Hail Mary prototype · /conference · 2026 dates from sapfm-public; specific schedule and pricing TBD this spring
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Society of AmericanPeriod Furniture Makers
The Annual Conference

Williamsburg, four days, one chair to fill.

The 2026 Conference returns to Colonial Williamsburg in October. Bench demonstrations, member presentations, museum visits, the Cartouche Award banquet, and the long evenings between sessions where most of the actual work happens.

Save the date See past conferences →
This year

October 2026. Williamsburg Lodge.

The 2026 Annual Conference returns to Colonial Williamsburg the week of October 15–18, hosted at the Williamsburg Lodge. Three days of member demonstrations, lectures, behind-the-scenes museum visits, and the Cartouche Award banquet on Friday evening recognizing the 2026 honoree.

A tour of the Anthony Hay cabinet shop with Kaare Loftheim, who runs it. The 1770s shop where SAPFM has done as much of its informal teaching as anywhere.

The conference is organized by and for SAPFM members. Non-member registration includes a one-year SAPFM Individual membership — the conference is the most direct way to walk into the Society for the first time.

WhenOctober 15–18, 2026
WhereWilliamsburg Lodge
Colonial Williamsburg, VA
RegistrationOpens this spring
Honoree2026 Cartouche recipient announced
at the Friday banquet
How it goes

Four days, the format that's worked.

Thursday Optional pre-conference tours and check-in. For the makers who can come early — a side trip to a private collection, a museum reserve open to SAPFM, or a workshop visit.
Friday Opening reception, the Cartouche Award banquet, and the public recognition of the year's honoree. This is the night people come for.
Saturday Rotation presentations — small-group sessions on technique, history, and shop practice. Bench demonstrations from working masters. Member presentations on projects in progress and finished work. The annual Society meeting in the late afternoon.
Sunday Main-stage presentations and afternoon tracks. By Sunday evening you've met most of the people in the room.
Past conferences

Where the Society has gathered.

2025

2025 Annual Conference

Highland Inn · Atlanta, GA

Cartouche: Bess Naylor

2024

2024 Annual Conference

Ursinus College · Collegeville, PA

Cartouche: Marion Smith

2023

2023 Annual Conference

Tryon Palace · New Bern, NC

Cartouche: Daniel Faia

October 15–18, 2026. Williamsburg.

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