Craft Focus - Feb/Mar 2020 (Issue 77)

40 information and industry insight. Visitors can attend CHSI Stitches and get vital knowledge, free of charge, from key industry speakers on the latest market intelligence and business ideas. The show has been running for more than four decades – what makes it stand out from other trade events? The interactive show experience is often mentioned by visitors and exhibitors. The chance to see, touch and understand products and talk to the people behind the trends is invaluable to many retailers and something only a trade show like Stitches can deliver. The atmosphere is always sales-focused. How do you think the UK’s craft industry has performed over the past 12 months? The craft sector is vibrant and resilient; even in challenging times it continues to move forward with product development and innovation. Our own Craft Report will give an industry health check to visitors at the show in February, but it seems to be riding the ups and downs of the wider economy. The show is always optimistic, with exhibitors looking ahead and retailers keen to find fresh ways to reach new crafters and keep loyal customers. Do you have any tips for visitors? Pre-register for free entry and use our meeting planner tool to make connections and set up meetings with exhibitors matching your product interests. Spending a bit of time planning your visit will pay dividends on the day and help you stay focused. It’s very easy to go into ‘magpie mode’ at the show, with so many shiny new products on display. That said, do make sure you build in a good chunk of time for browsing and be open to new ideas and lines. We’ve got all the exhibitor details on our website, so go with your head first and note down the must-sees for your business. Plan stand visits around the education opportunities which are right for your company. It hopefully goes without saying that everyone should make time to hear the results of The Craft Report, which will be presented each day of the show. Parking is free, so you needn’t worry about clock- watching and can immerse yourself in the world of Stitches. How can exhibitors get the most out of the show? Investing in your stand is a must. This doesn’t necessarily mean the biggest space – a small but cleverly laid out area can have great impact. Demos and hands-on activities always help to draw people in, both to discover a product but also to pick up sales techniques and acquire skills to use in-store. Make sure you and your team get regular breaks, so you feel refreshed and energised for your customers. We all know that trade shows can be tiring, so looking after yourself is a must. Finally – smile! Our exhibitors are very good at this. The creative craft industry is a friendly community, and this is clear at Stitches – it’s a great atmosphere. On a personal note, what are you most looking forward to? For me, CHSI Stitches is a chance to catch up with colleagues and friends in the industry and see a year of hard work come to fruition with a show we are very proud of. The three days fly by in a whirl of meetings and in-depth conversations and I look forward to it every year! CHSI.CO.UK