Spargo Launches New Series of Fine Art and Craft Fairs in Virginia

September 30, 2020

Seeing a need to help artisans and craftspeople operating sole proprietorships and family businesses connect with buyers once again in a live retail environment, Fairfax, Va.-based event management firm Spargo is taking action. After a popular local craft festival, Sugarloaf, filed for bankruptcy in June, Spargo sprung into action, launching a series of Capital Craft Fairs.

“Witnessing the loss of Sugarloaf events, a local tradition for more than four decades, hit a nerve and at the same time presented an opportunity that we were poised to pursue”, said Susan Bracken, president and CEO of Spargo. ‘We look forward to making these live events a reality”.

Each year, Capital Craft Fairs will comprise three events: spring, fall and winter fairs. The inaugural fair kicks off Oct. 16-18 at Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Va. At least 130 artisans are booked to exhibit at the Fall Fair, and more than 150 are already expected for the Winter Fair, to take place at the same venue Dec. 4-6.

Operationally, Spargo is working closely with Dulles Expo Center and local health authorities to make the experience safe. Mandatory masks, larger aisles and booths, temperature checks, limited capacity and hand sanitization stations are all part of the safety plan. Ticket sales areas will be equipped to socially distance attendees and staff, and line monitors, social distance queuing and touchless ticket redemption will also be in place. 

Capital Craft Fair will be the fourth public event to take place at Dulles Expo Center since it re-opened in July.  

Artist mediums include:

Clothing/Textiles

Glass

Jewelry

Leather

Metal

Mixed Media

Painting and Prints

Photography

Pottery/Clay

Printmaking

Specialty Foods

Wood

Learn more about Capital Craft Fairs here.

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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.