You have questions. We have answers.

MAFA has received lots of questions over the years, many of which are the same from conference to conference. This compilation is for those who have never attended a MAFA conference, as well as for regular attendees. Click the links below to find details about the various areas.

See these pages for all their info and questions:

Other Useful Information:

 

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COVID-19 Policy

MAFA is committed to the safety of all our conference attendees. We have reviewed current conditions and considered the recent end to emergency status. We will review this policy shortly before the conference. As of September 16, 2024, our policy for conference participants is as follows:

  • All attendees must follow federal, state, local, and Millersville University (MU) guidelines regarding mask-wearing and use of facilities, regardless of individual vaccination status.
  • At this time, masks are optional, but are encouraged in indoor public spaces, and other crowded locations, as a means to reduce the spread of COVID-19. 
  • You are not required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend, teach at, or vend at MAFA 2025.
  • MU requires that all food and beverages be consumed while in the dining hall. Tables and chairs are generally set up to accommodate sufficient spacing for physical distancing.
  • If you have symptoms, or a positive COVID-19 test, please stay home! Refer to the Cancellation Policy regarding the possibility of a refund.

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Am I a MAFA Member

  • How do I know if my guild is a MAFA member? Visit the Find a Guild page and see if your guild is listed. In addition, the registration form will provide you a list of guilds. If your guild is not on this list, it is not a member.
  • My guild is in the greater Mid-Atlantic region but not a member. How do we join? Joining MAFA is simple. Just fill out the guild application on the MAFA website. Email questions to our Membership Chair at membership@mafafiber.org.
  • My guild is not a MAFA member guild or I live outside the MAFA area. Can I join as an Associate Member? Yes, you may join MAFA as an associate member even if you don’t live in the Mid-Atlantic region. Associate member dues are $25 for a two-year membership, or free for those 25 years old or younger at the time they join. Find details and the Associate application here.

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How will I know what’s going on when?

For updates before conference registration opens, sign up for the MAFA 2025 Update email list HERE.

After registration begins, attendees will receive updates by email. You will also receive a copy of the latest schedule at registration. Daytrippers can find schedules and maps at the Information Desk in the Marketplace or download them from the website on the Last Minute Info page. We will send registered attendees email messages throughout the conference about important events and/or any changes to the schedule, and text messages for urgent items if you opt in.

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Problem Resolution

What if I have a problem with my room once I get to the conference?
If you have a problem with your room, first try to resolve it with the students at the dorm desk in the first floor lobby. If that doesn’t work, or the students are not available, text (preferred) or call the MAFA Hotline number, which will be posted on the main conference page shortly before the conference. When asked to leave a message, clearly state your name, your room number, your problem, and how we can best reach you (e.g. by phone, text, email). One of the MAFA organizers will deal with your problem and get back to you.

What if I have a non-housing problem and don’t know how to resolve it?
Text (preferred) or leave a voicemail on the MAFA hotline number (which will be posted on the main conference page shortly before the conference,) and we will respond as soon as possible between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. (EDT). If leaving a message, clearly state your name, your problem, and how we can best reach you (e.g. by phone, text, email). One of the MAFA organizers will attempt to get resolution to your problem and get back to you.

Alternatively, look for a MAFA board member or conference committee member. These individuals will have a different colored badge holder. Look for them at mealtimes or around campus. Feel free to talk to any of them, and they will help get your issue to the correct person for resolution.

Will I have a chance to give MAFA feedback?
Yes, MAFA always sends out a survey form after the conference. The survey results will be studied by board members and conference volunteers, and will serve to inform the next conference committee on ways to improve MAFA 2027!

What if I want to report a problem after the conference?
Post-conference problem reporting can be done on the survey form, or can be directed to either the Conference Committee at conference@mafafiber.org or the president of MAFA at president@mafafiber.org. We are always looking for constructive feedback, so please do give us your suggestions for improvement.

Please understand, if you only report a problem after the conference is over, you have not given us a chance to resolve it in a timely manner. We can’t fix what we don’t know is broken.

