2026 MBG Annual Convention
"If Baskets Could Talk"
July 30 through August 2, 2026
Kenneth E. Cowan Civic Center, Lebanon, MO
Convention Co-Chairs: Vicky Frayne and Laura How
A New Location, New Updates — Same Great Convention!
The convention co-chairs and committee chairs are working to make this convention a memorable one. Make plans to join us in Lebanon, Missouri for “If Baskets Could Talk”. Here are some changes this year:
We have a new location at the Kenneth E Cowan Civic Center in Lebanon, MO. All classes will be held in the main convention area. Silent Auction, the Exhibit Room and the Hospitality Room will be located in rooms A, B and C (respectively) just outside of the convention room.
Lodging is not attached to the civic center, but hotels are located within 10 minutes of the facility. The convention has special rates with several hotels in the area.
We will not be offering box lunches but will have several food trucks on site for lunch purchases. There are many restaurants nearby as well.
There will continue to be:
Credit card payment accepted for online registration fees, patches and class fees.
The Hospitality Room will be open all day on Friday and Saturday.
The in-person format for the Silent Auction. Cash, check or credit card will be accepted for Silent Auction winning bids.
The Exhibit Room.
Awards night will be at the annual meeting on Saturday night.
You must be a Missouri Basketweavers Guild (MBG) member for the membership year ending December 31, 2026, in order to attend.
We are looking forward to a weekend of weaving and having fun.
Vicky Frayne and Laura How
2026 MBG Convention Co-Chairs
The success of our conventions is deeply indebted to the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers. The convention co-chairs commence planning for the upcoming event a whole year in advance, and their unwavering commitment deserves our utmost appreciation. Similarly, the committee chairs dedicate a substantial amount of their time and energy to ensure the smooth running of the convention. If you encounter any of these volunteers during the convention, please take a moment to express your gratitude for their invaluable contributions.
2026 Convention Committee Chairs
Convention Co-Chairs Laura How & Vicky Frayne
Basket Buddies Cheryl Johner
Catalog Marilyn Margrave & Susan Brandon
Convention Treasurer Jo O'Connell
Donations Debbie Howard
Exhibit Room Carol Birdsell
First Timers Janet Smith & Tara Smith
Hospitality Room Benita Hendrickson
Hotel Liaison Cindy Peck
Jury Leanne Nielson
Logo Souvenirs Benita Hendrickson & Emily Brown
Registration & Class Assignments Jena Baumgarten & Jeannie Sisson
Marketplace Debbie Fann
Media Presentation Joshua Smith
On-Site Class Enrollment Kathy Labbez & Sue Dickey
On-Site Registration Tara Smith
Ornament Raffle Diane How
Print Committee Kris Ball
Publicity Marilynn Margrave & Susan Brandon
Roommate Liaison Anita Brandon
Silent Auction Mina Bessey
Teacher Liaison Melanie Merlone
Teacher/Vendor Reception Melanie Merlone & Cristi Wollenberg
Traveling Basket Pat Moritz
Volunteers Marilyn Margrave & Susan Brandon
Welcome Bags Emily Brown
Workshop Room Judy Strasser
Workshop Scheduling Leanne Nielson