Since we can't meet in person this year and we'll all miss the weather, the crowds, the food, and the fashion, we're utilizing a new platform specifically designed  to bring the Festival to you.  We'll still have workshops (see below), breed talks, vendors and more!!  All from the comfort of your home, using your favorite device.   There are some benefits to this virtual experience - no travel plans, no scrambling for accommodations, no packing warm weather AND cool weather clothes!

You experience the festival from your computer, tablet  or mobile device with an internet connection. You register to get an account and select sessions that will be LIVE content on the days of the festival. You'll be able to interact with other Attendees and farmers, vendors, fiber producers and instructors within the Sessions, depending on how it is run.

 

You can use the chat  located at the bottom left of each page. We will answer all questions in the order they are received and respond to each question in a timely manner.  Other questions: festivalinfo@sheepandwool.com

https://www.virtual.sheepandwool.com/40yearsofrhinebeck/livevirtualbooths
This Page has them all on there and it only visible to signed-in Attendees.

The $5 registration fee acts as your ticket into the event. In addition to unlimited access to our full workshops catalog and vendor marketplace, you'll get to browse and shop at the fleece sale, participate in kid's activities, view our video demos and competitions, and attend our breed talks and other open presentations (excluding paid workshops). Registering your information helps us keep tabs on how many participants are using different areas of the site and attending our included events.

Can I shop at any vendor on any day without using the "shopping" list to schedule a block of time now?

Festival Support: Yes. That page will be available to registered attendees after then sign in... with all of the View Sessions buttons available
The Shopping step in registratino is only there for people to help schedule themselves
The vendors have all different hours posted for their virtual booths
You just need to show up to their session at the alotted time they listed

Group registration will prompt you to go through the registration steps again for each person you are registering in your group. Everyone in the group has their own classes, but your account shows everyone's selections and fees. Group members can also see that everyone's information. So, if you register yourself, and then add your Mom as another person, you'll need an email address for her, and you can add her to Sessions, and pay for everyone in the group at once during the Payment step. When she logs in, she will be able to see the Sessions/workshops you've selected for yourself.

Yes, you can change your registration yourself by simply signing in with the link that was emailed to you in your confirmation email, sign in, and you'll be able to make changes to your class selections with MODIFY REGISTRATION.   Please remember that we are not offering refunds even though your may see a credit on your receipt/invoice. You will need a $0 balance to view your Event Hub of sessions that you did purchase.
YOU MUST CLICK THE CONTINUE button on each step of the Modify Registration process for your forms to be submitted and your changes to stick.

In the top menu bar, click on My Agenda. Sign in, if needed.  You'll land on your Confirmation Page. Then click Modify Registration, click through the steps to the Choose Sessions step

After registering and selecting sessions, you will receive a confirmation email with a list of your registered sessions. You’ll be able to see all your registered sessions on the My Agenda page (Confirmation page). You'll also receive an email with a link to your personal Event Hub about a week before the event. The Event Hub is where you check in to attend all of your sessions during the festival. Please be sure to enter your classroom at least 20 -30  minutes prior to the start of class to work out any technical issues you may have. You will receive a reminder 30 minutes prior to the start of each of the class.

Registration is not a once and done process. You can actually register your account, create a password to go through the steps to understand the process. Browse the catalog. Then, it's designed so you can consider your plans, then sign in again to Modify your registration to add people or add other workshops. 

There are no souvenirs for mail order at thsi time.

You are able to connect to our event using our virtual platform and Zoom with a computer, smartphone, or tablet and internet connection. We suggest having a strong internet connection so videos don't buffer. For smartphones and tablets, the Zoom app is available in the app store of your choice for all devices. For smartphone and tablet specifications, click here. For computer specifications, click here.  Make sure you have the latest Zoom update - 3.5.1

Zoom suggest you have at least 2 MPBS of upload and download speed from your internet service provider. Click here to check your internet bandwith.

Helpful links:

https://zoom.us/download#client_4meeting 

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us?_ga=2.183008422.1419738214.1601507130-2076300213.1601507130

https://www.youtube.com/user/ZoomMeetings

 

 

 

This feature is on its way, stay tuned for how to videos here.

Short answer: Maybe. If you control what's in your webcam view, or phone camera view, then you control what may be in a recording of a Session.

