1.)    What Can I Expect At The Mid Atlantic Village Gathering?  
Expect to have a good time.  During the gathering weekend you will have the opportunity to shop for retired lit houses, Snowbabies, accessories, et al.  You can also shop for those non-D56 accessories that will make your collection unique and personal.  You can sit in on seminars on many diverse topics of interest to Department 56 collectors.   Additionally, there are Make & Take sessions, Display Contest and Room Hopping.  The gathering is also a good opportunity to make new friends and renew old friendships.  You will also have the opportunity to chat with our guest speakers informally after their seminar sessions.

2.)    What Should I Do First?  
There are a lot of activities planned for the Gathering.  The first thing you should do after registering is to look at your Program Book.  The Program Book contains all of the information about the planned activities as well as a brief biography of our Guest Speakers.  Review the schedule in the book and plan your weekend accordingly.           

3.)    What Is A Goodie Bag And Should I Purchase One?
Goodie Bags may be purchased at registration, but attendees who pre-register will receive the Event Goodie Bag free.  The MAVG Goodie Bags are tote bags always filled with coupons and information—many of them for shops in the area and vendors at the Gathering.  Look for your MAVG Fishbowl Coupon.   Bring your coupon to the Hospitality Room and draw from the fishbowl to see if you will win a prize.   We hope that you will take a moment at the beginning of your gathering experience to check out the contents of your Goodie Bag.

4.)    What Should I Wear?
While April weather may be unpredictable, outdoor conditions are usually moderate and comfortable.  During the gathering, wear comfortable casual clothing, especially comfortable shoes.  If you plan to attend dinner on Saturday evening, the attire usually ranges from dress casual to semi formal. 

5.)    What Is the MarketPlace?
The MarketPlace is the section of the gathering that is set aside for collectors to buy, sell D56 collectibles.  Secondary market vendors will be in the MarketPlace area.  In addition you will find vendors of non-Department 56 items such as landscaping material and accessories that can be used to enhance your Department 56 displays. If you are interested in having a table in the MarketPlace area as a vendor, please go to the MarketPlace section of our WEB Site. 

6.)    What Is A Round Robin?
The Round Robin is simultaneous display demonstrations.   As you walk around the room, you stop at the demonstration stations of your choice to learn interesting display techniques.  Unlike other demonstrations, in a Round Robin, you can get up close, talk with the demonstrators one on one as the demonstration is presented.  We guarantee you will take home many ingenious ideas.

7.)    What Is A Make & Take?
The Make & Take is a craft session where you will learn how to make an accessory or other item that can be used in your displays.  These sessions are hands on, where you will actually produce the item.  note:  These sessions are very popular and seating is limited.

8.)    What Is Hospitality Room?
The Hospitality Room is located in the Event Hotel and is open to all attendees of the Mid-Atlantic Village Gathering at no charge.  It is a place where you can relax for a while during your very busy day.  Chat with fellow collectors while you enjoy a beverage and snack.  

9.) What is Room Hopping?
Room Hopping is another activity that many collectors look forward to during the gathering.  Room Hopping occurs during one of the evenings of the gathering.  Collectors who are staying at the event hotels and have items they wish to sell will open their rooms for prospective buyers.  Buyers roam the halls of the hotel looking for bargains or for that elusive piece they need.  If you plan on Room Hopping, bring a small notebook so you can jot down room number, item and price.  This will be helpful after you have been to a number of rooms on different floors.  Hotel rooms all look alike and after awhile, it gets hard to remember where you saw something of interest.

10.) Are there Activities and Things to Do for Non Collectors During the Gathering?
If you will be attending MAVG with a non collector, there are activities that they may enjoy such as our banquet dinner and breakfast, and Friday Night games.  There is also plenty of sightseeing opportunities in and around Norfolk, VA.  You can also check with the hotel where you will be staying for other activities and amenities.

11.) Should I Bring Anything With Me to the Gathering?  
Here is a list of items that gathering goers find essential:

• Tote Bag. The Gathering Goodie Bag makes a great tote bag for carrying your essentials and purchases.

• Notebook and pen for jotting down notes from seminars.  You will also want to jot down what table(s) you saw an item at the MarketPlace or Room Hopping for comparison shopping (just do not count on it being there when you return—some items do sell out quickly). 

• Camera  - You can photograph display ideas, old friends, new friends, etc. for wonderful memories of a great gathering.  Please note that many speakers do not permit videotaping, so please ask first.

• Return Address Labels come in handy and save a lot of time when you have full out ticket stubs, raffles etc. 

• Money  - Not all vendors are set up to take credit cards or personal checks. Banks are nearby for ATM use.  

12.) Is There Anything Else That I Need To Know?  
The MAVG Committee is working very hard to plan another memorable Gathering.  We hope that you will join us for an informative and entertaining weekend.  If you have questions or you would like more information about some of our favorites places in the Norfolk, Williamsburg, or Virginia Beach area please do not hesitate to email us at MAVG Information.