Craft Focus - Feb/Mar 2020 (Issue 77)

39 INTERVIEW Talking shop What can we expect from CHSI Stitches in 2020? To make sure every day spent at Stitches offers the best possible use of visitors’ time, we have tailored the content of each day to fit the profile of attendees. Sunday 16 th February will focus on independent retailers, with seminars and workshops designed to meet the challenges facing the craft sector. Monday 17 th February is for multiple retailers, while Tuesday 18 th February will feature content that will be of value to designers. Of course, everyone is welcome on each day, but visitors should head to our website to check out the seminar and workshop lists to see which day best suits their requirements. Are there any features for this year? We have several new initiatives for the show. We are working with exhibitors to create a brand-new Papercraft Zone, focusing buyers’ attentions on the new products, opportunities and innovations within this sector. The segment will host a separate workshop area dedicated to papercrafts, with each exhibitor bringing something new to the market. We will be working with AFCI on two new projects. Firstly, we are hosting our own craft industry version of Dragons’ Den – Creative Dragons. Any visitor with a business or product idea can apply for a private 10-minute slot with a team of dragons who will give expert advice and feedback. It really is a great opportunity to receive guidance from professionals with years of experience and knowledge. Slots are very limited, so anyone who is keen to apply should email info@chsi.co.uk or check our website for a full line-up of dragons and timeslots. Finally, Craig De Souza, CEO of AFCI will be offering visitors and exhibitors free consultations in the new Creative Business Hub. Craig is available for bookable sessions throughout the show. The Craft Report has become one of the show’s defining features – will there be any changes to the format? For the 2020 report, we have developed new lines of research based on feedback from exhibitors and visitors. Themes to be covered in greater depth will include environmental concerns, world trends, sources of customer inspiration, the power of influencers, the importance of innovation, wellbeing and the new generation of crafters. Overall trends will be at the heart of the report, but to continue to inspire exhibitors and visitors alike, we are extending the research to drill deeper and monitor changes over the last 12 months. Stitches is where many of the craft industry’s trends are debuted – what do you think we’ll be seeing in 2020? We are privy to the new product plans of many of our exhibitors and while I can’t give too much away, we can expect a lot of launches this year. Key players in the craft industry choose to unveil their latest collections at CHSI, so expect new yarns and fabrics, gift lines and innovations for papercrafters. We have also developed a curated new product area on the CHSI website giving a sneak preview to visitors. We’ve seen enormous changes in the retail landscape over the past few years – how has the show adapted to stay relevant? We are always working on new ways to keep up with the fast pace of change for retailers. Our focus is to provide a platform for face-to-face marketing, offering a chance for the industry to meet and do business. We also provide a hub for knowledge, sharing ideas, product Simon Burns, managing director of ICHF Events, reveals what’s coming up at CHSI Stitches this February 