is no charge for them to attend, and they may, with permission from the teacher, go into the classroom with the folder. The last category is staff, a non-folding person who wishes to volunteer during the weekend.

All these categories of Non-Folders must register for the convention. No one is allowed in the Hospitality Area without a name tag! This year Guardians or Aides may register simply by entering their name on the Folder's Registration Form, and they can then complete a Volunteering Form to let our Volunteer Coordinator know that they are available to help. Staff or Guardians and Aides who did not register as part of their Folder's Registration Form, can register via the independent Non-folder Registration Form below. They, too, should complete a Volunteering Form. If you're confused by this, give us a call or email, and we'll try to help.

Registration for Folders

Every folder must register using this form, even if you are only volunteering or teaching.

Registration for Non-Folders

All guardians and aides must register using this form in order to enter the main folding area.