I’m back in full force after a week-long trip to Anaheim, California, for the annual CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) trade show. It’s a ton of fun but also very intensive time, with appointments and meetings and classes and seminars on everything from running a craft business to the newest creative techniques.
Okay, it is as awesome as it sounds—what can I say, I love my work!
My official badge. I was a speaker at two presentations, and one of the many attendees from outside the US!
It’s always such fun to walk up and see the big welcome sign on the convention center.
The first day is all about education, with seminars and business training and workshops. My head is always full of new info—and of course, the fun of seeing colleagues.
That night, CHA Designer Members were invited to a special sneak preview of the show floor. Who can pass that up? It’s the opportunity to network and get a closer look at some product demonstrations before the crowds get to the show floor. And maybe a chance to look more closely at items outside of your usual zone.
For example, Marisa Pawelko—the Modern Surrealist—was demonstrating her very cool adhesive rhinestone sheets. I am so not a bling kind of girl but she had me totally ready to make cuff bracelets and journal covers with that skull sheet. I love seeing product that’s not my usual style, and talking with someone who can inspire me to think of ways to incorporate it into my niche area.
The next morning it’s the the start of the show, with a keynote address delivered by Rachel Shechtman, easily the coolest entrepreneur around. If you live anywhere even remotely close to New York, you’ve got to check out her retail store/gallery/magazine, Story. It’s “a retail concept that takes the point of view of a magazine, changes like a gallery and sells things like a store”. It sounds like heaven and I’d go in a nanosecond if there wasn’t this pesky puddle between us.
Then, the show floor officially opens—
I love seeing such a big crowd! 🙂
Onto the show floor to see what’s new, to catch up with the companies I work with most and make new connections. First on my list was Elizabeth Craft Designs to see the newest dies and talk Shimmer Sheetz techniques. (Since I had an article on them due as soon as I got back home.)
And the folks at WOW Embossing Powders, to see the latest and get inspired by their latest releases and demos—
Part of the fun of the show is the chance to chat with other industry designers. We’re so lucky to have so many really fantastic, innovative and inspiring people in our business.
The talented Lisa Fulmer, who was doing book signings for her latest titles. Lisa is a fantastic designer and a simply lovely person to talk with. (Plus, her book makes craft foam seriously stylish.)
The next day I had a special early-morning look at the latest from Ranger.
I gave two business seminar presentations at the show. One on Strategic Planning and another on How to Get Published in Magazines. I’m super nervous before each one but they always end up being a lot of fun and a great way to connect with other industry people. But I am *glad* they’re done!
The last day, I taught two workshops for Clearsnap. They’re one of my favorite companies to work with and I love sharing inky fun with their retailers.
Then back to the hotel for a last night in California before I head back home (a mere 19 hours!) to Poland.
Yes, it’s a big trip and a lot of work (with a double dose of jet-lag you wouldn’t believe)—but totally worth it for such fun and such a great opportunity to reconnect with the industry. I am constantly impressed by the talented, passionate and truly kind-hearted people working their tails off in this industry. We are so lucky!
Can’t wait for next year!
I think you had a great time. Wow, it must be fantastic to be at this big show!
Thank you for a glimpse of the CHA people and products. Would love to go myself some day.