What is included in the cost?  All Meals, housing, trade show, canvas product goodie bag filled with product and information, Keynote Seminars, evening parties, most workshops and seminars taught during the trade show hours.  Some of the workshops Friday and Monday are free, a few of them are $50. You can choose which you would like to attend.   Back to top ^

What is not included in the cost?   Transportation to and from Camp Burton. Additional Optional paid workshops. This is new to the 2013 Retreat. There will be FREE worhshops occuring at the same time as the paid workshops so those who do not want to pay for additional classes do not have to.   Back to top ^

How will I get my Swag Bag of products?   Our event is unique, and so are our swag bags! Each heavy duty bag is filled with over 20 pounds of brochures and FREE product! Since we have so many generous companies who donate but can not send educators, we will give you your bag completely filled on the first night of the Retreat. This will let you go back to your cabins that night and start reading product information and play with the product! If you are flying into this event, you will be happy to know that some of our acrylic companies send small kits that include monomer so you will not have to bring it with you. Make sure you bring room in your suitcase for all this fantastic product and things you may purchase at the trade show!   Back to top ^

What should I bring?  A warm jacket, boots that can get muddy/wet, flashlight, extension cord, impliments, files and product (you will get lots of free kits in the goodie bags, so don't worry about flying with monomer). If you are not flying, bring bedding (sheets, blanket, pillow), bath towels, a small table lamp (fold up Ott lamps work great) and gel lamp.  Back to top ^

I don't live in the Northwest, can I come?  Absolutely!  at least 25% of those attending do not live in the Northwest! We hope to see nail techs from all over the place looking for an inexpensive mini vacation where they can learn a ton and is also a write off! We have had techs fly in from all over the country from Kansas to New York.   Back to top ^

I was going to fly to Washington, what airport should I fly to?   Seattle Tacoma International Airport.  You do NOT need to rent a car!! There are many hotels near the airport if you fly in Thursday and need to stay the night and travel to the Retreat Friday morning. If you fly in Friday morning, just let us know your flight information and we will discuss arrangements of getting you picked up. We try to arrange pick ups around 10-11am. Back to top ^

Where is Camp Burton and how do I get there? When do the Ferries come?  Seattle is famous for its ferries and getting to the retreat requires a trip on one.   Located on Vashon Island, Camp Burton is just a 10 minute drive from the Ferry Docks.   We recommend carpooling if you can and we can help arrange people in groups going over to Vashon Island. Ferries leave about once an hour, schedules change so be sure to check the current schedule before you leave - direct links and other directions can be found on our LOCATION page.  Back to top ^

What if I fly in Thursday?  You will need to stay in a hotel, we recommend near the airport, there are many for $60-80 a night.  The camp is not reserved for our group until Friday. Contact us with your flight information, we will have a nail tech pick you up from the hotel Friday morning. These hotels have decent rates and free hotel shuttles:     Back to top ^

What if I need to come late or leave early?  Friday afternoon will be a few workshops you can choose from.  If you can not arrive until evening, we recommend trying to be there by 7pm for the evening Seminar but can arrive any time throughout the weekend.  If you can not come until Saturday, please let us know, we will be sure you have our cell phone numbers so we can meet you when your ferry arrives. Back to top ^

What will the weather be like?  Autumn in Seattle is beautiful and the trees are full of color!  You can expect somewhat chilly nights in the 40s-50s and days between 50-70. It is Seattle, so while we have had 2 beautiful rain-free weekends in the past, don't count on it! Bring boots that can get wet and maybe even a tiny travel umbrella since there is a bit of distance between the buildings and cabins. If you are not used to northwest weather, be sure to bring a sweatshirts and a coat just in case.  Layers are the key, it may be chilly outside but the buildings will still be warm.  Back to top ^

How should I dress?  COMFORTABLE!!  With most industry activities, Dressing for Success in professional attire is always preferred - not with this event.  We want you to come relaxed, ready to learn and not worry about what will ruin your fancy shoes, what make up you forgot or how much hairspray you put in your hair.  Bring your favorite jeans or sweats and some good sneakers or boots.  This camp is all rustic with unpaved paths through the grass and woods so you will not want to be walking around in flip flops or heels.    Back to top ^

How many are expected to attend? We have space for 100 to attend. We expect to have between 60-100.    Back to top ^

Will I be able to buy snacks or should I bring them?  We will have snack tables set up for those wanting to purchase snacks and drinks between meals.    Back to top ^

How will I know where everything is at the retreat?  Upon check in you will receive a customized folder that will include a camp map along with cabin assignments, name badges, class schedules and itineraries.   These folders will also be a place for you to put information and take notes during classes.    Back to top ^

