Thursday, September 21 
3 - 5 p.m.: Check-in at Hotel UMass and retreat registration desk
6 p.m.: Welcome dinner hosted by Valley Yarns and Tahki/Stacy Charles
8 - 9:30 p.m.: Late-night knitting and socializing with cash bar in the late night lounge

Friday, September 22
8 a.m.: Breakfast
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Morning Classes (attendees will participate in one morning class):
          - Ergonomic Efficiency of English Style Knitting with Carson Demers
          - Pick-Up Artist with Marie Greene
          - Fair Isle 101 with Tanis Gray
          - Twisting with the Cable Girl with Fiona Ellis
          - Flawless Finishing 1 with Keith Leonard
          - Continental Knitting is Fun with Shaina Bilow
12:15 - 1:15 m.: Lunch with sponsor presentation
1:30 - 4:30 p.m.: Afternoon classes (attendees will participate in one afternoon class)
          - Continental Knitting Comfort and Efficiency with Carson Demers
          - Yarn Cocktails with Marie Greene
          - Advanced Fair Isle with Tanis Gray
          - Inspired Cables with Fiona Ellis
          - Mind Blowing Tips and Tricks with Keith Leonard and Shaina Bilow
6 p.m.: Dinner with cash bar and sponsor presentation
8 - 9:30 p.m.: Late-night knitting and socializing with cash bar in the late night lounge

Saturday, September 23
8 a.m.: Breakfast
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Morning classes (attendees will participate in one morning class)
          - Swatchbuckling with Carson Demers
          - Best Sweater Ever with Marie Greene
          - Design Your Own Fair Isle Cowl with Tanis Gray
          - Designing Your Own Cables with Fiona Ellis
          - Flawless Finishing 2 with Keith Leonard
          - Knit Math 101 with Shaina Bilow
12:15 - 1:15 p.m.: Lunch with sponsor presentation
1:30 - 4:30 p.m.: Afternoon classes (attendees will participate in one afternoon class)
          - KnitRX with Carson Demers
          - Block Party with Marie Greene
          - Mosaic Knitting with Tanis Gray
          - Jump Start Your Creativity with Fiona Ellis
          - Cast On and Bind Off with Keith Leonard and Shaina Bilow
4:30 - 6 p.m.: Boxed Dinner Pick-up followed by WEBS Shopping Spree featuring trunk shows, special deals, and FREE SHIPPING for purchases.
8:30 - 10 p.m.: Late-night knitting and socializing with cash bar in the late night lounge. 

Sunday, September 24
9:30 a.m.: Brunch with Keynote Speaker Carson Demers
11 a.m.: Check out of hotel (unless you're in the Sport Package!). WEBS will be open exclusively for all attendees from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. for last minute shoppers!

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 2024!

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!

Classes with Carson Demers
The Ergonomic Efficiency of English Style Knitting
3-hour class offered Friday from 9AM - 12PM (EDT)
(a.k.a "throwing"). This class is a deep dive into the original techniques and landmarks of English knitting, what we've done to make it seem inefficient and slow, and how to undo or modify those faulty variations. Knitters will learn to knit more efficiently and more comfortably with this class. Class is appropriate for knitters who have a basic understanding and some experience with knitting in the English style. Beginners are welcome but this is not a learn-to-knit class for first timers.

Continental Knitting Comfort and Efficiency
3-hour class offered Friday from 1:30 - 4:30PM (EDT)
(a.k.a. "picking"). Many continental style knitters aren't getting all they can from the technique because they don't use the traditional methods. This class is a deep dive into how to improve your technique, lower your risk of injury, and increase speed and comfort. Class is appropriate for knitters who have a basic understanding and some experience with knitting in the Continental style. Beginners are welcome but this is not a learn-to-knit class for first timers.

