Midwest Crystal Conference & Expo: Frequently Asked Questions about the March 2009 Event

Thank you for visiting the Midwest Crystal Conference & Expo web site. A few months have passed since we first published our brochure for the upcoming event, March 20 - 22, 2009 and we now know what the most frequently asked questions are:

1. Is the Melody Class included in the Full Conference Fee?

The Melody Class is pre-event. The Conference & Expo begin on Friday afternoon and the Melody class is on Friday morning. The tuition fee for Melody's class is not included in the full conference fee. Many of the vendors and presenters choose to attend Melody's class, as she rarely teaches in the USA, and this is why Melody's class is presented in advance of the big event.

This is a rare opportunity to learn from the globally acknowledged Master Crystal Teacher and the fee for her class is very reasonably priced at $90. Separating this class from the conference fee also allowed us to drop the conference fee substantially, to the extremely good value of $150 for the full conference.

You must register in advance for the Melody Class. Melody restricts the number of attendees and we have had to turn away disappointed crystal lovers in past years. You do not need to have done the Melody Level 1 and 2 training in order to attend this class, however some prior crystal experience is recommended.

2. Where do I find out which stones Melody will be teaching about?

You can find out which stones will be the focus of Melody's class by speaking to the office staff at FourWinds Academy. About 3 weeks before the event, FourWinds Academy will send each registrant a packet of information which will include the list of stones. The stones can be purchased from FourWinds Academy, in a range of prices, and you can order your selection in advance of Melody's class. Pick up will be at the class, because we have learned from experience that many people forget their stones at home!

This stone list is not published in advance, because this is one of a handful of ways that FourWinds Academy, a 501 (c) 3 organization, can raise funds. We deeply appreciate your support.

Additionally, early registrants for the full conference will receive coupons which can be applied toward these stone purchases, if bought at the FourWinds Academy booth.

3. Will there be Free Expo Talks, as in previous years?

Sadly, no, there are no free Expo talks. Our new venue, the Sharonville Convention Center, does not offer as many classrooms as our previous venue, and we have had to drop this offering. However, we have greatly reduced the cost of attending the full conference and you can also sign up for single classes which attract your attention.

4. How much is a Single Conference Class?

To attend a single conference class, the fee is $40. You do not have to register in advance -- you can pay at the door. However, it is recommended that you do register in advance.

5. Will Toby Christensen be at the event?

Again, sadly, the Sharonville Convention Center does not offer the classroom and theater facilities that we enjoyed in our previous venue. This meant that we could not accommodate Toby in the way that we were able to in 2006 and 2007. However, in 2009 the event falls upon the Spring Equinox, and in recognition of how much the community enjoyed the interactive aspects of Toby's presentation, we have designed a unique ceremony to celebrate the Equinox.

6. Can you tell me more about the Equinox Ceremony?

Firstly, there is no additional charge. If you have paid for either the Conference or the Expo, you are invited!

You will want to bring along approximately 10 stones or tools, in a bag or container that can easily be carried. The stones and tools should not be too precious, not too small, not fragile -- big enough to see easily in dim lighting. The crystals and tools you bring will become charged with the energy drawn in by the ceremony. You can also bring drums and/or rattles.

The ceremony will have elements reminiscent of the following: Walking a Labyrinth, Meditation in Community, Shamanism, Drumming, Chanting and Charging the Crystals. We will use the stones to build a giant stone Mandala, we will walk the Mandala, meditate, walk the Mandala again, and then dismantle the Mandala.

7. Do you have opportunities for Volunteers?

Yes, indeed, we will be needing volunteers at this event. In exchange for working a morning or afternoon session, volunteers can attend one conference class.

We have already been asked several times whether it is better to attend the conference or to volunteer. If you are a student or practitioner of Crystal and/or Energy Healing we recommend that you opt to attend the conference, rather than to volunteer. We have brought in teachers from all over the country to give you an opportunity to learn new skills and the conference has been designed specifically for you.

If you are a crystal lover, or curious about energy healing in general, but not intending to actually practice energy or crystal healing techniques, then the Expo is designed for you and please volunteer, we need you.

8. Are there any other differences between the March 2009 Event and previous MCC&E events?

The Midwest Crystal Conference & Expo March 20 - 22, 2009 will be different in many ways. In addition to our founding supporters who have created a truly energizing community event, we have a new location, new sponsors, new pricing, new vendors, new teachers and a new overall design.

We have been thrilled with how many new vendors have already registered and 2009 promises to offer high quality and more variety. Our location allows us to admit more vendors than before and we are seeing an exciting array of crystal and mineral vendors supported by healers and other services, in alignment with our theme of Crystals and Energy Healing.

We look forward to seeing you at our event in March. Now is the time to become a member of the FourWinds Academy community!

Register Here: