Click here to view the class information, homework, and materials list! 

Thursday, September 17 
3 - 5 p.m.: Check-in at Hotel UMass and retreat registration desk
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.: Welcome dinner 
7:30 - 9:00 p.m.: Late-night knitting and socializing with cash bar in the late-night lounge

Friday, September 18
7:15 - 8a.m: Morning Meditation with May Ann Gebhardt
8 - 9 a.m.: Breakfast
9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.: Morning Classes (attendees will participate in one morning class):
          - Intro to Garment Alterations with Kate Atherley
          - Braids and Cords with Beth Brown-Reinsel 
          - Intro to Algorithmic Stitch Patterns with Xandy Peters
          - Mastering Knitting from Charts with Nina Machlin-Dayton 
          - Color Theory - Demystifying Color: A Guide to Your Next Yarn Palette with Malinda Lesko 
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.: Lunch
2 - 5 p.m.: Afternoon classes (attendees will participate in one afternoon class)
          - Shawl Skills: Prefect Starts and Finishes with Kate Atherley
          - Baltic Cast-Ons with Beth Brown-Reinsel
          - Introduction to Brioche Class with Xandy Peters 
          - Thread Wrapped Dorset/Death's Head Buttons with Nina Machlin-Dayton
          - Color Theory - Demystifying Color: A Guide to Your Next Yarn Palette with Malinda Lesko 
4:15 - 5p.m.: Yoga for Knitting & Crochet with Mary Ann Gebhardt (New this year)
6 - 7 p.m.: Dinner with cash bar and sponsor presentation
7:30 - 10:00 p.m.: Late-night knitting and socializing with cash bar in the late-night lounge

Saturday, September 19
7:15 - 8a.m: Morning Meditation with May Ann Gebhardt
8 - 9 a.m.: Breakfast
9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.: Morning classes (attendees will participate in one morning class)
          - Next Steps in Lace Knitting with Kate Atherley 
          - Unique Latvian Cuffs with Beth Brown-Reinsel
          - Fixing Mistakes in Brioche Knitting with Xandy Peters
          - Garter Stitch Mosaic Knitting with Nina Machlin-Dayton
          - Yarn 101 **Fiber Theory** with Ashely Flagg
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.: Lunch with sponsor presentation
2 - 5 p.m.: Afternoon classes (attendees will participate in one afternoon class)
          - Conquer Grafting with Kate Atherley
          - Introduction to Twined Knitting with Beth Brown-Reinsel
          - Color-Blocked Brioche Class with Xandy Peters
          - Cabling without a Cable Needle with Nina Machlin Dayton
          - Yarn 101 **Fiber Theory** with Ashely Flagg
4:15 - 5p.m.: Yoga for Knitting & Crochet with Mary Ann Gebhardt (New this year)
5:30 - 8 p.m.: Boxed Dinner Pick-up followed by WEBS Shopping Spree featuring trunk shows, special deals, and FREE SHIPPING for purchases.
8:15 - 9:30 p.m.: Late-night knitting and socializing with cash bar in the late night lounge. 

Sunday, September 20
9:30 -11 a.m.: Brunch with Keynote Speaker 
12 p.m.: Check out of Hotel UMass (unless you're in the Lace Package!).

Make sure you leave extra time before your travel home on Sunday to explore the beautiful downtown Northampton area. Have a late lunch, browse our many clothing boutiques and local artisan galleries, and leave with wonderful memories, friends made, and a resolve to join us for another WEBS Knitting Retreat in 2027!

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help! 
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102.
Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

Click here to view the class information, homework, and materials list! 

Classes with Kate Atherley 
Intro to Garment Alteration 
Friday 9:15AM - 12:15PM 
Skill Level: Intermediate
Class Description
Found the perfect pattern but can’t match gauge? Need to adjust the size, change a neckline, or alter sleeve and body lengths? Learn low-risk, efficient strategies to confidently modify garments. We’ll also discuss how to choose easily altered patterns and use existing designs as a launchpad for your own inspiration.

