TuftCon made its debut as the first ever tufting convention in March 2023.

The three day event hosted over 100 people with a one of a kind line-up of guest speakers, demos, workshops, and more. Sponsored by Tuft the World, the 2023 convention happened March 24-26, 2023. This event was hosted at both the Asian Arts Initiative and Tuft the World's Education space in the Bok Building.

Stay tuned to hear about the next TuftCon!

TuftCon 2023 included both beginner and advanced tufting workshops, and demos on finishing your rug, building a larger tufting frame at home, using an AK-III, Carving Techniques, Display Options for your tufted works, How to Dye your Ecru Wool Yarn and How to finish your rug.

A Tech booth was also available for attendees to ask machine repair technicians the tools and tricks we use to fix common issues. Attendees could bring in their Tuft the World machines for a free diagnostic.

40 artists were exhibited in the TuftCon 2023 juried exhibition. The show was juried by textile artist and guest juror, Qualeasha Wood. Tuft the World's new education center in the Bok Building hosted the exhibition that was open to convention attendees and the public on the third day of the conference.

TuftCon 2023 welcomed artists and designers Trish Andersen, Jongbum Kim, Tonya D. Lee, AJ Peterson and Aliyah Salmon as well as Tuft the World's co-owners and founders, Tim Eads and Tiernan Alexander.

Lectures ranged from Color Theory to the history and future of Tuft the World, and last but certainly not least, a panel discussion on how to start and run your own Rug Making Business.