Swatchbuckling
3-hour class offered Saturday from 9AM - 12PM (EDT)
Avast ye maties! Let’s bring improved ergonomics to life in your knitting technique. We’ll swatch to improve your posture, comfort, and efficiency. We’ll examine yarn tensioning techniques, and all phases of stitch creation first with simple then more challenging swatches and stitches. We’ll also look at ways to add movement to knitting to avoid stiffness and injuries caused by disuse. Class is appropriate for students who are comfortable with basic knit purl stitches. Swatches of basic cable and lace patterns are also made in class. Stitch patterns are provided in both charted and written formats.

KnitRX
3-hour class offered Saturday from 1:30 - 4:30PM (EDT)
Knitting is not a “no pain, no gain” activity. Yet many of us take better care of our favorite stash fiber than we do the fibers that allow us to knit—our bodies. Tired muscles, sore joints, and aching backs and necks needlessly plague too many knitters. This class will teach you fun ways of “fiber care” for the most important project you make—YOU! Don’t let the preventable keep you from doing what you love. Knit on, safely and confortably!

Classes with Marie Greene
Pick-Up Artist
3-hour class offered Friday from 9AM - 12PM (EDT)
If you love knitting sweaters but dread the finishing, struggle with button bands, or get flustered by picking up stitches, you need this game-changing sweater finishing workshop! Learn the secrets of professional finishing – picking up stitches, necklines, button bands and so much more in this best-selling workshop.

Yarn Cocktails
3-hour class offered Friday from 1:30 - 4:30PM (EDT)
Learn the secrets of creating your own marled and tonal yarn combinations without ever touching a dye pot! I’ll show you how to maximize your yarn’s potential with my unique and strategic yarn mixology recipes. In this hands-on, interactive workshop we’ll dive into color theory, fiber content, yarn weight considerations and more! You’ll learn how to do more with your favorite yarns, add a new layer of creativity to your projects, and create one-of-a-kind yarn combinations that will make you the talk of the fiber town!

Best Sweater Ever
3-hour class offered Saturday from 9AM - 12PM (EDT)
Are you ready to knit your Best Sweater Ever? Knitting a great-fitting sweater doesn’t have to be a mystery. Frustrated about fit? Overwhelmed about ease? This workshop is for you! I’ll teach you everything you need to know to turn your knitting skills into a successful sweater (that fits!).

Block Party
3-hour class offered Saturday from 1:30 - 4:30PM (EDT)
What if I told you that the secret to great looking knits might be hiding in the bath? It’s true! If you aren’t yet a convert to the miracles of blocking - or can’t figure out why your blocking isn’t turning out the way you hope - you will LOVE this workshop! I’ll show you the ins and outs of blocking from shawls to sweaters – for a more professional finish. We’ll do everything hands-on in class and you’ll practice what you learn in real time. If your shawls turn out wonky, if the edges of your sweaters don’t lay right – this class is for you! We’ll unravel the mysteries of blocking once and for all!

Classes with Tanis Gray
Fair Isle 101
3-hour class offered Friday from 9AM - 12PM (EDT)
Freaked over Fair Isle? Curious about stranded colorwork techniques? Intimidated by multiple strands of yarn in multiple colors? Not sure how gauge works or how to trap those floats? This is the workshop for you! We’ll cover basic Fair Isle knitting techniques for English, Continental, and Combination knitters, tackle common issues, proper technique, how to trap floats, Fair Isle history and set good Fair Isle knitting habits. We’ll put everything we learned into practice while knitting up either the Pragma Hat or Cowl – knitter’s choice!

Advanced Fair Isle
3-hour class offered Friday from 1:30 - 4:30PM (EDT)
Got the hang of colorwork and feel ready to move to a smaller gauge? Want to work in a small circumference and learn how to make Latvian Braids? Now that you know the basics, let’s step up your colorwork game! We’ll cover stranded colorwork on 2 small circular needles (DPNs and Magic Loop are fine – but class will be taught on 2 small circs ONLY), Latvian braids, afterthought thumbs, chart reading refresher, how to block colorwork, and how to use mitten forms, as we work up a pair of Outpost Fingerless Mitts.

