Calling All Needlework Teachers: Submit Your Proposals for EGA’s 2026 National Seminar: Wish upon a Stitch

Calling all embroidery teachers!

The Embroiderers’ Guild of America will host the 2026 EGA National Seminar in Orlando, Florida, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, 9801 International Drive, Orlando, Florida October 9 – 14, 2026.

Please accept this letter as an invitation to submit proposals for Seminar 2026. We are requesting proposals for 4, 3, 2, 1 and 1/2 day in person classes. A limited number of four day proposals will be considered.  Class configurations should add up to a total of six days.  At a minimum, submit proposals for no less than four teaching days. In addition, classes may be submitted for consideration as virtual classes via an online, face-to-face platform, such as Zoom.  Half day classes may be a set project, but they could also be a skill-building technique such as how to lace a slate frame, how to stitch a hardanger lacy edge, how to execute Jean Hilton-type stitches, or how to create realistic silk ribbon flowers on a canvas.  These are just some examples.  You, as a teacher, know the techniques many stitchers struggle to master.  This could be a refresher course, especially if your other projects include these techniques.  All proposals must be received by Seminar 2026 Dean of Faculty no later than 5:00pm Central Time, February 19, 2025.

Please see the Proposal Submission Guidelines for additional details.

Our seminar format will be half and one day classes on the first day of seminar, which will be Friday, October 9, 2026.  These classes will be limited to no more than a combination to fill five classrooms for one day.  Saturday and Sunday will have two-day classes, possibly three-day classes and the first two days of four-day classes.  Monday will have one day classes, the last day of some three-day classes and possibly the first day of additional three-day classes.  Tuesday and Wednesday will have two-day classes and the final two days of four-day classes.

As a national seminar committee, we feel an obligation to present the newest of the new, pieces that will inspire a student to stretch themselves and explore new techniques. The seminar committee would like to offer classes in various techniques and proficiency levels that are unique and engaging. We would also like to offer classes to new stitchers or stitchers who would like to try a new – to the stitcher – technique. Please utilize your knowledge and design skills to arrive at original compositions which will inspire and challenge our participants.

Teacher compensation will include:

  • $450 per day for teaching.
  • Economy round-trip airfare or current 2026 IRS mileage rate for traveling by automobile from home to Orlando, Florida, whichever is lesser. Transportation to/from home airport, baggage fees, transportation from the Orlando airport to seminar.
  • Hotel accommodations – Private room for up to seven nights, dependent upon classes chosen, as agreed to in the Teacher’s Contract – which could be from Thursday through Thursday.
  • Two seminar banquets and a teacher luncheon will be included during the seminar.
  • A daily per diem will be included.

All submissions will be electronic and must be received at Faculty2026@egausa.org no later than 5pm Central Time, February 19, 2025. Please complete a Proposal Summary for all proposals.

The proposal packet should include:

  1. Proposal Summary.
  2. A high quality photograph or drawing of each proposed piece.
  3. Goals of the class from the student’s perspective.
  4. A list of supplies that students must bring with them.
  5. Estimation of any pre-work required for the piece.
  6. Description of kit, supplies or equipment provided by the instructor.
  7. Kit price within 10-15% of final cost.
  8. A short summary of your past teaching history.

Encore classes will be considered if enrollment history supports consideration. Prior enrollment documentation must be submitted with the completed Proposal Summary.

Our committee is excited about the work ahead and anticipates a wonderful seminar. We need you and your talents to help make it all happen and look forward to your submissions.

Sincerely,

Gaye Smith
Dean of Faculty, EGA Seminar 2026
Faculty2026@egausa.org

Proposal Submission Guidelines | Proposal Summary
needles

Join the needlework network.

We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies and revised Privacy Policy.