Craft Focus - Feb/Mar 2020 (Issue 77)

32 CHSI STITCHES RETURNS FOR 42 ND YEAR Buyers will be flocking to Birmingham’s NEC this February for the 2020 edition of CHSI Stitches. Taking place from 16th-18th February, the show promises a full programme of events, including the results of the latest Craft Report, which will focus on the health and future of the industry. More than 300 exhibitors are expected, with a raft of new launches and craft products. The rebranded Trending Now area will showcase some of the most exciting new releases, while the show’s Catwalk will feature garments and accessories created from products on display at the event. The Craft Focus team will also be attending. Catch up with us on stand G17 and sign up for a free copy of this magazine and others in the KD Media portfolio. Find out more at chsi.co.uk or turn to page 37 for our full show preview. Crafter’s World preparations gather pace Interest is growing in Crafters’ World, a new trade show set to launch later this year. The event will take place at Ricoh Arena in Coventry on 6th and 7 th September. Promising a strictly vetted trade audience, visitors can expect a carefully selected range of craft suppliers together with workshops, demonstrations and presentations. With a fresh approach, the event will focus heavily on costs, resulting in a good return on investment for exhibitors. “The show will be a complete break from all that has gone before – a new venue, a different time of year, a shorter duration, a vetted audience and an education-led experience with greater return on investment for exhibitors,” explains organiser Dominic Fleming. “Targeted trade shows in retail are doing very well in the UK. These events face the same high street and digital challenges as the UK’s creative craft market and have evolved to work with this changed environment.” Go to craftersworldshow.co.uk for details. DEADLINE PASSES FOR LAUNCHPAD 2020 London Stationery Show is the UK’s only trade event dedicated to writing and paper products. The annual exhibition attracts the biggest retailers, brands and influential buyers in the stationery sector. The show will include the LaunchPad 2020 competition, offering winners a chance to display their products alongside top brands. Entrants were asked to put their idea and a product sample forward to be in with a chance of winning an exhibition stand at the 2020 show, which takes place from 21st-22nd April at the Business Design Centre. Entries closed on 27th January. The competition will be judged by leading names and retailers who will look for products that will grab the attention of retail buyers and stationery fans. The year 2020 marks London Stationery Show’s 10th birthday and LaunchPad winners will receive a free display space at the show, a listing on the show’s website and in the official guide. All winners receive fantastic exposure to the UK’s leading retailers and suppliers, as well as free PR and marketing support from the show team. Bristol based sustainable stationery company VENT for Change, which was a winner in 2019, is returning as a fully-fledged exhibitor in 2020. Other notable successes include Clipmatic, Paper Mirchi, Back Pocket Notebook, Peace & Blessings and Treewise Pencils. Keep up with show developments at stationeryshowlondon.co.uk