Shawls Skills: Prefect Starts and Finishes 
Friday 2PM - 4PM 
Skill Level: All Levels 
Class Description
Shawls are perfect year-round projects for all skill levels. Make your shawl knitting even more enjoyable by mastering key techniques: demystify the garter tab cast-on, learn elastic, stretchy bind-offs, and discover hassle-free methods for professional blocking (without special equipment) and weaving in ends.

Next Steps in Lace Knitting 
Saturday 9:15AM - 12:15PM 
Skill Level: Intermediate
Class Description
Ready to go beyond basic lace? Build your confidence by mastering advanced techniques like double yarnovers, nupps, faggoting, and knitted-on borders. You’ll learn how to fix mistakes without unraveling, explore different shawl shapes, and get expert troubleshooting tips.

Conquer Grafting
Saturday 2PM - 4PM 
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Class Description
Take the fear out of grafting! Build confidence with hands-on practice, memory tips, and easy fixes for mistakes. You’ll master grafting stockinette, garter stitch, ribbing, and even learn clever tricks to avoid grafting altogether.

Classes with Beth Brown-Reinsel
Braids and Cords 
Friday 9:15AM - 12:15PM 
Skill Level: All Levels
Class Description
Knit a sampler in the round during this 3-hour class, mastering beautiful Swedish and Baltic braids. You’ll learn the braided cast-on, Latvian braid, Estonian cording, Kihnu Vits, and a multi-color bind-off to elevate your knitting.

Baltic Cast-Ons
Friday 2PM - 5PM 
Skill Level: All Levels
Class Description
Master durable, elastic Baltic cast-ons perfect for socks and mittens. Knit samples of the Herringbone, Estonian Kihnu Troi, and two Hiiumaa cast-ons to see how they behave. Bonus: explore a Latvian Twisted Garter edge!

Unique Latvian Cuffs 
Saturday 9:15AM - 12:15PM 
Skill Level: Intermediate
Class Description
Explore the beautiful tradition of Latvian mitten cuffs. In this class, you will start three unique styles in the round—scalloped, twisted garter, and biased “ribbing” to finish as wristers or mittens. We’ll also discuss Latvian knitting history, decorative braids, afterthought thumbs, and pointed-tip shaping.

Introductions to Twined Knitting 
Saturday 2PM - 5PM 
Skill Level: Intermediate
Class Description
Discover the 400-year-old technique of Twined Knitting to create exceptionally warm, elastic fabric. In this 3-hour class, knit a wrister while mastering traditional cast-ons, twined stitches(including “O” stitch and Chain Path), chart reading, and effortless yarn management.

Classes with Xandy Peters 
Intro to Algorithmic Stitch Patterns  
Friday 9:15AM - 12:15PM 
Skill Level: Intermediate
Class Description
Ditch restrictive patterns and create unique texture, color, or lace using rule-based guides! Learn to design motifs using random data like dice rolls, daily steps, or temperature charts. You’ll draft your own rules to knit a custom swatch or mini-shawl in class.

Introduction to Brioche Class
Friday 2PM - 5PM 
Skill level: Confident Beginner / Intermediate
Class Description
Demystify brioche by knitting a basic swatch and mastering its unique terms and symbols. Focus on flat, two-color brioche, learn to troubleshoot common mistakes, and get tips for working with one color or in the round.

Fixing Mistakes in Brioche Knitting
Saturday 9:15AM - 12:15PM 
Skill Level: Confident Beginner / Intermediate
Class Description
Love brioche but dread mistakes? Master the skills to confidently fix them. You’ll analyze brioche structure, learn to rip back safely, fix laddered stitches, correct missed increases or decreases, and easily spot dropped, twisted, or mismatched tuck stitches.

Color-Blocking Brioche Class 
Saturday 2PM - 5PM 
Skill Level: Intermediate/ Advanced
Class Description
Discover why intarsia is actually easier with two-color brioche than stockinette! Review brioche basics, cast on flat, and use shaping to knit a wavy colorwork swatch. You’ll also learn to modify your project, work in the round, and add intarsia elements to existing patterns.

