MATES 2026

[NJturner]

I just returned from attending the Mid Atlantic Turners Expo in Manassas, VA and can say, despite a number of surprises, it was a good weekend! Michael Hardin of Stadium Pen Blanks and a number of his associates work hard each year to put together the show which is highly focused on pen makers. Sadly, the current mess with funding for TSA agents impacted the show, as two scheduled main presenters - Jim Hinze and Elyse Longazelle - couldn't make it due to flight cancellations, but Michael worked hard to bring/entice other presenters and attendees to fill the gaps quite effectively. There were some excellent vendors for supplies, blanks, and other items there, so needless to say, I came home with way less cash than I left with...lol! It's always fun to see old friends, and meet new ones in the turning community and the show didn't disappoint!

Glad I was able to attend once again!

Kevin

 

[ffkappele]

It was a great time! It was the first time I attended MATE and a turner's expo in general. I was extremely impressed with how welcoming everyone was. There was really a family feeling in everything we did. The vendors were all awesome and took time to talk to everyone, whether it was Tim, Ed (apparently we know the same people in our previous lives...lol) and Michelle, Brian, Roman and Marketa, Jason, Niels, Jon and everyone else. The presenters were all awesome William turning rings and Bob turning quilts plus everyone else that stepped in to help. I'm already planning for next year! The venue was great, lunches were delicious and the rooms comfy. Still sorting through all my goodies!

 

[SabertoothBunny]

Thank you guys for coming. Michael from Stadium Pen Blanks and Michelle from Drop Anchor Creations work very hard to put this on for attendees. I have been going to this show for a number of years and helping do demonstrations and teach classes. The whole thing is quite rewarding for me personally and it is always fun to meet all the people coming. We all leave exhausted but having truly enjoyed ourselves. The next event is tentatively scheduled for March 12-24, 2027 so mark your calendar.

To answer the likely question, I was the guy with the little, super adorable white dog with the brown eye patches and ears. I was teaching the beginner segmenting classes and did the demo for the off center pendants.

 

[NJturner]

To answer the likely question, I was the guy with the little, super adorable white dog with the brown eye patches and ears. I was teaching the beginner segmenting classes and did the demo for the off center pendants.

Wow - didn't make the connection!! I took the off center pendant class Sunday morning - with the HAUNTED LATHE ....lol.... and enjoyed it a lot! I especially like the use of the 3D printed offsets and came home and printed a set right off the bat. Will be turning my first pendants over the next day or so - once I get some double stick tape from HF (NOT!). Will post a pick here once done. Nicely done in a challenging environment.

Great meeting you and chatting!

Kevin