Welcome to your first Pacific Coast OrigamiUSA Conference. This page will give you some information about what to expect. Please email pcoc-info [at] origamiusa.org if you have any questions.

Getting Ready and Before Conference

Welcome, First Timers! Are you feeling curious or have a few questions? Join us for our virtual meetups, where you can ask questions and get a feel for what to expect. Our team will be happy to help you! Mark your calendars:

REGISTER for PCOC early!

Early registration gives you priority when choosing classes, so make sure to secure your spot as soon as possible.

Book your hotel room.

We’re thrilled to offer special conference rates! Be sure to book early, as the discounted rates will end on October 8, 2025.

Deadlines:

  • September 4, 1:00 pm EDT — Registration opens.
  • September 27, 2:59 am EDT — Prices increase.
  • October 4, 2:59 am EDT — Registration to teach ends.
  • October 21, 2:59 am EDT — Class requests close.
  • October 22, 2:59 am EDT — PVP no longer available.
  • October 30, 2:00 pm PDT — PCOC begins.

Choosing Your Classes

Choose from the two methods below for choosing classes. Before selecting your classes, be sure to review the Classes page for full details, including class requests, assignments, and other important dates.

Important: Please ensure that you are comfortable with the class difficulty level before signing up. To ensure smooth operation and a great experience for all, you must be assigned to a class in order to attend it.

Method 1: Online Class Selection Before the Conference Starts

We highly recommend selecting your classes online in advance to increase your chances of getting into popular classes. Many classes fill up fast, so registering early ensures you won’t miss out.

  • Login to your OrigamiUSA website account.
  • Go to My Classes.
  • Request classes and rank them in order of preference (not by class time). Tip: Select multiple classes for each period in case your first choice is not available.
  • Class assignments will be given based on availability and are based on an algorithm that gives priority to first timers, teachers, early registration, etc. However, in the assignment process, some classes will get sold out. Your assigned classes are not guaranteed from your list of class requests.
  • Once your classes are assigned, your class schedule will be available at My Schedule and My Classes.
  • A printed copy of your schedule will be provided when you check in at registration.
  • After class assignments you can add and edit (see the Taking Classes page).

Method 2: On-Site In-Person at the Conference

  • Make a list of the classes, (including time and location) you are interested in.
  • Go to the ticketing desk between 8:30-9:30 am, located on the lower level, Grand Nave Foyer.
  • The ticketing desk can assign you to classes based on availability for that day.

Our goal is to share the joy of origami with everyone, and we appreciate your help in making our classes welcoming and enjoyable for all!

At the Conference

When you arrive, head to the Registration Area (see Hours and Locations page) to pick up your conference materials. This is also where the Help Desk is, where you should go if you have any questions or are not pre-registered.

Conference materials:

  • Name badge
  • MyClasses printout (list of classes you have registered for)
  • This year's PCOC Survival Kit (tote bag, pen, 6-inch origami paper, and a collapsible box to store your folded models in)
  • Special Goodie Bag (contents curated by the local origami group)
  • Pre-purchased conference merchandise (e.g. T-shirts, printed diagram book, etc.)

Note: Unless otherwise noted, all paper needed for your classes are provided. 6-inch paper is included in your PCOC Survival kit (please bring this to class). If other types or sizes of paper are needed for a class, the teacher will bring these (unless otherwise noted, which is very rare). The only extra things you may need to bring are whatever tools you like to use (e.g. a creasing tool or bone folder) and any extra items that might help you get the most out of your classes, (e.g., notebook).

In the Classrooms

Classroom etiquette:

  • Classes are not overly structured, but quiet attention and politeness are requested.
  • Be punctual—arriving late or attending a class you haven’t registered for may disrupt the experience for others.
  • It's a good suggestion to let the person sitting next to you know if you might have questions or need help.
  • If you have special needs, please contact the PCOC committee at pcoc-info [at] origamiusa.org regarding necessary accommodations.
  • Here is a guide to classroom etiquette.

Conference Activities

On-Site Help

There are many ways to find help.

  • The Registration Help Desk is located in the Registration area (see Hours and Locations). Head here if you have not yet registered or have questions about registration.
  • The OrigamiUSA General Information Desk is located near the Registration area. Head here if you have any other questions or want to know more about OrigamiUSA, other conventions, etc.
  • The First Timers Desk is also located near the Registration area and has a team of volunteers who can answer all your questions.
  • Badge ribbons are worn to help identify First Timers and seasoned OrigamiUSA conference goers. You will find that your fellow attendees are a great resource. A "First Timer" ribbon will be attached to your badge. Attendees who have an "Ask Me" ribbon on their badge are able to help you with basic questions. Feel free to ask them—they are happy to help.
  • Online assistance:
    • Login to your OrigamiUSA website account.
    • Go to the online class schedules for that day to add, drop, or replace classes in your schedule.

  • Check the FAQ section on classes for guidance on managing your classes. Tip: You should update your schedule to remove a class that runs at the same time before you add your desired class

  • The Ticketing Help Desk is available daily in the Community Folding Room before classes start. The team can help assign you to available classes. Make a list of the classes you are interested in and the Ticketing Help Desk can assign you to the available classes.

AND don’t forget….Have fun!

We're thrilled to have you with us and hope this conference provides an enriching experience filled with new friends, learning, and of course, origami!