Classes with Nine Machlin-Dayton
Mastering Knitting from Charts
Friday 9:15AM - 12:15PM 
Skill Level: Intermediate
Class Description
Together we will do a deep dive into knitting from charts, demystifying everything about them! We will learn about ways of understanding charts for texture, lace, cables, and colorwork as well as ways of keeping track of where you are, understanding the symbols, and differences between charts for knitting flat and those for knitting in the round. We will look at unusually shaped charts, charts with repeats, and different ways the same pattern might be charted. You will leave this class with a clear understanding of how to tackle any knitting chart you encounter with confidence and ease!

Thread Wrapped Dorest/Death's Head Buttons 
Friday 2PM - 5PM 
Skill Level: All Levels
Class Description
Together we will look at the history and techniques involved with creating Dorset Buttons which are historical thread wrapped buttons that we can use to elevate our knit and non-knit pieces. We will learn about the standard design for these as well as look at some beautiful alternatives, learn about traditional materials and modern equivalents. Students will leave this course having made at least 1 yarn wrapped buttons and the knowledge of how to make hundreds more!

Garter Stitch Mosaic Knitting
Saturday 9:15AM - 12:15PM 
Skill Level: Intermediate
Class Description
Mosaic knitting is a brilliant technique that allows us to create complex colorwork in our knitting using only 1 color at a time! Together we will learn the techniques needed to complete the Balabusta tea towel and dishcloth pattern that is included with this class.

Cabling without a Cable Needle
Saturday 2PM - 5PM 
Skill Level: Intermediate
Class Description
Leave your cable needle at home and learn to work cables without an extra tool. Together we will learn and practice how to work 2, 4, and 6 stitch cables, knits over knits and knits over purls, crossing left, right, front and back, all without an extra cable needle to hold our stitches. Students must be able to work from charts.

Classes with Ashley Flagg.
Yarn 101 **Fiber Theory**
Saturday 9:15AM - 12:15PM and Saturday 2PM - 5PM
Skill Level: All Levels
Class Description
Trying to decide which fiber to use? Wondering how fast a certain yarn might start to pill? Not sure how to substitute a yarn and get the right gauge for a pattern? This lecture-style class will explore the wide world of yarn, and will cover how yarns are made and structured, the different fibers used, their unique properties, and how these factors combine to influence your finished fabrics. Learn how to choose the perfect yarn for all your projects and how to care for them for years of enjoyment.

Classes with Malinda Lesko 
Color Theory - Demystifying Color: A Guide to Your Next Yarn Palette
Friday 9:15AM - 11:15AM and Friday 2PM - 4PM
Skill Level: All Levels 
Class Description
Unlock the secrets of color to elevate your fiber projects! In this class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of color theory - including hue, value, and contrast - and how they apply to yarn selection and stitch patterns. Discover how to combine colors confidently, create harmonious palettes, and get the results you want. Whether you’re planning your next sweater or exploring colorwork techniques, this class will help you make informed, creative color decisions that bring your projects to life. Great for yarnies of all levels.

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help! 
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102.
Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

Kate Atherley 
Kate is an internationally known knitting author, teacher, and editor. She has written nine books about various aspects of knitting, including a series of four about customizing projects for perfect fit and style. The combination of her university degree in mathematics, professional experience in software development and usability, and training in garment and fashion design give her a unique perspective. She lives in Toronto with her husband and their rescue dog Winnie. Find Kate online at: www.kateatherley.com

Beth Brown-Reinsel 
Beth has been teaching historic knitting for over 30 years, sharing her deep love of traditional methods with knitters around the world. Known for her warm, supportive teaching style, Beth’s workshops feature her signature “little sweater” samplers, which teach garment construction in context rather than through abstract swatches.
She is the author of the classic Knitting Ganseys, expanded and revised in 2018, and has also produced instructional DVDs and an online class for Craftsy.com. A favorite of guilds, shops, and national conferences, Beth lives in Vermont and draws inspiration from New England winters.

