Craft Focus - Feb/Mar 2020 (Issue 77)

114 Ask the experts How can joining an association like AF CI help my craft business? AFCI has cultivated a global community where members can help one another succeed in business and grow a consumer base that is excited about crafting. In many ways, AFCI is the lynchpin for the industry, bringing together a diverse set of voices and perspectives. The association works with its members to promote their businesses and enables them to stay current on the latest trends, products and innovative ideas. From manufacturers to influencers, AFCI seeks to leverage the strength of its membership and passion for the industry to reach its vision of a creator in every home. Over the next two to three years, we have set an ambitious agenda to grow existing benefits and add new incentives for different types of members. We also intend to provide more meaningful volunteer opportunities to promote and strengthen the industry. Our experts answer your craft and retail dilemmas DOMINIC FLEMING Crafters’ World Dominic Fleming is organiser of Crafter’s World, a new trade show taking place at Ricoh Arena in Coventry from 6 th -7 th September 2020. craftersworldshow.co.uk The craft industry has changed enormously in recent years – are trade shows still relevant? Trade shows have been a focal point in the calendar for most B2B industries for decades. Before we were all connected via the internet, these events were crucial in bringing suppliers and buyers together to meet, discuss and do business. However, just as the retail landscape has been changed by the online experience, so have the core reasons for attending trade shows – buying, selling and even just chatting are now done instantly using digital technology. This does not mean that exhibitions have become irrelevant, however. Whilst we can buy and sell quickly and conveniently online, there is only a small chance of building long term partnerships via this medium. For businesses, this is very important when larger orders are on the line and you are looking to negotiate the best deal. Digital marketing and e-commerce are weak when it comes to human interaction, building long- lasting relationships and trying out products. Learning how to sell new items, seeking out trends and discovering innovative start-ups are what make trade shows highly important in any industry. However, like every other business, these events must adapt to stay relevant in the new digital environment. PETER FINN Association for Creative Industries Peter Finn is executive director of AFCI, the Association for Creative Industries. creativeindustries.org What can we learn from Pantone’s C olour of the Year for 2020, C lassic Blue? This colour is said to offer stability and a connection with the world around us. It reminds us of the sky at dusk and is both reassuring and thought provoking, reaffirming our place within nature as we move into the next decade. How will these ideas be reflected in fabrics and craft? We can expect to see plenty of designs inspired by flora and fauna, as well as walks in the countryside. Wildflowers will be prominent and the latest popular animal in print is the hedgehog. Themes of healthy lifestyles, wellbeing and connecting with nature will all be popular. There will be a mashup of iconic trends from the past, including 1970s designs and colours. Ochre was everywhere in this decade, so expect to see it coming through in many places. Design groups including Ikat Love Birds, Fern Geo and Retro Furniture are all proving popular with customers. DANI PHILLIPS Dani is managing director of Visage Textiles and The Craft Cotton Company, suppliers of innovative speciality fabrics. visagetextiles.com craftcotton.com