Crafting Connections: Reflections on H+H America's Trade Show

Where do you find a crocheting Mixed Martial Arts Fighter, a Cosplay display, and a curious collaborative crafting crowd? At the H+H America's show in Rosemont!

We had the incredible opportunity to attend our first trade show as a media partner since taking over the magazine last year. Like many of you who prepare for craft fairs and trade shows, there was that last-minute scramble to get everything ready. The flurry of setting up and hoping for success. Our primary goals for the show were research and connection, as we aimed to meet others in the handmade industry. This first year of owning the publication has been challenging. Starting with few industry connections, it sometimes felt like being on an island. Can you relate to this feeling in your business?

The H+H Americas show, now in its second year and produced in collaboration with Craft Industry Alliance, is in growth mode and exudes a wonderful vibe. We encountered many friendly people, including fellow introverts like myself. One of the most powerful aspects of the show for us was the collaborations and active problem-solving. Over the three days, we shared several dilemmas in our business with people from across the industry. The amount of ideas, solutions, and approaches we received was staggering. We also listened to common small business problems, which are shaping the future content of our magazine. The remarkable feedback we received on our sample prints of the magazine has motivated us to explore the possibility of offering a print subscription.

The show also provided an excellent platform to showcase the incredible talents of industry professionals. The cosplay exhibit was nothing short of amazing, inspiring us with the creativity and craftsmanship of others. It was a wonderful representation of the diverse companies and artisans present.

As they say, variety is the spice of life, and Maurice Greene brought the spice! Known as the crochet boss, he is not only a Mixed Martial Arts Fighter but also a skilled crocheter. He shared his unique perspective on how he got into crocheting during downtime between fights and the curiosity it sparks in others when they see him crocheting.

Throughout the conference, there were numerous educational sessions and a learning lab where attendees could try out new skills in structured sessions. We attended a session on Sustainability Challenges and Opportunities for Craft businesses, which discussed sustainability issues across the supply chain, starting at the farm level. We also participated in a session on Sizing inclusivity in pattern design, where we delved into the complexity of the problem. And after an enlightening conversation with Junction Fiber Mill in Vermont, we couldn't help but think about the possibility of buying and relocating a woolen mill. Even though our calendar for 2024 is already filling up, we find ourselves contemplating how to squeeze in one of their Vermont Fiber Retreats just to visit and learn. We learned about new and innovative products. The vibrancy of small businesses was on full display at the show, and the joy on the show floor was palpable.

The work we do as small business owners can be challenging. The nature of small businesses entails numerous ups and downs. Having a supportive network to collaborate and uplift you is crucial. Consider where you can build relationships with others who understand your business challenges. We know it's difficult to carve out time and justify the budget for events like these. There always seems to be something more pressing. However, when you're in it for the long haul to build a successful business, starting sooner rather than later might be the key to unlocking growth and opportunity.

The H+H America’s conference will be back again next year in Rosemont, IL. Mark your calendar for May 1st-3rd, 2024.  We invite you to join us there next year to invest in yourself, improve your business and source new products and ideas.

Normally here you would see a paywall, and below that paywall you can click through from one article to the next for the magazine to make it easy to read on your phone. This particular magazine is open as a free sample, so you can see how it works for subscribers.

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