Xandy Peters
Xandy Peters is a knitting designer and teacher, best known as the innovator of the stacked stitch technique and for the Fox Paws pattern.
Starting out as a footwear and product designer, he turned to knitting as a way to explore textiles and surfaces without using factory production and has since made a career out of publishing new patterns and teaching workshops.
Xandy has been published in magazines such as Vogue Knitting, Twist Collective, Knitscene, Knitty, and Pom Pom Quarterly, has a Craftsy class teaching the stacked stitch technique and continues to self-publish patterns on a regular basis.

Nina Machlin Dayton 
Nina Machlin Dayton has been knitting and designing, and teaching knitting and design, for over 45 years. Her first professional knitting job was back in the 1980’s when she did handknitting for couturier designer Joan Vass, and she has never looked back. She was honored to be included in season 6 of Knit Stars and leads the team that created and runs the annual Indie Design Gift-A-Long on Ravelry. A native New Yorker, she now lives in the beautiful Pioneer Valley in western Massachusetts, in an old Victorian house stuffed to the rafters with books and yarn where she is constantly knitting new designs and dreaming up new classes, blending a deep love for vintage style with her passion for creative community.

Ashley Flagg
Ashley Flagg learned to crochet in college, then got a friend to show her how to knit and purl in 2005, and spinning took over her life completely when she was handed a drop spindle in 2006.
Designing with intention led her to start her own handspun yarn business, Artemisia Ink Studio Arts, in 2007, and she began teaching fiber arts classes professionally in 2008. Passionate about empowerment through information, she loves seeing students delight in projects that turn out exactly as they hoped for. Ashley is always looking for a nice comfy chair to perch in with a book and a spindle!

Malinda Lesko
With a background in fiber science and apparel design, Malinda brings creativity to her community-focused small business, Alchemy Fiber Mill. Her love for fiber started young, with sewing but now she calls herself a woman of many stashes; fabric, yarn, thread, paper, if you can make it, she has some. Malinda creates a warm space where people feel empowered to explore their creativity, meet fellow fiber lovers and learn new skills. At Alchemy, she hosts classes, workshops, and events like monthly Fiber Lounges. When not at the Mill or “fibering,” you’ll find Malinda reading, running, or snuggling her rescue pittie. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband and their yarn-loving dog.

Mary Ann Gebhardt
Mary Ann Gebhardt is a yoga instructor, meditation teacher, and lifelong fiber artist offering gentle yoga for knitters in the afternoons, along with morning meditation sessions on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Her approach blends mindful movement, breathwork, and stillness to support relaxation, focus, and creative flow. Mary Ann is back by popular demand for her intrinsic ability in helping knitters care for their bodies while fully enjoying their craft. Follow her on Instagram: @mary-ann-gebhardt

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help! 
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102.
Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

Retreat Location 
The retreat will be held at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Attendees will enjoy the cozy comfort and deluxe accommodations of Hotel UMass. Hotel UMass and retreat classroom and meals spaces are all in the Campus Center. The Campus Center and attached Campus Center Parking Garage are located at 91 Campus Center Way, Amherst MA 01003. Click here to obtain turn-by-turn directions from your location. Click here to take a look at a campus map.

Parking at UMass 
Complimentary parking will be available in the Campus Center Parking Garage, located at 91 Campus Center Way in Amherst, MA 01003. Click here to obtain turn-by-turn directions from your location.
The UMass Campus Center Parking Garage is now gateless. Upon your arrival to campus, navigate to the garage and park. We recommend driving down to Level 2 to take advantage of the flat walkway into the Campus Center (as well as our luggage assistance service).
Walk up the hallway and enter the Campus Center. Stay to the left to walk through the main concourse. You'll see elevators on your right, across from the Information Desk. Take the elevators up to the 3rd floor hotel lobby.

