If you’ve been to the conference before, you probably already know the allure of the Resource Hall. With so much to see and few clocks to be found, it’s easy to lose track of time. Add to that among the thousands of other people in the room, you’re sure to run into a long lost friend or twelve and before you know it, you’re hearing the announcement that the hall is closing. Advice from a seasoned vet? Set an alarm on your phone/wristwatch for at least a half an hour prior to any programming event that you REALLY want to see. It WILL take you that long to get there!
In addition to the Gallery Expo and the Non-Profit Tables, the Resource Hall has more than 50 companies full of products you likely want, even if you don’t know it yet. We have some first time exhibitors like Rovin Ceramics, a ceramic supplier in SE Michigan since 1957. They are excited to attend NCECA for the first time! Stop by their booth, #117, to check out Troy Bungart’s stunning handcrafted exotic wood ribs and brushes, and GR Pottery Forms, which will debut at the conference. Dorothy Biddle Service will be showing their full-line of American-made flower holders (aka flower frogs, kenzans, pin holders). They are now the only US-manufacturer of these items, and 4clay.com will be showing 40 new USA made hand rollers, stamps, and other tools in booth 412. The full collection of clay stamps, over 300 designs, will be on display and for sale at NCECA in Milwaukee. Pickup information about having your own custom marker’s mark stamp made while at the booth also. See examples of large custom stamp tools used for mugs and large vessels.
And of course you’ll find long-time exhibitors like Soldner Clay Mixers Stop by their booth and help celebrate their 50th year. Get this year’s poster and tattoos, and take a look at the latest model with some great improvements. And visit Laguna Clay Company and Axner Pottery in booth 345, where you can ask about Cornwall Stone Substitute – same results at half the price of the other substitutes. While there, also check out the Axner Stainless Top Wheel, affordable quality you can jump on and see Fired on Images, a graphic experience in clay. Explore hidden strength with an Axner Power Arm, for high poundage centering, jiggering and jollying and ask about hundreds of Laguna clays and glazes!
Many of the exhibitors will be unveiling some exciting new products, like Spectrum Glazes who will feature their latest products including the Stoneware Metallics and the Stoneware Celadons & Semi-Transparents. You can stop by their booth for samples and product information. In booth 220, find out about Blaauw Kilns new, state-of-the-art kiln controller that gives you full control over your firings. Automatic reduction or oxydation, controlled cooling; you can have it all! And Visit WiziWig Tools in booth #331 to check out their profile ribs that are great for creating matching sets and beautiful silouettes, carving tools, and glaze making cheat sheets AND get a free sample of their shammies for wheel throwing!
Of course there were also be demos happening in several booths. This year Michael Sherrill, along with the rest of the Mudtools crew, will be at the booth doing demonstrations and answering questions. These demonstrations will include the new Do•All trim tool, the Dragtool and the Zipper Bridge and Extrusion Die set. They will also have Mudtools merch for sale. Stop in to booth 207 to see the Original Hi Roller Booth and get a first hand look at that vertical slab roller. Try it and see what all the buzz is about! Or, learn how easy it is to manipulate glass while it’s HOT and malleable using the latest in Kiln Technology. Visit Cress manufacturing in Booth #324 for a free hands-on demonstration.
See a full alphabetical list of all the commercial exhibitors here, or view them on the interactive map here
