Craft Focus - Dec/Jan (Issue 70)

craft focus 7 industry news Latest news from the crafting industry industry news NEW MEETING PLANNER FOR CHSI STITCHES ICHF Events is introducing an innovative new meeting planner to help people connect during CHSI Stitches. The smart tool will allow pre-registered attendees to request and schedule meetings based around mutual interests, and exhibitors will be given an opportunity to select the product categories that are relevant to their business. When visitors register, they will also be able to select the areas they are most interested in. A ‘match’ is then made and meetings can be requested. The new system will launch six weeks before the show’s opening day. “The show attracts thousands of visitors each year and we felt there was an opportunity here to use technology to connect people in advance, saving time and creating efficiencies during the event,” says Jordana Johnson, marketing manager at ICHF. “We’re really excited to be launching the tool for 2019. For us it was essential that people can connect based on mutual interests so that meaningful and productive meetings can take place. Exhibitors and visitors that carefully select categories most aligned to their business activities will benefit the most.” CHSI Stitches has been at the heart of the craft industry for more than 40 years. The trade event features workshops and seminars, a catwalk show, product showcase and The Next Big Thing for new designers and creative companies. It takes place from 17 th -19 th February at NEC, Birmingham. Go to chsi.co.uk to register. FRESH INSPIRATION PROMISED AT TOP DRAWER SPRING/SUMMER Buyers and retailers looking to create a striking handmade edit for their customers can find original designs handcrafted with passion and skill at Top Drawer’s Craft segment in January. A range of leading contemporary makers will be on hand with items ranging from the decorative to the functional. Highlights will include Jane James Ceramics, drawing inspiration from the stunning Jersey coastline and Annie Neill, who will showcase her range of handmade scarves and accessories. Belgian brand Lore Segers Jewels will make its debut at the event, displaying minimalist, geometrical statement jewellery with an architectural edge. The show will take place at Olympia London from 13 th -15 th January 2019 and will present more than 1500 design-led brands across nine curated lifestyle sectors. For information and show news, visit topdrawer.co.uk HANTEX TO LAUNCH FABRIC SAMPLE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE Creative sewing specialist Hantex is to launch a new fabric subscription service, providing its customers with the chance to receive samples of future ranges from the likes of Art Gallery Fabrics, Cloud 9 Fabrics and Monaluna. Hantex customers will be offered a year’s sample charm pack, which includes approximately 36 ranges each year. Swatches will be sent out between two and four weeks before general stock arrives at the company’s warehouse. The new service offers an innovative way to evaluate fabrics before ordering, and many lines are available for up to three years. Samples are a usable 13cm (5”). For more information, call +44 (0)1754 820 800 or go to hantex.co.uk