If you are a commuter, at registration check-in you will scan a QR code to register your vehicle, which will give you complimentary parking. Once done, you will be able to drive in and out of the garage for the duration of the conference. The #1 most important thing you need is your license plate number. Plan to give yourself some extra time so that you can take care of parking before you check into the conference. You have 20 minutes starting when you enter the garage with your vehicle before you’re in violation.

If you are staying at Hotel UMass, please go directly to the hotel front desk (3rd floor) once you park - be sure to bring your license plate information. Walk up the hallway and enter the Campus Center. Stay to the left to walk through the main concourse. You'll see elevators on your right, across from the Information Desk. Take the elevators up to the 3rd floor hotel lobby. During check-in you will also register your vehicle, the hotel staff will enter your license plate detail into the parking database. This will take care of your parking for the duration of your stay. You will be able to drive in and out of garage without doing anything further through the day you check out. You have 20 minutes starting when you enter the garage with your vehicle before you’re in violation.  

Please only park in the Campus Center Parking Garage: parking elsewhere on campus may result in ticketing and/or towing.

Traveling by Car 
From the South, via I-91 North
Take Exit 25 in Northampton: From the exit ramp, stay in the right lane to take the first rotary exit, turning right onto Route 9. Travel approximately 4.5 miles to Route 116 North. Turn left onto 116 and go one mile to the UMass exit. Stay to the right as you exit to merge onto Massachusetts Avenue. Stay in the left lane and take a left at the second intersection onto Commonwealth Avenue (the first set of lights is only a blinking yellow light, take a left at the next set of lights). Stay in the right lane and continue on Commonwealth Avenue until you reach a set of traffic lights. At these lights turn onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left and travel up the hill - you will see the garage entrance on your right. 

From the North, via I-91 South
Follow I-93 to I-495 South. Follow to Route 2 West. Continue on Route 2 to U.S. 202 South. Follow for about 15 miles to the blinking light at the Pelham exit marked “Route 9 and 116 Amherst.” Turn right and follow for seven miles to Amherst center. Turn right onto North Pleasant Street. Stay on North Pleasant Street (you will need to turn left twice to remain on North Pleasant Street, - follow signs to the UMass Campus). As you enter campus you will come to a set of lights. Stay to the left to turn onto Massachusetts Avenue. Follow Massachusetts Avenue through campus until you come to a set of lights. At the lights take a right onto Commonwealth Avenue. Continue on Commonwealth Avenue until you reach a set of traffic lights. Turn right onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left and go up the hill. You will see the garage entrance up the hill on your right.

From the North, via I-93 South
Follow I-93 to I-495 South. Follow to Route 2 West. Continue on Route 2 to U.S. 202 South. Follow for about 15 miles to the blinking light at the Pelham exit marked “Route 9 and 116 Amherst.” Turn right and follow for seven miles to Amherst center. Follow signs to UMass.

From the East or West, via I-90
Travelers have a choice of four routes:

- Off Exit 63 (Palmer/Ware): Follow Route 32 South to Palmer; take Route 20 West to Route 181 North into Belchertown, and then Route 9 West to Amherst. Follow signs to UMass.

- Off Exit 54 (Ludlow): Follow Route 21 North to U.S. 202 North to Route 9 West to Amherst center. Follow signs to UMass.

- Off Exit 49 (Chicopee): Follow Route 33 North to Route 116 North to Amherst center. Turn left at the light onto Route 9 West. Follow signs to UMass. 

- Off Exit 45 (West Springfield): I-91 North to Exit 19 to Route 9 East to Amherst. Follow signs to UMass.

Traveling by Plane 
If you are traveling to Amherst by plane, the closest airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut (near Hartford). This airport is approximately 45 miles (about a 50 minute drive) from the UMass campus. From Bradley attendees will need to book a shuttle service or rent a car to get to campus (see the transportation options below). 

