Craft Focus - October/November (Issue 75)

25 SHOWS AND EVENTS Shows, news & events This season’s most unmissable events  DIARY DATES Creativation 16 th -20 th January 2020 Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, Arizona creativationshow.org Creativeworld & Paperworld 25 th -28 th January 2020 Frankfurt Am Main creativeworld. messefrankfurt.com paperworld.messe frankfurt.com CHSI Stitches 16 th -18 th February 2020 NEC Birmingham chsi.co.uk CHSI STITCHES 2020 PROMISES A GLOBAL REACH CHSI Stitches 2020 promises visitors an international showcase of craft and hobby supplies, with companies from across the globe already booking space. Exhibitors at the February event will be travelling from as far afield as the US, Germany, Netherlands, France, Finland, Russia, Lithuania and India. “We are acutely aware of the need for the UK’s craft industry to be strengthening its links with international markets,” says Simon Burns, managing director at ICHF. “We are proud to be a global show attracting both exhibitors and buyers from across the world. The developments that continue to be rolled out, including our exclusive research on the UK’s craft industry, drive this further forward.” As part of the event’s continued development, a programme of refreshed and new features has been underway for the last two years and will continue to evolve at the 2020 event. Returning highlights will include The Craft Report, and the show will fill the NEC’s Hall 12 with one main entry point. The entrance will have a fresh new look, with a ‘Trending Now’ area to showcase the latest products, giving buyers a taste of what’s inside. There will also be a catwalk show, a dedicated Bright Sparks area for new designers and more than 200 key exhibitors from across the world. The show will run from 16 th -18 th February 2020. Visit chsi.co.uk for details. Toy Fair’s newcomer area is sold out for 2020 Greenhouse, Toy Fair’s area for new companies is already sold out for the 2020 show. The section is dedicated to start-ups looking to cement their place in the industry, giving smaller businesses space in the main hall alongside well-known brands including Lego, Character Options, Asmodee UK, Tomy, Bandai, Vivid Toy Group, Orchard Toys and Vtech. The prime location provides an opportunity to network with industry leaders and meet with top retailers and licensors. In previous years, the Greenhouse area has proven to be a launchpad for well-known companies like Eduk8 Worldwide, Elf on the Shelf, Insect Lore and Big Jigs, all of which have now moved to the show’s main floor. In 2018, the space was increased to 80 square metres and now houses a mix of new and returning exhibitors. Companies set to showcase products in 2020 include WOW Toys, Green Bean Collection, Risk & Rewards, Jumini, Rainbow Eco Products and Paper Engine Ltd. “I love the Greenhouse area as it showcases new releases and has a real community feel,” says Rachel Lowe of Rachel Lowe Games and Puzzles. “As a creator of mostly licensed products, I have new launches at every show, so this is a perfect location.” Toy Fair 2020 will take place at Olympia, London, from 21 st - 23 rd January. Call +44 (0)20 7701 7127 or visit toyfair.co.uk for details.