Craft Focus - Page number 18 - June/July 2021 (Issue 85)

18 Finally face to face: CHSI Stitches returns CHSI Stitches makes a much-anticipated return to the NEC, Birmingham on 5 th -6 th September following the lockdowns, providing craft businesses with their first opportunity for face-to- face contact with buyers in 18 months. The show has been redesigned following industry feedback and the theme for 2021 will be ‘Capitalising on Change’. A brand-new two-day format will deliver valuable content and experiences to key industry buyers and connect them with the industry’s leading brands and products. The content has been curated to reinvigorate the show, attract buyers and provide the industry with the inspiration that has been missing in the last 18 months. Steve Mitchell, event director, ICHF Events said: “The pandemic has been challenging for us all in different ways. What we want to focus on is how the industry can respond to changes in people’s lifestyle habits, hobbies and interests as a result. Creative crafts have seen a boom during the lockdowns, as we have seen through our digital live consumer events, this is very fertile ground for the industry and those face-to-face connections between brands and buyers has never been more vital.” What we know so far Further details will be announced in the coming months, however, features confirmed to date include: • The Craft Report – Capitalising on Change. This report will get straight to the heart of the current craft market, delivering valuable data on latest spending behaviour, and consumer insight, paired with advice on capitalising on these changes. If you make it to one presentation, make it this one. • Insights Hub – expect the highest profile speaker line up to date. • Networking events from the Craft Network – forget Zoom, catch up on those all-important face-to-face chats here. • The largest selection of brand-new products under one roof. There’s no substitute for getting hands-on with the products. • Workshops – connecting buyers to products in the best way possible – with real-time, real-life workshops. • Brand new virtual catwalk – a new take on the traditional catwalk with opportunities for craft businesses to get involved. All details correct of at time of going to press. For further information, visit www.chsi.co.uk London Stationery Show gets ready for October show London Stationery Show, the UK’s only trade show dedicated to writing and paper products, is running from 5 th -6 th October in 2021. As well as bringing together all the biggest brands in stationery and gifts this autumn, the team are thrilled at the prospect of uniting suppliers and buyers after what has been a turbulent time all round. “We’re very much looking forward to bringing the industry together for the first time in over two years” said event director, Alex Butler. “It’s been a challenging time for everyone, but as much as we’ve all adapted to a new digital world, the pandemic really has highlighted the importance of seeing and feeling products in person before buying. We know our audience have missed those chance findings - stumbling across an amazing product that you didn’t know you were looking for- that only happen at exhibitions. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the Business Design Centre this autumn.” For more information and to register visit the show website: www.stationeryshow.co.uk