Design Your Own Fair Isle Cowl
3-hour class offered Saturday from 9AM - 12PM (EDT)
Ready to move beyond basic stranded colorwork? Interesting in trying your hand at designing? Let your imagination and creativity take over in this Design Your Own Fair Isle Cowl workshop! Working with simple graph paper, we’ll start your very own design from scratch, beginning with inspiration, sketching, moving onwards to design, figuring out how to manipulate the math, and finally start knitting your own work of art! Worried that you’re not an artist? All you need is an idea, a love of knitting, and the desire to try something new.

Mosaic Knitting
3-hour class offered Saturday from 9AM - 12PM (EDT)
The easygoing cousin of stranded colorwork, slip-stitch or mosaic knitting is a fun and easy technique that brings more color into your work without the stranding or trapping of floats. We’ll knit up the Bow Tie Pasta Fingerless Mitts pattern, discuss the different types of colorwork, how to read charts, mattress stitching, basic color theory, and finishing techniques.

Classes with Fiona Ellis
Twisting with the Cable Girl
3-hour class offered Friday from 9AM - 12PM (EDT)
Fiona would like to teach the whole world how to knit cables because she LOVES the technique! In this workshop she will show you how to twist in a number of different ways, how to read charts and how to add cables to simple projects for stunning details. This workshop is a must for newer knitter who love the look of texture, or knitters who need a refresher with a twist.

Inspired Cables
3-hour class offered Friday from 1:30 - 4:30PM (EDT)
Fiona will begin by reviewing cable techniques, including tips for understanding the terminology and reading charts, which can help even advanced knitters. You will then try your hand at designing your own cable combinations, beginning from the sample, worked for homework. We will discuss which stitches work well together, and how to chart your own pattern selection. Novice cable knitters will work through a simple pattern.

Designing Your Own Cables (using existing patterns)
3-hour class offered Saturday from 9AM - 12PM (EDT)
There are several ways of creating your own cables and using patterns that already exist can be a great springboard. With so many lovely cables found in stitch dictionaries we can create many combinations of them set horizontally across the width of the fabric and be very happy with the result. But Fiona finds it more interesting to come up with vertically arranged combos. In the class she will show you how do this so that you can create something unique and exciting for your next cable project.

Jump Start Your Creativity
3-hour class offered Saturday from 1:30 - 4:30PM (EDT)
Fiona is fascinated by the creative process, and has spent many hours studying how to jump-start her own. In this workshop she will share with you some of the methods she had found useful. She will also set an exercise, to be done during the workshop, and give you tips that she hopes you will find helpful on an on-going basis.

Classes with Keith Leonard
Flawless Finishing 1
3-hour class offered Friday from 9AM - 12PM (EDT)
Learn to professionally assemble your knitwear from the finishing master, Keith Leonard, owner of Knits All Done. In this class, you will use your prepared swatches to learn Keith’s tricks behind five different seams. You will also learn the correct way to pick up stitches across both the top and sides of our knitting. Be amazed as the magic unfolds and walk away with the proficient skills to finish your knitwear professionally for years to come. This class has minimal homework.

Flawless Finishing 2
3-hour class offered Saturday from 9AM - 12PM (EDT)
Had fun in “flawless Finishing?” or perhaps you are a finishing pro that wants to jump to the next level in your knitwear-finishing. In this class we will bypass basic seaming and jump into more complex finishing techniques. At the end of this class you will have the skills to conquer the finishing techniques of any project. Learn how to set-in different types of sleeves, master duplicate stitch while weaving in your tails, learn how to line up horizontal stripes.

Classes with Shaina Bilow
Continental Knitting is Fun 
3-hour class offered Friday from 9AM - 12PM (EDT)
If you are an English or American knitter – someone who throws their yarn with their right hand to knit – but have been intrigued by Continental knitting and would love to learn or brush-up your skills, this class is for you! In continental knitting, the yarn is held in your left hand and stitches are plucked through one another to knit. Some people feel that this method of knitting is quicker and less stressful on the shoulders, wrists, and neck than the English method.

