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.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.