Paperfolders are a unique group. We are curious, friendly, compulsive, and passionate. We love to learn new models and techniques, and to meet new and old friends. We love to see our favorite authors, and to follow the growth of young folders and creators. Most of all we love to share the magic of origami. Our friends and families may think we're just a little strange, but Origami Convention 2014 is an incredible opportunity to join hundreds of other people who share our fascination with this gentle art, hundreds of other people who understand without explanation. And you'll have the opportunity to meet your favorite origami creators and authors. Detailed information is in the various pages listed in the left sidebar, but here's a summary of what will happen if you join us at an OrigamiUSA Convention.

When you arrive in New York, you'll want to first check in at the FIT dorms or your hotel and drop off your suitcases. Then you can visit New York, if there's time, or visit the Home-Office and help with preparations.

Friday

Open House is on Friday night, where you can register and receive your Survival Kit with totebag, nametag, paper (lots!), final schedule, and Origami Collection (filled with 250+ pages and 75+ models), if you ordered one. Then over to the Great Hall, the Hospitality Area, that will serve as home base for the convention. There you'll find time and space to sit and explore all the materials you received. Most important, though, the Model Menu is available for you to review samples of the models to be taught. You can plan your weekend, and talk to our advisors about the appropriate classes for your skill level.

You'll want to check out The Origami Source, and wander through the incredible books and paper available. You can also stop in at the Gold Mine, a treasure trove of discontinued or donated books and paper, large decorative sheets and other treats available only at convention. Also nearby is the Vendor area, where you'll find origami jewelry and other objects for sale. And don't forget the Silent Auction, where you might be the one to acquire rare books, special papers or exciting handmade items donated by our talented members.

The Exhibition opens on Friday, and is a can't-miss opportunity to see the finest origami displays.

If you'd prefer, you can hang out in the Hospitality Area and fold, wandering from table to table to meet old and new friends, and exchange models. First-timers will have a special orientation session, so they'll be prepared for the morning. There will also be a Teaching Skills session, to highlight best practices for those volunteering to teach. The Hospitality Area is open until midnight, and if that's not enough time you can move over to the Lounge areas at Alumni Hall, whether you're staying on-site or not.

Saturday

Saturday is the first day of classes. If you weren't there on Friday night, you'll have another opportunity to register, and then the most important activity is collecting your class tickets. You'll have a ticketing priority number, based on how early you registered, and there will be plenty of time for you to review the Model Menu and make your final decisions before your number is called. Just before classes start, there will be opening announcements, and formal introductions of our special guests.

Then off to class. There are five class periods each day, and 30 to 35 rooms in use. The layout of FIT can be a bit confusing, but we'll have signs and maps to help you find your way. The FIT cafeteria will not be available for lunch, but we'll have lots of local menus available.

During lunchtime, we will have the voting session of the Annual Meeting where you will have the opportunity to vote for our Board of Directors. After the afternoon classes we'll have the informational session of our Annual Meeting. This is your opportunity to meet the Board of Directors and the movers and shakers of OrigamiUSA. You'll learn more about the activities of the past year, and our plans for the future. It's also your opportunity to ask questions, and to make suggestions about the direction you'd like to see us go.

After the Annual Meeting is dinner time. You can eat at one of the many restaurants in the neighborhood, or you can bring your own food into the Hospitality Area. After dinner comes more folding in the Hospitality Area, and special fun and games. Again the Hospitality Area will be available until midnight, and the lounges available all night.

Sunday

On Sunday, there are more classes, and a paper airplane contest during lunch. Don't forget to do your last-minute shopping, and your last viewing of the exhibition, because those areas get closed down and moved out late on Sunday afternoon. After classes, you might go out with friends to eat, or bring food into the Great Hall. After dinner time, we'll have the Oversize Folding with teams making origami models from 9' squares. It's as much fun to watch as it is to do.

Monday

Monday's classes present a slight change in format where the emphasis shifts away from models. There might be classes on wetfolding, tissue-foil, decorating paper, photography, mobile making, teaching, and lots more, including panel discussions on such things as creativity or marketing your origami. On Monday evening there will be a "We've Survived" dinner where you can relax and enjoy dinner, drinks, and conversation with your new friends in a more comfortable venue. We can stay and fold until late.

You'll go home from Convention with wonderful models, wonderful friends, and wonderful memories. So please consider joining us this year. If you have any questions, or need any assistance, please let us help.