Attendees may find additional flight options into Logan International Airport in Boston, located approximately 95 miles (about a 2 - 2.5 hour drive) from the UMass campus. While more flight options are typically available into Logan, please remember to account for extra travel time to campus. Please also be sure to organize transportation to/from the airport to campus in advance of your arrival. From Logan attendees may book one of the shuttle services below, rent a car, or travel by Peter Pan Bus. Click here for Peter Pan bus ticket purchase details and scheduling. To ensure appropriate bus service to/from campus please select "Boston (Logan Airport), MA" as your "From:" destination and "Amherst UMass, MA" as your "To:" destination. 

Transportation Services 
Shuttle services and/or rental cars should be arranged prior to your travel. Please note there are no standing shuttles that run each day between Bradley/Logan and the UMass campus so additional arrangements must be made in advance.

- Valley Transporter, 413-253-1350
- Seemo Shuttle, 413-586-1120
- Exclusive Car Service, 877-695-4665
- Bluebird Transportation, 413-221-4512
- Enterprise

Traveling by Bus 
Amherst and the surrounding area are serviced by Peter Pan Bus Lines, Greyhound and the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA). The most convenient service is offered by Peter Pan, so when possible those traveling by bus should book a Peter Pan bus ticket using "Amherst UMass, MA" as the destination (note the "Amherst Center, MA" stop is in downtown Amherst and will require additional travel to arrive on campus). Greyhound offers bus service to nearby Northampton, MA, located about a 20 minute drive from campus. From Northampton attendees should plan to travel to campus via a taxi service, Uber/Lyft, or PVTA bus.

Traveling by Train 
Amtrak provides passenger rail service to nearby Northampton, MA, located a 20 minute drive from the UMass campus, and Springfield, MA, located a 30 minute drive from the UMass campus. For schedule information and to purchase tickets, visit Amtrak's website and select "Northampton, MA (NHT)" or "Springfield, MA (SPG)" as your arrival destination.

If you take a train to Northampton, MA, you will then need to take either a bus or taxi to the UMass campus. Both PVTA and Peter Pan buses service the area, but the bus stops are not located at the train platform and will require about a 7 minute walk. If you prefer, you may use one of the many local taxi services or Uber/Lyft. We encourage you to carefully plan your trip - including bus or taxi services - prior to your arrival as the Northampton train platform is not a train station and phone access, area maps, bus schedules, and bus tickets will not be available once you arrive. If you decide to take a train out of Northampton, remember to purchase your return ticket online prior to arriving at the platform. The train platform is located at 170 Pleasant Street in Northampton, MA.

If you take a train to Springfield, MA, we recommend booking a shuttle service, such as Valley Transporter, to get you from Springfield to Amherst. Bus services, including Peter Pan, are also available, but will require about a 15 minute walk from the train station to the bus stop. The train will arrive at the Springfield station building, located at 66 Lyman Street in Springfield, MA. This station building does have a waiting room, ticket office, quik-trak kiosk, and payphone, but we do still encourage you to plan your trip, including services from the train station to campus, prior to your arrival.

Getting Around Campus and the Area 
There are multiple transportation options to get you from campus to amenities and attractions in the surrounding area. Amherst center, with local shops, restaurants, and small convenience stores, is a 15 - 20 minute walk or 5 minute drive from campus. If you find you need to visit a grocery store, large retail store, or pharmacy during your stay, numerous options are located on University Drive and Russell Street (also known as Route 9) in neighboring Hadley, about a 5 - 10 minute trip from campus by car or bus. Retailers include CVS, Big Y, Stop and Shop, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Target, Walmart, JC Penney, Marshalls, and more.

Local buses, operated by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA), run regularly between Amherst center and the University, with additional services traveling throughout the Pioneer Valley, including Northampton, Springfield, and Greenfield. If you'd rather take a car, UMass has partnered with Zipcar and Enterprise to bring on-demand car sharing services right to campus. The area is also serviced by a variety of cab companies, including Uber, Lyft, Taxi Express, Tik Tak Taxi (413-256-4500) and Celebrity Cab (413-253-7330). There are also a number of bicycle rentals around campus, including Laughing Dog Bicycles and Hampshire Bicycle Exchange.

