CCHA is excited to announce support for our affiliate organization,

the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA)
who are hosting a Spring 2012 event in Canada.

This event will be held May 14 & 15, 2012 at the Palomino Ballroom at the Calgary Stampede Grounds, Calgary, Alberta Canada.

Over the past year CHA has hosted two intimate regional craft specific trade events in Ontario, Canada. These events have been well received and now these events are growing into a two day program in Western Canada.  It is anticipated that a similar 2 day program will be repeated in Ontario in the fall of 2012.

Exhibitors

This show is dedicated and open to exhibitors who supply, distribute or service all aspects of sewing including fashion, home décor and quilting, along with fibre for knitting, crochet and mixed media. Exhibit space will be open to Canadian exhibitors starting December 1, 2011 and then open to International Exhibitors starting January 28, 2012. For Exhibitor registration application forms click here or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Floor Plan can be downloaded here

Exhibitor Interactive Programming

Events in Canada have highlighted the need for increased interaction between attendee and exhibitors to facilitate greater product education, hands on training and marketing resources. These activities will lead to stronger relationships and networking.  One of the big advantages of the intimate nature of these shows is that they allow exhibitors more time with each attendee. Therefore CHA is requesting that each exhibitor prepare an activity, training segment, guest designer or marketing strategy to share with attendees during the course of the trade exhibition. Training and showcase areas will be made available on the show floor at no extra cost to facilitate larger activities, but must be booked in advance. The vision of this interactive programming foresees attendees spending a minimum of 15 – 30 minutes in each booth, not just reviewing and ordering new products but engaging in activities that ignite and inspire the passion for the industry or improving business knowledge. Exhibitors may charge a small fee if necessary to cover costs.

Show set up:

Monday May 14, 2012 from 7.30am – 12.45pm

Show hours:

Monday May 14, 2012:  1pm – 6pm

Tuesday May 15, 2012: 10am – 4pm

Attendees

Attendees are expected from Western Canada and also open to any qualified buyer from across Canada. Attendees will be primarily from independent retail stores, designers, media and qualified educators. Chain retailers are invited; however, please note there are only a few chain stores within this market in Canada. Post secondary students from qualified related sewing/fashion programs will also be invited to attend in the afternoon of May 15. It is anticipated that 120+ stores and businesses will attend an estimation of 300+ attendees. Attendee registration will begin February 13, 2012. Registration forms coming soon

Attendees Business Seminars:

Monday May 14, 2012: 9.am – 12.30pm

David Saxby, marketing and business innovation expert will be leading two business seminars.  David is no stranger to the art and craft business, having a degree from Alberta College of Art and Design.  He is also a former creative director and president of a leading Canadian full service marketing firm and president of three additional marketing firms. He is a past National Director of CAPS (the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers) and a past Chair of the Calgary’s “Small Business Week”. Read more about David at www.sparkcommunications.com

For seminar details click here:

For more details or questions about this event please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 519 940 5969 EST