When is the 2024 Symposium?
November 12-17, 2024
Is the Symposium an in-person event?
No. The symposium is virtual.
In which time zone will the Symposium events take place?
The Symposium will take place across international time zones but is weighted to timezones in the Americas, where TSA is based. Content can be accessed asynchronously from anywhere in the world during the Symposium and for 90 days afterward. Only attendees of the Symposium can access this feature, so register now.
Where do I register for the Symposium?
On our site! https://textilesocietyofamerica.org/registration-for-the-2024-tsa-symposium-is-open-for-all
Do you have to be a TSA member to attend the Symposium?
No, however, rates are significantly cheaper if you are a member and membership is at a sliding scale.
Do I need to be a professional (artist, academic, designer, textile practitioner) to attend the Symposium?
No! Anyone interested in textiles and the symposium can attend.
Why does TSA charge registration fees?
TSA is a not-for-profit organization with a limited budget. Grants and donations don’t cover Symposium expenses. Registration fees help cover the costs of the Symposium platforms, administrative expenses, Zoom licenses, artist fees, subsidized rates, accessibility, and other related costs. TSA aims to make the Symposium affordable. Registration fees are around 30% lower than they were in 2018. Currently, TSA offers a sliding scale for symposium registration and membership fees and can provide more awards and fee waivers than ever before. The 2024 Symposium is being held virtually to eliminate travel and accommodation costs.
What currency is the TSA using for the Symposium?
US dollar.
I can’t attend the entire Symposium. Are there one-day tickets available?
No. It would not be cost-effective for participants to pay for one-day or individual presentation tickets. If you cannot attend live, it’s still worth registering! You can access recordings of sessions for 90 days after the Symposium to view them on your schedule.
I work for a school/ university/ club/ educational institution. Are there special rates available for Symposium access for my institution?
Yes! There are two institutional rates: $1000 / $1250 (early bird/regular) for up to five logins, or $2000 / $2500 (early bird/regular) for up to 10 logins. Any institution wanting more than 10 logins would have to buy more than one registration. Logins can be used to stream Symposium content with groups of students, museum professionals, etc.
I’m not presenting at the Symposium. Can I still participate in the events?
Yes! All sessions will include time for audience discussion and questions to the presenters. The Symposium is also set up for robust participation and discussion with presenters and other participants on the Symposium platform, Whova.
How can I connect with other attendees?
You can connect with other attendees through the Whova app. Simply open the app, navigate to the ‘Attendees’ section, and you’ll see a list of everyone attending the conference. You can browse profiles, send messages, and even set up meetings. It’s a great way to network and engage with others before, during, and after the event. The app will open a few weeks before the start of the Symposium, and remain open for 90 days after the Symposium’s end.
Where do I view the presentations and events?
You can view the presentations and events through the Whova portal.
How do I log into the individual presentations and events?
Once you register for the Symposium, you will be redirected to Whova, where the Symposium is being hosted. Once you set up your login through Whova, you can access the presentations and events there. The app will open a few weeks before the start of the Symposium, and remain open for 90 days after the Symposium’s end.
What is Whova?
Whova is a mobile and web app that helps us manage and enhance our conference experience. With Whova, you can access the event agenda, receive important updates, connect with other attendees, and participate in discussions and polls. It’s a one-stop platform to help you get the most out of our event.
Who is running the Symposium?
In addition to the efforts of everyone on the board of the Textile Society of America, TSA has a dedicated Symposium Working Group consisting of: L Vinebaum, Co-Vice President/Symposia Academic Chair; Isaac Facio, TSA President; Kira Dominguez Hultgren, Assistant Director of Volunteer and Membership; Sara Clugage, Director of Communications; Kris Cnossen, Assistant Director of Communications; and Keidra Daniels, Equity and Inclusion Committee Member. TSA has two paid part-time staff who are actively shaping the Symposium as well: Anita Enriquez, TSA Administrative Coordinator and Sara Rosenthal, TSA Communications Administrator. This Symposium would not be able to run without the efforts of many volunteers, all of whom can be found on our acknowledgments page.
What is the Textile Society of America?
Founded in 1987, the Textile Society of America is a United States 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides an international forum for the exchange and dissemination of textile knowledge from artistic, cultural, economic, historic, political, social, scientific, and technical perspectives. Our 800 members worldwide include scholars and educators, curators and conservators, artists, designers, makers, conservators, scientists, collectors, and others interested in fiber and textiles. Established in 1987, TSA is governed by an international Board of Directors.
TSA’s Mission is: Building a foundation of anti-racism and a culture of care, the mission of the Textile Society of America is to foster an international collective community—diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible—for the exchange and dissemination of knowledges and experiences about textiles worldwide.
What is the theme of this year’s Symposium?
The theme “Shifts and Strands: Rethinking the Possibilities and Potentials of Textiles” invites us to reflect on the many exciting shifts in textiles as historical and contemporary, cultural, creative, scholarly, political, discursive, and scientific practices. “Shifts” suggests transition, movement, evolution, mutability, instability, uncertainty, experimentation, and being in-progress or in-process. “Shifts” also reaffirms an ongoing process of transformation and change within the Textile Society of America. “Strands” is a textile metaphor that implies intertwining, connectedness, plurality, and multiple parts coming together to form a larger whole. “Strands” is a metaphor for collaboration, joining, and community. The Symposium theme is deliberately open, fluid, and inviting—it invites us to reflect upon the past and to envision and create collective, equitable, sustainable, and emancipatory futures.
Can I watch Symposium events after the Symposium has ended? Where and how do I access them?
Yes! You can access recordings for 90 days after the Symposium through Whova. Only registered attendees of the Symposium can access this feature, so register now.
I would like to get involved in the Symposium. What can I do?
Thank you for your interest! Follow this link to learn more about how you can volunteer for the Symposium: https://textilesocietyofamerica.org/get-involved-at-tsa
Is the Symposium accessible?
We are working to make the symposium as accessible as possible within our resources. You can let us know if you need anything specific when you register or you can email us at access@textilesocietyofamerica.org.
How did TSA choose the speakers for the Symposium?
A three-tier system of peer review by an international team of volunteers, TSA Board members, and the Symposium Working Group reviewed all submitted presentations. Keynote speakers, panelists, and featured artists were invited by the Board and the Symposium Working Group, in line with the Symposium theme and TSA’s Mission.
Do you have a question not answered here? Email us at info@textilesocietyofamerica.org.