Knit Math 101: Gauge and Magic Numbers for Knitting
3-hour class offered Saturday from 9AM - 12PM (EDT)
Take a deep breath, grab your calculator, and learn how understanding gauge and its relationship to our knits can transform your success when knitting. We will cover gauge extensively and learn Shaina’s “Magic Number” – a way to use whatever gauge you’re getting on whatever project you want to knit. Have a favorite sweater in worsted weight? Use the “Magic Number” to adapt the pattern for fingering weight to bulky weight and everything in-between.

Keith and Shaina Team Teaching Classes
Keith and Shaina's Mind Blowing Tips and Tricks
3-hour class offered Friday from 1:30 - 4:30PM (EDT)
The best way to learn is through experience, right? It doesn’t have to be your own personal experience, though. Shaina and Keith will share their top tips for ensuring your finished garments will be treasured additions to your wardrobe. Whether you are thinking about casting on for your first sweater, or feeling a bit dissatisfied by previous knits, this class will offer new approaches to pattern reading and sweater planning. Discussions include the importance of gauge, preparing for successful finishing while you knit, and everything in between, with student questions encouraged.

Cast On and Bind Off with Shaina and Keith
3-hour class offered Saturday from 1:30 - 4:30PM (EDT)
Shaina and Keith will guide you through a collection of useful cast on and bind of techniques. You will cast on with Keith, knit a few rows, and bind off with Shaina. You will learn when and why to use certain techniques over others, plus great tips for the cast ons and bind offs you are already familiar with.

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!

Tanis Gray 
A graduate of RISD, Tanis lives in Northern VA with her Mechanical Engineer husband and two children. She has been in the creative field for many years, including roles at Martha Stewart, HBO, Focus Features, Hungryman Productions, and as the Yarn Editor at Vogue Knitting/Sixth & Spring and co-editor of Knit.1. She has worked on projects with Warner Brothers, Lucasfilm, Tim Burton, and Disney and is the author of 15 knitting books, the latest two coming out in September 2023. She is an avid quilter, cross stitcher, photographer, enjoys Sashiko, hiking, Sudoku, cycling, jigsaw puzzles, baking, crewel work, and spoon carving. She has won first place nationally for the American Heritage Award and the National Women in the Arts Award numerous times for Fiber Arts.

Marie Greene 
Marie Greene is an internationally known designer, author and knitting teacher. She is the founder of Olive Knits and the Knit Camp app, and the author of four (soon to be five!) books on knitting, including Seamless Knit Sweaters in 2 Weeks, and her upcoming release The Joy of Yarn. Her renegade knitting tricks, and cheerful teaching style, have helped knitters around the world knit with skill and confidence. Marie teaches the "how" ÂND the "why" and empowers her students with the skills to be the boss of their own knitting. You'll love her candid insights, brilliant tips and hilarious stories that will not only teach and inspire you but will keep you laughing along the way. Marie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, puppy, and two cats.

Fiona Ellis 
Fiona Ellis graduated from DeMontfort University (England) with a degree in fashion design, where she specialized in hand-knitwear design. Since graduating in 1993 she has been consistently designing professionally in a number of different areas. Her original designs have been sold to major fashion houses in New York, London and Paris for mass-market production and have been widely published through premier knitting magazines and in yarn pattern booklets for many yarn companies. In 2015 she was featured as the “Designer in Residence” throughout the year for WEBS. She is the author of Inspired Cable Knits, Knitspiration Journal and Inspired Fair Isle Knits. She is also an instructor at Craftsy. When she isn’t knitting she is also a qualified yoga instructor. You can find out what she is currently doing at www.fionaellisonline.com. You can also see all of her extensive design portfolio on Ravelry at: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/fionaellis.