By attending New York State Sheep & Wool Virtual Festival ("NYSSW") hosted by the Dutchess County Sheep and Wool Growers Association ("DCSWGA") you understand that photographs and/or audio/video recordings taken at the Event by NYSSW, or by others on behalf of NYSSW, may include a Participant’s image, name, voice and/or likeness.  By attending and/or participating in the Event, you hereby grant permission to NYSSW and DCSWGA, and their agents, employees, and licensees the right to use the photography and/or audio/video recordings of you and members of your family, without credit or compensation, for any purpose, including but not limited to commercial purposes, in any and all manner and media now known or hereafter devised, through the world in perpetuity. You agree that photographs and/or audio/video recordings of your participation in the Event may be edited at the discretion of NYSSW. Furthermore, you grant permission to use your voice and statements, with or without association to your name, for the purpose of advertising and publicity without restriction.  You expressly release NYSSW and DCSWGA, and their agents, employees, and licensees from and against any claims that you 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.  You agree that all intellectual property resulting from the Event is the sole property of NYSSW and DCSWGA.

We're calling them Sessions, but it's still the Workshops Venue.   This is a LIVE event only.

What we're offering:

Sessions are scheduled throughout the day and into the evening from Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 18, Eastern time.

Two hour workshops - you'll participate in an activity along with the presenter.  You may need a kit that can be purchased directly from the Presenter.  The kit fee + shipping is NOT included in the registration fee.  Review the session description for any supplies you need on hand.

There are several workshops that consist of two parts. Some are scheduled later on the same day, while others are on different days so you have time to complete any tasks.  You won't see Part 2 in the "Session Picker" until you select Part 1.

One hour lectures - may include recordings or a slide show with time for a Q&A at the end of the session. 

One hour demonstrations -  Presenter will be demonstrating techniques - in some sessions, Presenter will have participants join along, some may not.  Review description for any supplies you may need to participate.  Q&A at the end of the session.

Presenters will be using Zoom:

  • It is important that you have a strong internet connection to participate ( at least 2 MBPS).   
  • Sign into your session early - we suggest 20-30 minutes early to make sure everything is working properly.
  • You can Zoom on a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop.  Choose what will work best for you.
  • If you're having an issue, sign on to another device. 
  • Some virtual attendees have suggested participant be the only connection to wifi. 
  • Check your speed before registering...just in case. 
  • The Festival isn't responsible for participants' technical issues, including connectivity.
  • Make sure your devices are plugged in or fully charged.

Same as Always:

Direct questions to Presenters before registering.

Each Session states the proficiency level a students needs to have.  Do not register for an advanced class if you are a beginner.  Contact the Presenter if you're unsure.

Avoid "double booking" by review choices before hitting submit.  This system  detects most  timing conflicts, but for those one-offs, the Festival is not responsible for any conflicts.

You may not record the Session without the express permission of the Presenter.

Can I Buy Sessions for Others?  Not for the virtual Festival.  Each person will have to register and select their sessions.

Cancellation /Transfer / Refund Policy:  No refunds will be issued, nor will transfers or sales of session be permitted for the virtual Festival.  

 

You'll get an email about a week before the event prompting you to sign in to your Event Hub.  You'll find your Sessions,  links to join, and links to download class material for printing.

Will Sessions be Recorded?  This is a LIVE event.  Sessions will not be recorded for later access.

Be Prepared!

  • Did you print downloads?
  • Did you do your homework?
  • Do you have all the materials on hand?
  • Be on time!  You don't want to miss anything!
  • Make sure you're near a power supply and/or your devices are charged.
  • Have a back up device handy, just in case.

No, the sessions are live only.

The NYS Sheep and Wool Festival has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for harassment of any kind. If a person engages in harassing behavior, our staff will take prompt action in any form they deem appropriate, including expulsion from any and all  events with no refund. Our policy applies to EVERYONE at the virtual event. Exhibitors, attendees, speakers, guests, professionals, press, staff, and security are all subject to our anti-harassment policy and will be held to the same standards and disciplinary action.

It is important that our event is a safe place for all attendees.  The NYS Sheep & Wool Festival ("NYSSW") is a private event produced by the Dutchess County Sheep and Wool Growers' Association ("DCSWGA")  and people who mistreat or disrespect other people will be removed and not allowed for the duration of the event. NYSSW reserves the right to permanently ban attendees and guests who do not comply with the code of conduct, including for future events put on by the DCSWGA.  Please use good judgement and be respectful.

HARASSMENT

Disorderly conduct includes (but isn’t limited to) any behavior that is illegal, unsafe, disruptive, discriminatory or causes excessive discomfort to our attendees or guests.

CONDUCT IN LIVE CLASSES OR VIRTUAL SHOWROOMS

We ask that all attendees refrain from making comments along the following lines in any of our virtual events. Failure to do so may end with the cancellation of your registration. 

Please refrain from:

  • offering political views, promoting partisan affiliations, or expressing opinions
  • offering content that may be taken out of context on topics including and not limited to profanity, slander, drug/alcohol use, personal or racial attacks, pictures or videos containing nudity, and/or personal information about other people without their permission

Click on the chat icon on the bottom left or email one of our venue managers by clicking here.