Participating in a trade show is a great way to build your brand, attract new wholesale accounts, connect with the press, and network with other makers. But it can also be intimidating for first time exhibitors. If you’re thinking about diving into trade shows, it’s good to walk one first to get a feel for what it’s like. Here are some upcoming shows worth checking out:
ICFF – May 15-18, New York City
National Stationary Show – May 16-19, New York City
Surtex – May 16-18, New York City
International Quilt Market – May 21-23, Minneapolis
NICHE: the Show – June 6-8, Las Vegas
Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market – July 14-21, Atlanta
These shows aren’t open to the public, so you’ll need to contact the show organizer and ask for a courtesy badge as a prospective exhibitor.
I’ll be checking out the New York and Atlanta shows, so you’ll see a full report here. If anyone is attending or exhibiting at these or any other upcoming shows and would like to do a guest post, please email me at megan(at)craftMBA.com. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
And if you’re thinking about doing a trade show but aren’t sure where to start, my ebook is full of resources and tips!
Don’t forget about ACRE (American Craft Retail Expo)! It’s in Vegas the same time as the new Niche show (June 5-7). Also, since this is the very first time for Niche: The Show, people who go to walk it should know that the show may change as it gets more established.
Tahmi – thanks for reminding us about ACRE!
I heard I’m going to be offered the job I invwtrieeed for in January. I won’t exhale in until all the paperwork is in and I’m at my new desk, but this is a big deal.I also gave a paper at the national conference in my field in the past week, and it was very well received. Major prayers answered.And congrats, APX!
Beckman’s West is also at the Cal Gift in the LA Mart July 16-19, 2010. Let me know if you want me to do a guest post. I think I sent you an email about it awhile back.
I’ll be doing Beckman’s Chicago, July 24-27. It’ll be interesting to compare notes to see how the Midwest vs. the West Coast venues are doing!
Well, Beckman’s West is just getting started again. So I’m sure that Chicago is much better, but I need a west coast show. Hoping that BW is on the up and up, as I’ve heard from several vendors. Have you done Beckman’s before Tahmi?
Nope, this will be the first time. I was thinking of doing NYGift this Aug, but the timing and expense just wasn’t working out for me. Beckman’s in Chicago is astonishingly affordable, and the artists I know who did it in Feb were happy with how it went. So, we’ll see!