Carson Demers 
Carson Demers is a physical therapist with 30-years’ experience. He has been knitting even longer. He became interested in ergonomics when a set of computing related injuries which left him temporarily unable to treat patients or knit. Ergonomics, has been his passion ever since. Carson has written and published the preeminent book on ergonomics for knitters and fiber enthusiasts, Knitting Comfortably: The Ergonomics of Handknitting which is available at www.ergoiknit.com and yarn shops around the world. He has taught classes to knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers and other textile enthusiasts for 15-years at major knitting events, fiber retreats and festivals, yarn shops, guilds throughout North America. Carson has contributed articles to numerous fiber and crafting magazines and been a consultant to writers at Martha Stewart Living and other publications. His passion and experience in fiber arts combine with his expertise in physical therapy and ergonomics to create a unique skill set that he eagerly shares with the fiber community.

Shaina Bilow 
Shaina is a knitwear designer and knitting instructor from Northern New Jersey. Her design aesthetic is modern cozy with a flair for indulging in exciting knitting techniques, textures, and motifs. Shaina’s designs have been featured in numerous knitting magazines, seasonal collections for popular yarn companies, and in her own self-published collection. She feels knitting can be relaxing and engaging all at once. Shaina has taught on the national stage with Vogue Knitting Live, WEBS, and in local yarn shops. She is known as a knowledgeable and encouraging instructor who wants her students to feel empowered, whether they are picking up needles for the first time or are advanced-level knitters and crocheters. Her YouTube channel features “Tiny Tutorials” that succinctly explain how to work a myriad of different knitting techniques.

Keith Leonard 
Keith gained a love for knitting at the age of eleven when he joined a lunchtime knitting program at school in his hometown of Ha-worth, New Jersey. After working at four major knitting stores in Upstate New York, New Jersey, and New York City, he realized there was no specialized service for knit-wear finishing. He took the initiative to start his own business, called Knits All Done, a service for knitters to outsource their knitted items for professional finishing. Keith’s expertise in finishing and knitting then led to requests from yarn shops and knitting guilds to teach his techniques. He now travels the country teaching classes while also selling his own custom Zen Yarn Garden, Three Irish Girls, Malabrigo and Koigu yarns and colors. He is also the American distributor for Soulwool, a hand-dyed Merino yarn from Israel.

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 1 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 1 Campus Center Way in Amherst, MA 01003. Click here to obtain turn-by-turn directions from your location. Upon your arrival to campus, navigate to the garage, take a gate ticket, and proceed to 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. At check-in provide your garage gate ticket to the Hotel UMass desk clerk to obtain a complimentary parking pass, valid for the duration of your visit. Please only park in the Campus Center Parking Garage: parking elsewhere on campus may result in ticketing and/or towing.

Retreat Location 
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, 800-872-8752
- Seemo Shuttle, 800-908-2829 
- 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, Hampshire Bicycle Exchange, and ValleyBike Share.

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 1 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 1 Campus Center Way, Amherst MA 01003. Travel to the garage, take a gate ticket as you drive in, and park (and take your gate ticket inside with you!). We recommend driving down to park on Level 2, where there is a flat walkway into the Campus Center. 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 a discounted parking pass. 

What time is 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 21, 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 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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 Worsted and DK retreat packages include three nights lodging (checking in Thursday, September 21; checking out Sunday, September 24). 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 DK 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? 
To maximize the speed of your service, online registration is done in two parts. First you will register for the retreat, selecting either the single or double room package. Starting at 12 p.m. (ET) on Wednesday, June 7, all registered attendees can return to this page, log back in, and will see two new pages asking for class preferences. Attendees will submit their first and second choices for each class block right online. Class assignments will then be sent out within two weeks of the preferences being submitted.

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 so that you can enter in accurate first and second choices. If you are placed into your second choice for any block we will automatically place you on the waitlist for your first choice and contact you if a spot opens up. You can also contact us at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102 to see if space is open in any other classes that might be of interest.

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 with your class assignments. 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. The closer to noon ET on Wednesday, May 18, that you add yourself to the waitlist the better your chances - 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 18 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.

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.