Craft & Hobby Association's Winter Show Opens Exhibit Floor to Nonmembers
October 31, 2011
For the first time, the Craft & Hobby Association is opening up its Winter Conference & Trade Show to exhibitors who are not members of the organization.
The strategy behind the decision, according to CHA officials, is to be aligned with the show’s renewed focus on the power of building a creative community and commitment to serving the entire industry.
By allowing nonmembers to exhibit at the show, Jan. 29-Feb. 1 at the Anaheim Convention Center, CHA is inviting the entire industry to participate in and experience the craft and hobby community first-hand and participate in the hobby industry’s largest event of the year.
"A challenging economy and increasing competition both domestically and internationally have caused many organizations to pull back and focus on their core business function," said Tony Lee, acting president and CEO of CHA.
He added, "The risk in this mindset is the missed opportunities to open and diversify the craft industry. By focusing on inclusion, CHA believes we can share the benefits of the Show with the broader crafting community and as a result the entire industry, CHA and our members will all benefit."
Last year, the winter show was revamped in several ways to boost attendee and exhibitor attendance, including a flat fee to attend events instead of paying ala carte.
The event also was held in the city of Los Angeles for the first time in its 70-year history before it switched back to its long-time home in Anaheim for this year’s event.
This 2012 show will debut new features, including a new experts program, a matchmaking program and an appointment-scheduling tool.
In addition, the show will utilize the latest technology to support a new exhibitor invitation program that makes inviting the right buyers easy using smart phone applications.
To shine more of a light on its educational offerings, the association changed the name of the show last year from the CHA Convention & Trade Show to the CHA Conference & Trade Show.
This year’s conference begins Jan. 28 and will offer sessions for the crafting community to develop new skills, gain knowledge and share best practices and lessons learned with other attendees through workshops, seminars, demo-nars and special events, according to show officials.
Last year’s winter show saw tremendous growth in the number of exhibitors and showfloor space and, as a result of changes made to spur the increases it is nominated for the inaugural TSNN “Best of Show” award. The winner of this award will be announced during the 2nd Annual TSNN Event Excellence Awards Nov. 4-6 in Washington, D.C.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
Add new comment