ROSEMONT, Illinois – Koelnmesse’s first h+h americas, a new platform for the North American craft industry, set an important precedent by bringing together 195 textile exhibitors, more than 2,000 attendees from 38 countries and over 35 conference sessions. The show, a U.S.-based sister event to Germany’s h+h cologne, the world’s leading trade show for the craft industry, was held June 22-24 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont, Illinois, near Chicago.
The decision to hold the show in the United States was made due to strong demand among buyers and sellers in the craft sector, according to Mette Petersen, president and CEO of Koelnmesse Inc., the North American subsidiary and marketing arm of the Koelnmesse Group, one of the world’s leading organizers of international trade shows.
“The most rewarding moment for us was when exhibitors came up to us and thanked us for bringing together the different segments of the craft industry under one roof in Rosemont,” Petersen said. “We welcomed buyers from all the major retailers as well as store owners from across North America, Europe and Australia. Many attendees praised the diversity of the product line and appreciated the exposure to international product lines from 39 countries, normally unseen in the United States.”
Sessions at h+h americas included trends in the craft industry, DE&I for retailers, multichannel retail in a digital world, and Web 3.0 for craft business owners. There were also yarn spinning workshops, meetups, and discussions on topics like NFTs for artists and makers.
“Due to high demand, we plan to incorporate even more categories for our event next year, such as beading, scrapbooking, cake decorating and many more,” Petersen said.
Discussions and panels also focused on sustainability and inclusion in the soft craft sector.
“Ahead of our event, we have established strong relationships with organizations and support partners that support buyers and sellers in this industry or are committed to diversity and charitable causes within this industry,” said Darrin Stern, show director, h+h americas.
Some of these craft industry organizations and partners included the Creative Industry Association, Indie Untangled, Women Create, The National Needlearts Association, American Crochet Association, Road 2 California, Knit the Rainbow, and Help Heal Veterans Group.
Following h+h americas, the Digital After Show ran from June 27 to July 1 for those unable to attend the show in person. The virtual event offered video meetings, instant messaging, and access to all pre-recorded training sessions.
The next h+h americas will take place June 22-24, 2023 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center.
Contact Mette Petersen at [email protected]; Darrin Stern at (773) 326-9925 or [email protected]