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Code of Conduct

MAFA is committed to inclusiveness as we pursue our objectives of supporting member guilds, promoting education in the fiber arts, and presenting our biennial conference. We welcome all who share our goals and who agree to treat others with respect and courtesy. We reserve the right to remove from the conference any attendee who does not comply with this code of conduct.

Participants agree to this code of conduct by registering for and attending the conference.

MAFA has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for harassment of any kind. If a person engages in harassing behavior, MAFA board or committee members will take prompt action in any form they deem appropriate, including removal from any and all MAFA workshops and events with no refund. Our policy applies to EVERYONE at the conference. Attendees, instructors, speakers, vendors, and MAFA personnel will be held to the same standards and disciplinary actions.

  • Any behavior that is illegal, disruptive, unsafe, discriminatory, or that causes excessive discomfort to other attendees and guests is prohibited.
  • All instructions given by MAFA Conference organizers, Millersville University staff and agents, and law enforcement officers must be followed.
  • Drugs, weapons, and items that may be mistaken for weapons are prohibited from all conference venues, and events.
  • Alcohol is prohibited from public Conference venues, unless provided by Millersville University.
  • Please respect the intellectual property of our instructors and lecturers. Do not share workshop handouts or class materials without prior permission of the instructor.

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable conference experience. If you believe a conference participant is not complying with the code of conduct, please text (preferred) or call the MAFA hotline number which will be posted on the main conference page shortly before the conference.

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Photo Release Policy

Attendees at a MidAtlantic Fiber Association (MAFA) conference, must agree to the following photography release before their registration will be processed:

  • As a participant, I understand that my image may be used in association with additional editorial or promotional materials without compensation or credit. In consideration of my appearance, and without my further consideration, I hereby grant permission to utilize my image in connection with said promotional and editorial materials in any and all manner and media through the world in perpetuity.
  • I expressly release MAFA and its volunteers from and against any claims that I have or may have for invasion of privacy, defamation, or any other cause of action arising out of production, distribution, broadcast, or exhibition of this event.
  • I agree that all resulting intellectual property is the sole property of MAFA.

Why do I need to agree to this photo release policy?

While we would like to ensure that no one who wishes not to be photographed will not be, we simply cannot offer that guarantee in the large public setting of our conference. The onus needs to be on the individual, and not on our photographers.

What if I don’t want to be in any photographs?

MAFA photographers will still be instructed to ask your permission before photographing you individually or in a classroom setting, and will, of course, respect your wishes. At other times, it will be your responsibility to watch out for photographers photographing large groups of people, and to move away if you want to get out of the photo.

What if I later see a photo of myself online that I don’t want there?

If, at any time after the conference, you see a photo on the MAFA website and wish it taken down, please contact the Conference Committee at conference@mafafiber.org, and we will ensure that it is removed.

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Mobility and Special Needs

I have special requirements for housing or food. Will I be able to have these needs met?
The University has been very responsive in handling special requests. Please list any special needs on your registration so we can work with you to address them in advance.

How far are the workshop classrooms from the dorms and dining hall?
Some classrooms are a fair distance from dining and dorms so if you are unable to walk more than a few blocks, you may want to consider driving your vehicle. There is ample parking across the street from the dining hall, at the Student Memorial Center where the Marketplace and other activities will be located, at each classroom building, as well as near the dorm.

A map of the campus is available HERE.
If you are driving between classes, dorms, and the dining hall, please consider offering rides to your instructor and classmates. They will be grateful!

Dining Hall Elevator Access
MU dining hall staff members will be at or near the elevator on the lower and upper levels to assist those needing elevator access in Gordinier Hall.

Can I bring a bike?
Yes, you may bring a bike if you wish. There are many bike racks around campus.

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Emergency Contact

In case of emergency, families can call the Campus Security number at 717-871-4637. The campus police will be able to locate and/or get a message to conference attendees.

Lost & Found

The Lost and Found box is located at the Student Information Desk in the Student Memorial Center, just off the Atrium.

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