Can I bring my husband or children?   No, we want you to get the most out of this experience to enhance your career and that is difficult to do if you are worried about entertaining your husband or children.  Back to top ^

How do I choose my roommates?  During registration there is link to "requested roommates."  If you already know some people you would like to share a cabin with you can enter it there.  At any time you can email info@nwnailtechs.com with more roommate preferences.  Cabins will sleep an average of 6 people, if you request just 3 people, expect to have 2 more in your cabin with you. People have moved around mid-weekend to room with different people as they make friends, that is perfectly fine.   Back to top ^

Will there be alcohol served?  Due to camp policy, no alcohol will be served.   Back to top ^

How are the meals served?   Meals are served in a large beautiful room overlooking the water at tables that seat 6-8.  They are served family style.  Salad bar is available for both lunch and dinner daily! Reviews of the camp say it has the best cook of any retreat center near Seattle and our past retreat attendees agree! Popular meals are Pub Burgers and Taco night!.   Back to top ^

What will be offered if I have a special diet?  Please let us know when you register if you are vegetarian, vegan, have gluten allergies, dairy allergies, and nut allergies.   The camp will help work to accommodate these diets and have been known to even cook special meals for those who need it.  Back to top

Is there a store close by?  Yes, within 5 minutes of Camp Burton is a group of small stores with necessities.   Back to top ^

Do I have to stay at the camp?  You do not have to stay at camp, however we can not make adjustments to the price if you want to try to find a hotel.  The price we pay includes meals and many other facility fees based on the number of attendees.  Back to top ^

Is bedding supplied or do I need to bring a sleeping bag?   We will have enough bedding for approximately 30 registered attendees and all educators.  If you are driving to the event, please bring your own sheets, blanket or a sleeping bag and pillow.  If you are flying and will NOT bringing your own bedding, please contact us using the link at the bottom of this page, or email info@nwnailtechs.com so we can be sure to reserve one of the bedding sets for you.   No, there is not an additional charge.  Back to top ^

What are the rooms like?  Take a look at the slideshow!  They show the cabins inside and out.  While they can sleep 10-12, we expect an average of 4-6 per cabin - you won't have to climb on a top bunk if you don't want to!  There is a bathroom, electricity and heat in all the cabins.  The camp is spread out and there may be a 3-5 minute walk from your cabin to a class room, bring umbrellas in case of rain.  Back to top ^

What are the shower facilities like?  Do I need to bring towels?  Each cabin has a shower, toilet and sink.  If you are bringing your own bedding, you will also need to bring your own towel.  Those flying in that are reserving a linen set will have a hand and body towel in their set.  Back to top ^

Are there televisions in the cabins?  No, there are no televisions at the retreat.  We will be showing movies projected at up to 12ft across on movie night.   Back to top ^

Is there Wi-Fi available on site?   The camp is not currently set up for wireless internet, if you have a hot spot device it would come in handy.  Cell phones work fine, and there is an internet cafe about 5 miles away as a last resort if you absolutely need to go do some internet work.  Back to top ^

Should I bring my products or will I be able to purchase any there?  Both.  Bring products for hands on classes, playing on each other and for competitions.  You will be able to purchase products during the trade show!  Back to top ^

What type of educators will be there?  Everything from marketing, licensing, sanitation, airbrush artists, gel and acrylic educators will all be joining us!  Check the educator page often, it will be updated throughout the summer as we receive confirmation from educators.  Back to top ^

What hands on classes and other seminars will be taught?  Toward the end of the summer we will post a class list that will show all the classes companies and educators have reserved.  Back to top ^

What do I bring to hands on classes?  We will have more information as the companies reserve their rooms and give us class descriptions.  The website will be updated each time we receive a confirmation.  Back to top ^

How do I get a model for competition?  Do I bring one or will there be volunteers?  If you know another nail tech coming to the event that is not competing ask her to be your model. The night before the competition at dinner we will announce who is looking for models and who will volunteer to see if we can pair you up.Back to top ^

What should we bring for competition?  Table lamp, gel lamp (if needed), towels, products, files, implements ect.    Back to top ^

Are there exercise facilities?  This is a rustic camp setting, it doesn't have a high tech work out room, sauna or fancy spa.  But it's an absolutely beautiful waterfront environment and you can go for a walk or jog around some stunning scenery.   Back to top ^

My question was not answered, how can I contact the organizers for help?  Click the "Contact Us" link at or email info@nwnailtechs.com.     Back to top ^