CHA-Summer is only 77 days away! It will be here before we know it! Here’s all of the latest planning news for the show:
CHA Optimistic About Consumer Show Success
In July CHA will be holding the first-ever CHA Supershow consumer event in conjunction with the annual summer trade show in Orlando. Based on exhibitor participation so far, CHA is very optimistic about the consumer show concept.
An impressive slate of crafting celebrities, virtually guaranteed to draw consumer crowds, are signed on to appear at the show:
- Mary Engelbreit
- Donna Dewberry
- Terri O.
- Jo Pearson for Michael’s
- “Crafty Chica” Kathy Cano-Murillo
With more than 20,000 net square feet of exhibitor space already filled, CHA has been forced to increase their preliminary projections for the show.
“We feel really good about the number of confirmed exhibitors at the Craft SuperShow,” said Steve Berger, CHA CEO. “With over 20,000 square feet already sold we are confident that this will be a great first-run event. Current momentum combined with companies that will continue to sign-up over the next few months leads us to believe that we are definitely on to something great.”
For general information on the CHA Supershow, consumers and exhibitors can visit the show website. Tickets are $10 for one day, or $14 for a two day pass.
If you are a business interested in getting information about admission discounts, exhibits and sponsorships, contact Keri Cunningham, CHA Marketing Manager at 201.835.1229 or via email at kcunningham@craftandhobby.org
Etsy CEO to Keynote at CHA’s Orlando Show
Maria Thomas, CEO of the online crafts marketplace Etsy, will deliver a keynote address at CHA-Summer in Orlando entitled A New Wave of Consumer Connection: The Etsy Business Model. The event is Tuesday morning, July 28th, in room W307 from 7:30am-8:45am. Tickets are $10 for CHA members and $20 for non-members.
Thomas was named one of Business Week’s top 25 most influential people on the web and lead Etsy to $87.5 million in gross sales in 2008. Her keynote will focus on CHA’s show theme of connecting with customers. Etsy has 2.1 million customer/members. She’ll share her expertise on topics such as:
- How to create a strong relationship with consumers through brand messaging
- Why it’s critical to connect to customers through what matters most to them
- How to use social media strategically to grow your business
“We are excited to bring Maria to the Summer Show to demonstrate the possibilities associated with creating meaningful relationships with your customers, “said Steve Berger, CEO, CHA. “Maria will undoubtedly share some new media strategies that will help unlock sales growth related to viral marketing, technical innovation and strategic branding that Etsy has become famous for.”
Workshop Application Deadline Extended
The deadline to apply to sponsor a workshop using your company’s products at CHA has been extended until June 1st. Applications are available on the show’s website or contact Avery Dykman, CHA Education Meeting Planner, at adykman@chashow.org
New VP of Finance for CHA
CHA has appointed Natalie Cohn as its new VP of Finance and Administration. Cohn was previously VP of Merchant Services Business Development at American Express. The Certified Public Accountant brings over 25 years of financial industry experience to her new position at CHA. In addition to her financial role, Cohn will also be overseeing the technical systems and human resources at CHA.
“I am very pleased to welcome Natalie to CHA,” explained Steve Berger, Chief Executive Officer of the Craft & Hobby Association. “Natalie’s proven ability to drive business growth, identify improvement opportunities combined with her strong leadership, team-building, and communication skills will be an asset to CHA and the
entire industry.”
About Nancy Nally
All your CHA prep posts are making it very tempting. Trying to make the trip happen for me.