North Carolina Basketry Convention – 40 Years of Woven Friendships

North Carolina Basketmakers Association 2026 Convention
Theme: 40 Years of Woven Friendships
Dates: March 12–15, 2026
Location: Sheraton Imperial Convention Center by Marriott, Durham, North Carolina

Celebrate four decades of woven friendships at the 2026 North Carolina Basketmakers Association (NCBA) Convention. Join basketmakers from across the country for four days of classes, vendors, exhibits, and community—all under one roof at the Sheraton Imperial Convention Center in Durham, NC.

Event Highlights

• Four days of weaving & learning – A full convention schedule from Thursday through Sunday.

• All–levels basketry classes – From beginners picking up their first basket to advanced weavers refining complex techniques.

• No extra-hour class fees for 2026 – For this convention, NCBA has waived extra class-hour charges, so once you’re registered you can stack as many class hours as your schedule and availability allow.

• Vibrant vendor marketplace – Tools, patterns, kits, reeds, gourds, and other weaving supplies from a wide variety of basketry vendors.

• Exhibit room & awards – Enjoy an inspiring exhibit of member work and support fellow basketmakers.

• Friendly, welcoming atmosphere – NCBA conventions routinely draw hundreds of basketmakers, dozens of teachers, and around forty vendors, with classes ranging from beginner to advanced.

Quick Details

• Organization: North Carolina Basketmakers Association (NCBA) North Carolina Basketmakers Association

• Theme: 40 Years of Woven Friendships

• Dates: Thursday–Sunday, March 12–15, 2026

• Hotel & Venue:

  • Sheraton Imperial Convention Center by Marriott

  • Durham, North Carolina

  • Self-contained facility—hotel, classrooms, and convention spaces all in one place.

Lodging Information

Convention activities are hosted at the Sheraton Imperial Convention Center in Durham, NC, with a special NCBA room block.

• Group block dates: March 11–15, 2026 (select dates within this range for convention rates)

• Room rate: $150 per night (plus applicable taxes and fees) at the convention rate, while the block lasts.

• Reservation deadline: The room block is scheduled to close on February 13, 2026.

Attendees should use the reservation link provided on the NCBA convention page to ensure they receive the convention rate.

Classes & Teachers

NCBA conventions typically feature a large selection of classes covering:

• Traditional and contemporary basket designs

• A range of materials (reed, cane, seagrass, gourds, and more)

• Skill levels from true beginner to advanced weaver

• Technique-focused workshops (color work, shaping, embellishments, patterns, etc.)

The 2026 teacher line-up and class list are published in the official convention brochure and online materials. Prospective teachers can find proposal instructions and the online proposal form on the NCBA convention page.

Vendors & Marketplace

The NCBA convention generally includes dozens of vendors offering:

• Basketry materials and specialty reeds

• Patterns and kits

• Tools and accessories

• Finished baskets and basket-related art

Vendor information and applications are provided through NCBA’s convention resources and communications. North Carolina Basketmakers Association

Visitors’ Days

According to NCBA’s general convention information, Visitors’ Days are typically Friday and Saturday:

• Visitors may access the vendor area and Exhibit Room for a modest daily fee.

• Visitors are asked not to interrupt classes or teachers who are actively teaching.

• NCBA members who visit (even without full registration) may have voting rights in the Exhibit Room.

Please confirm current visitor policies, days, and fees on NCBA’s official convention information page, as details can change year to year.

How to Register & Learn More

For the most up-to-date details—including registration fees, class catalog, deadlines, and any policy changes—please visit the North Carolina Basketmakers Association convention page and refer to the official 2026 Convention Brochure.