General

How do I get to the retreat?
The retreat will be held at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Hotel UMass, classes, and meals will all be held in the Campus Center. The Campus Center and attached Campus Center Parking Garage are located at 91 Campus Center Way, Amherst MA 01003. Click here to obtain turn-by-turn directions from your location. It is also a good idea to have a campus map handy for your arrival. Click the "Travel & Parking Information" tab above for more details on the best way to get to campus.

Where do I go when I arrive on campus?
Upon your arrival you should come to the Campus Center (we recommend you arrive between 3 - 5 p.m. on Thursday). Campus can be confusing to navigate, so we recommend taking a look at a campus map. Complimentary parking is available in the Campus Center Parking Garage, located at 91 Campus Center Way, Amherst MA 01003.
The Campus Center Parking Garage is gateless and ticketless. We recommend driving down to Level 2 to take advantage of the flat walkway into the Campus Center (as well as our luggage assistance service).  Walk through the walkway, enter the Campus Center, and stay to the left to walk through the main concourse. You will see elevators on your right, across from the Information Desk. Take the elevators up to the 3rd floor Hotel lobby. You will then be able to register, pick up your retreat materials, and obtain your room key and information on how to register your vehicle for complimentary parking. Make sure you have your license plate number with you. 

What time are check-in and check-out? 
Check-in is available anytime after 3 p.m. on your date of arrival. We recommend all attendees aim to arrive between 3 - 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, to allow plenty of time to check in, pick up your retreat materials, and get settled before the 6 p.m. Welcome Dinner. If you cannot arrive during this time period, please let us know. Check-out is by 11 a.m. on your date of departure. After you check-out on Sunday, don't forget that WEBS will be open for attendees. for some last minute shopping (with free shipping)!

What do I need at check-in? 
Upon your arrival, you'll have two stops to make - retreat registration, and hotel check-in (both located in the Hotel UMass lobby, 3rd floor Campus Center). Stop at the registration desk to pick up your retreat materials, and stop by the hotel front desk to pick up your room key. At registration, you will just need to provide your name, but when you check-in at the hotel you will need to provide a valid picture ID and a credit/debit card for incidentals. A $50.00 deposit will be held for incidentals, but will be released at midnight on the day of your departure. 

Is wireless internet available?  
Yes, complimentary wireless internet login credentials will be provided upon your arrival. You will receive one username/password from UMass Conference Services at the registration desk and another username/password from Hotel UMass at hotel check-in. Both credentials will work throughout campus. 

Is the UMass Hotel non-smoking?  
Yes, all rooms are non-smoking. Similarly, effective July 1, 2013, the entire UMass Amherst campus adopted a tobacco-free policy (the use of any tobacco product including cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and e-cigarette/vapes are prohibited indoors and outdoors on the UMass Amherst campus grounds). 

Reservations

I would like to stay a day early/leave a day later - how do I extend my stay?
The Colorwork and Cable retreat packages include three nights lodging (checking in Thursday, September 17; checking out Sunday, September 20). If you would like to arrive/depart outside of these dates please contact UMass Conference Services at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu to inquire about availability. Note: reservations are being handled by UMass Conference Services, so guests should not contact Hotel UMass directly to adjust a reservation. 

Can I add a roll-away, fridge or crib to my reservation? 
Yes. To request a roll-away, fridge or crib please contact UMass Conference Services at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu. Cots and fridges are each $10.00 per night, but cribs are complimentary. Note: reservations are being handled by UMass Conference Services, so guests should not contact Hotel UMass directly to adjust a reservation. 

I would like to reserve the double room package - how do I request a specific roommate?  
Attendees who select the Cable Package should enter the name of their requested roommate (if they have one) when they register. There will be a specific "Requested Roommate" box for this purpose. We recommend that everyone interested in rooming with a particular person register and pay separately.

