Paper Folders are a unique group. We are curious, friendly, 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. Convention 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. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to meet some of your favorite origami creators and authors. You'll go home from Convention with wonderful models, wonderful friends, and wonderful memories. So please consider joining us this year. If you have a question you can’t find an answer to, we'd love to help! Don't hesitate to reach out to the Convention Committee at convention-committee [at] origamiusa.org.

What to Pack

Dress is casual. Temperature outside normally ranges from 65 to 90 degrees, and the hotel is air-conditioned and attendees report that it can be quite cold. We suggest dressing in layers and maybe bringing a sweater for inside. Rainfall usually exceeds 3 inches in June and July, so an umbrella or raincoat would be a good idea.

All attendees will receive a Survival Kit at Check In. The Survival Kit includes a tote bag, name tag, pen, and a pack of 6" kami. Need some 10" kami? Foil paper? Stop by the Information Desk for a few sheets. Need more? Stop by the Source to buy some! Any other folding tools you use you should bring from home (i.e., scissors, tweezers, ruler, glue, notebook). We also suggest packing at least one strong-sided box or plastic container to bring your finished models home with you. Some rooms have better lighting than others, a head lamp or reading light can be very useful.

Selecting Classes

Please select your classes with your existing skill level for that model in mind. Folding is fun, but if you take a class that is too difficult you will not enjoy it, and you might impede the others in the class.

If you are new to Origami, you might want to attend our "Base-ics" class on Saturday morning. To take an intermediate class you should know how to fold a Bird Base from memory, and be good at inside reverse folds, outside reverse folds, and sink folds. To take a high intermediate class you should be comfortable folding double rabbit ears, crimps, double sinks, closed sinks, and stretching a base. To take a complex class you should be an experienced folder, comfortable folding from diagrams, and able to follow intricate sequences of precise moves.

Taking Classes

Please ensure that you arrive at your classes on time. The hotel can be confusing at times so consult the maps on our website and at the hotel and leave enough time to make it to your next class. Remember that all teachers are volunteers. Please help them whenever you can and know that some may be teaching for the first time, others may be pros.

Please do not try and attend a class that you have not registered for.

If you are under 18 or a guardian of a younger folder please review the Guardians for Young Attendees section of the Main Registration page.

Outside of Classes

The Community Folding Room is located in the New York Ballroom and will be your homebase. Here you can attend presentations from our Special Guests, participate in the Silent Auction, see the sample models of all of the classes, and just hang out with other folders!

Convention is packed with things to do outside of classes, from volunteering to participating in our activities, shopping at The Source and attending the Exhibition. Some things we hope all attendees will consider:

  • Volunteer! Even if you’ve never attended a convention before, it's an amazing part of the experience and will give you more opportunities to connect with other folders. Most positions require no prior knowledge and the Area Coordinators are there to give you directions and support.
  • Participate in Activities! Fold a 9 foot sheet of paper in Oversized Folding, test your paper airplane skills against experts in the Paper Airplane Contest, race around an origami world in TAROS, get to know folders by participating in the Pins Plus Exchange, and make some trading cards for the ATC.
  • Exhibit your work! Anyone can exhibit their artwork at the Exhibition. Everyone should stop by and see the amazing creations made by folders in our community.
  • Shop! The Source is open Friday - Sunday and it’s your chance to shop everything Origami in person. Don’t forget the Silent Auction, also open from Friday - Sunday.
  • Stay up all night folding! The Community Folding room is open until Midnight Friday - Sunday and on Monday at 8 pm you can move with other night owl folders to the Bowery and fold until the last person leaves.

Help!

The Information Desk in the Community Folding Room is staffed at all times. If you need help or have a question drop by the Info Desk or ask another attendee. Keep an eye out for red ribbons on name tags as those are Board or Convention Committee Members. Blue ribbons are for veteran attendees and say “Ask me About Convention” so don’t hesitate to take them up on the offer.