Is anyone here a member of ICES? Do you find it a benefit for your growth and learning (not sure how often I could go to conventions, since many seem very far away!)

is it worth joining?

I am a member but have yet to make it to a convention!! I just enjoy getting the newsletter and keeping up to date on everything.

I just became a member this spring. I BELIEVE every state has a chapter. My chapter just had a "days of sharing" this fall. It was 2 1/2 days long and we had guests demo, classes were held and an annual meeting was conducted. There was plenty to eat and great conversation with fellow decorators. I will probably never make it to a convention. For me not knowing to many people into decorating, it was nice to meet others that share the same interest and learn some neat stuff.

loriemoms - North Carolina has a faily active chapter. In Charlotte, they meet once a quarter for a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon and someone does a demo and they socialize. I haven't been able to make a meeting yet, but I plan to attend the one in February. I believe you can attend as a guest before deciding to join.

Here is the link to their site: http://www.angelfire.com/nc3/ncices/index.html

I think the Triangle area does the same thing, here is info from the website on their next meeting:

Sunday, January 8, 2006, Triangle Area
Leslie Van Horne
Greta Port
Ruth Cruz-Nichols