I would like to bring a guest - what do I need to do?  
Space in the hotel is limited, and the room block is first reserved for the 120 retreat attendees. If you are traveling with a companion who will not be attending the retreat, but would like to stay in the hotel, please contact the UMass Conference Services Registration Team to inquire about availability and pricing (413-577-8102, registration@umass.edu). Please note booking the double room package means that you will be sharing the room with another retreat attendee - it does not reserve the entire double room for your use and/or cover the fees to bring a guest. In the past we have been able to accommodate guests for an additional fee, but it is all based on the exact breakdown of bookings and room types, so cannot be guaranteed.   

Special Requests

I have a dietary restriction/food allergy - what should I do? 
During registration you will see a box labeled "Dietary restrictions, food allergies, accessibility needs and/or special requests". Enter any dietary restrictions and/or food allergies in the box. Please be as detailed as possible so we may pass along your needs to the UMass Catering staff. If we are unable to accommodate your needs we will contact you to let us know and to discuss alternate options. If any additional needs come up between now and the retreat, or if you would like to expedite your initial registration, you may always return to this online page, log back into your account and adjust any dietary needs at a later date.

I have limited mobility/accessibility needs - what should I do? 
During registration you will see a box labeled "Dietary restrictions, food allergies, accessibility needs and/or special requests". Enter any mobility and/or accessibility needs in the box. Please be as detailed as possible so we may assess your needs and make any necessary arrangements (i.e, assign you to a handicapped accessible room, provide handicap parking options, etc.). If we are unable to accommodate your needs we will contact you to let us know and to discuss alternate options. If any additional needs come up between now and the retreat, or if you would like to expedite your initial registration, you may always return to this online page, log back into your account and adjust any mobility/accessibility needs at a later date.

Classes

How do I sign up for classes? 
You will be able to select your class preferences at the same time you register for the retreat. After you select your package you will see a new window to select your classes for each time frame.

I didn't get the class I wanted - what can I do?
Class sizes are limited and some classes are very popular, so while all attempts are made to put everyone into their first choice for each time block, unfortunately it is not always possible. We strongly recommend you take a look at all of the class descriptions and try to find two for each block that are of interest to you.  You can contact us at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102 to be put on a waitlist and we will reach out if a space becomes available. 

Is there any homework or materials for my class(es)?
Yes, classes oftentimes have homework and/or materials lists. This information will be sent out prior to the start of the retreat,  If any updated information becomes available regarding homework or materials we will email you to let you know.

I have questions about a class description, skill level, homework and/or materials - can someone help me?
Sure! If you have any questions about a class description, skill level, homework and/or materials please send along a detailed email to registration@umass.edu. We will then provide additional information and/or connect you with an appropriate party who may offer further assistance. 

Waitlist

What if I am put on the waitlist? 
The retreat fills fast, but if you are put on the waitlist don't despair! In previous retreats over 50 people have ultimately been moved off of the waitlist and into the retreat. Once space fills, this page will automatically switch over to a waitlist. When a cancellation is received we will consult the waitlist and move the first person in based on the date/time they were added to the waitlist. This is done on a rolling basis as cancellations are received so we do not have a firm timeline on when a notification might go out, but we will keep moving people off the waitlist up until the time of the retreat if needed. Please feel free to periodically check in with us to see if there has been any movement, and remember that most cancellations are received around the August 28 payment deadline. 

What if my friend/travel companion/requested roommate is put on the waitlist?
See above! If you selected a double room package and your requested roommate ultimately does not get into the retreat we can either assign you to a double room with another attendee or, if space permits, switch you to the single room package. If your travel companion does not get into the retreat and you would prefer not to travel alone, let us know! We will gladly send a notification out to other attendees from your area to see if anyone would be interested in being your travel buddy.

Click here to view the class information, homework, and materials list! 

For Additional Retreat Information 
For more information please visit the WEBS website or click here to view the retreat brochure!

For Registration, Payment, or Hotel UMass Related Information 
Contact UMass Conference Services at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu.