Spring Fair, returning to the NEC Birmingham 1-4 February 2026, is set to deliver its most globally diverse edition yet, as the show experiences an unprecedented surge in international exhibitors and pavilion participation. Brands and trade associations from Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia are confirming in record numbers, reflecting renewed confidence in the UK market and Spring Fair's position as the premier destination for product discovery. From design-led collections to large-scale sourcing opportunities, this expanding global presence will bring fresh innovation, new partnerships, and wider product choice to the thousands of retailers who rely on Spring Fair to shape their buying season.
Posted: 15 December 2025
Koelnmesse Inc. has announced a planned leadership transition that strengthens long-term stability while preserving the trusted guidance exhibitors have come to rely on for h+h americas and the Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival (FFCF). Effective January 1st, 2026, Darrin Stern will assume the role of President and Managing Director of Koelnmesse Inc., succeeding Mette Petersen, who will retire on June 30, 2026 after 22 years of distinguished service.
Posted: 12 December 2025
Figured'Art is making its first appearance at Scotland's Trade Fair, and cannot wait to welcome retailers and stockists to Stand C21 at the Glasgow SEC, 18–20 January 2026. See brand-new product ranges for 2026, explore beautifully packaged craft kits perfect for gifting, and discover opportunities to grow your craft and gift category with a brand that is capturing attention across the UK. The team will be on hand to discuss trade options, share insights, and help you plan your next successful season.
Posted: 11 December 2025
Spring Fair, the UK's definitive showcase for Home, Gift and Fashion, returning to the NEC Birmingham from 1–4 February 2026, has unveiled its most ambitious and experience-led content programme to date, designed to deliver meaningful, value-driven insights and the topics at the heart of retail.
Under its bold new creative direction Retail Alchemists – Masters of the Mix, the 2026 programme brings together the industry's most influential voices across five stages, with a line-up curated around the themes shaping the future of retail:
From retail strategists and trend forecasters to designers, founders, innovators and cultural commentators, Spring Fair's speaker programme blends practical masterclasses with future-thinking debate, giving buyers the tools, knowledge and connections to thrive in 2026 and beyond.
Posted: 7 December 2025
Regional manufacturers and traders at Paperworld Middle East, have highlighted how the Middle East's expanding paper and packaging industry is driving localisation, strengthening supply chains, and enhancing the region's export competitiveness. Held as part of the event's Hub Forum, the panel discussion titled "Made in MENA: Connecting Paper Manufacturers, Traders & Packaging Leaders for Regional Growth" brought together key industry figures including Parv Sondhi, Founder and Managing Partner of P Square; Fadi Baaklini, Chairman and Founder of MEPCO Gulf Commodities; Ali Haider, CEO of Capital Envelopes; and Hitendra Daherikar, Sales Team Lead at Kaagaz Trading.
Posted: 27 November 2025
Glee is set to return to Spring Fair in February 2026 for the first time in six years, taking advantage of Spring Fair's unparalleled scale, cross-category audience and influential position in the early retail calendar.
Hosted within the UK's most comprehensive sourcing event, the Glee at Spring Fair concession show will strengthen Spring Fair's garden and outdoor offering bringing the very best in garden, outdoor living, decorative accessories and leisure to the NEC Birmingham - this time with a refreshed and carefully curated format designed to meet the evolving needs of the garden retail sector. The decision to bring Glee back to Spring Fair follows a period of exceptional growth for both events.
Posted: 26 November 2025
Explore the heart of the handmade industry through this exclusive digital edition, now available as a free download from the all-new merch store: shop.handicraft-worldwide.com .Packed with inspiration, innovation, and community stories, the Lookbook captures everything that makes h+h americas the premier craft industry event in North America. Flip through 80+ pages of highlights from our 2025 show in Rosemont, IL—including the Creator Summit, Fashion Show, Golden Scissors Awards, and Cosplay Competition, plus features from top brands such as Brother, Riley Blake Designs, Shannon Fabrics, Círculo, and more.
Posted: 20 November 2025
As the global paper products market is projected to reach US$281.23 billion by 2030, trade show Paperworld Middle East and co-located event Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 11th to 13th November, will present a dynamic new product showcase, host engaging thought-leadership sessions and deliver enhanced visitor experiences. Here's what you need to know!
Posted: 30 October 2025
The UK's definitive showcase for Home, Gift, and Fashion, Spring Fair 2026 returns to the NEC Birmingham from 1st – 4th February, and registration is now officially open for buyers. Visitors can expect a series of immersive, sensory, and beautifully designed new feature spaces that reimagine what trade shows can be, as well as an immense line-up of the most sought-after brands.
Posted: 27 October 2025
The BTHA is pleased to announce that two special awards have been presented to long-serving toy retailers Vernon Franklin, who received a BTHA Golden Teddy and Philip Kaye, who received a BTHA Special Recognition Award. The awards were presented by Toymaster Managing Director Yogi Parmar, on behalf of the BTHA during a recent Toymaster regional event. With a combined length of service to the toy industry of more than 120 years, both were commended on their dedicated service to the industry through toy retail, commitment to their customers, trustworthiness within their companies and their humility.
Posted: 9 October 2025