Creativation Detailed Education Schedule
New Orleans, LA | Creativation by NAMTA 2024

 

Education Workshops and Seminars at Creativation by NAMTA 2024 will be hosted on Saturday, March 23, 2024 and Sunday, March 24, 2024. This year you can expect an expansive list of innovative classes where you can brainstorm with peers, test new products, and have meaningful conversations surrounding relevant topics. We can't wait to see you there! 

Note: Some education sessions may be purchased and signed up for during Badge Registration.

Register for Creativation 2024

Saturday, March 23, 2024
9 am to 12:30 pm
Limited Space

New Orleans Retail Store Tour!
Presented by KIZER & BENDER SPEAKING


New Orleans is just the place for a Master Class in Visual Merchandising! Our walking tour will take you on a spectacular trek through some of the finest retailers New Orleans has to offer. We’ll visit a store in an unexpected location where art really is a religion, and stroll shops on French Quarter streets that are steeped in history. We’ll celebrate the differences in store experiences that are guaranteed to spark new ideas. Led by KIZER & BENDER, you’ll learn the inside secrets of visual merchandising to help you translate what you see into displays on your own unique sales floor.

 

Rich Kizer and Georganne Bender are speakers and consultants who have helped thousands in the retail, hospitality, travel, healthcare, sales, and service industries since 1990. Best known for their store makeovers, KIZER & BENDER help retailers revamp their spaces to increase foot traffic and generate more sales. As global retail thought leaders, they are consistently listed among the Top 100 Retail Influencers and the Top Retail Industry Experts to Follow on Social Media.

 

 


Saturday, March 23, 2024
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Innovation Unleashed: How LIVE Video Can Boost Your Growth
Presented by Erin Reed Makes
 

Live video streaming can be an important marketing tool that allows you to engage with your customers and strengthen those relationships. You can create a sense of urgency and excitement for your new product launches and show off the best parts of your company.  Learn some best practices, tips, and techniques to elevate your company when utilizing LIVE video in your marketing plan.

Category(s):
Level: Beginner
Items attendees should bring: none mentioned
Estimated time: 1.5 hours

Erin Reed brings a fun, romantic, and sometimes funky feel to her projects. She has been published in many magazines, books, and websites since she started her professional crafting career in 2015. She has worked with and created products for many companies, but her love and passion is to create video content, and you can even catch glimpses of her kids in them from time to time!

 

 

 


Saturday, March 23, 2024
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Spellbinders Cardmaking & Embossing Class
Presented by Spellbinders

Take your craft to a whole new level with the Spellbinders Cardmaking & Embossing class. Learn how easy it is to create professional stationery-quality card projects with depth and dimension that you must see to believe. Your customers will be enchanted with our easy-to-create deeply embossed cards. Whether you are new to die-cutting and embossing or are a die-cutting pro, this class will teach you three different embossing techniques using newly released products that will fly off your shelves. We will provide the new products and card kits, you just bring basic crafting supplies like scissors and adhesive!

Category(s): Papercrafting
Level: Beginner
Estimated time: 1.5 hours

Kim Kesti shares her passion for paper crafting through videos, virtual classes, and in-person events. She loves all things crafty and particularly enjoys experimenting with new techniques and ways to create with paper. Having been in the crafting world for over 20 years, she still finds new ways to create and share with her students in the form of card-making and memory-keeping. When not crafting, Kim also takes pleasure in home design and travel adventures.


Saturday, March 23, 2024
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

From Palette to Profit: 
Mastering the Art of Entrepreneurship in the Creative Field
Presented by Willow Wolfe Inc.

Discover how Willow Wolfe Inc. has achieved exponential growth year over year by embracing simple yet powerful principles that drive conversions and increase profit in the arts and crafts industry. Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights and craft your customer journey that keeps your beloved customers coming back for more! This workshop will cover key aspects of brand development, inbound marketing, sales funnels, retention strategies, and digital automations that will propel you to new heights. Here's a breakdown of what participants will experience:

  • The Power of Brand: Understand the importance of delivering on your brand promise and how it will set the foundation for success.
  • Inbound and Outbound Marketing: Learn strategies for lead generation using the law of attraction and how to turn that into strong retention.
  • Systematic Principles for Success: Explore key business principles that increase profitability and ensure sustainable growth.
  • Marketing, Sales, and Email Funnels: Learn how to maximize customer conversions and revenue through funnel automations.
  • A Customer Journey Crafted with Love: Craft a personalized and memorable customer journey, fostering the importance of emotional connections and positive experiences.

Willow’s emphasis on the customer journey combined with a holistic approach to business development creates a systematic roadmap for success in the dynamic world of the art industry. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to elevate their brands and navigate the digital age of marketing and business.

Willow Wolfe: With a genuine passion for the arts and a deep understanding of how it enriches lives, Willow provides top-notch instruction and the finest art and craft supplies, continuously elevating the artistic experience for her customers, crafting exceptional experiences, and delivering absolutely outrageous service. As an award-winning artist, she reaches millions with how-to books, instructional kits, and online painting. For over two decades, Willow worked behind the scenes of the industry’s best-selling fine art companies, developing product lines, crafting brands, and creating customer journeys found in art stores around the world. In 2019, she took the leap of faith and launched three new art and craft paint brush lines, achieving international distribution and exponential growth within three short years.



Saturday, March 23, 2024
11:00 AM to 12:30 AM 

Community Engagement and Experiential Marketing for the Creative Products Community
Presented by Pyle Creative Studio

The live experience is more powerful and potent than ever before as a marketing strategy. What kinds of experiences are proven to bring new users AND create lifelong customers? Join David Pyle as we take a thorough look at what, when, where, why, and HOW can you forge engagement experiences across your community that won't break the bank but will position you and your brand as an essential partner for your creative customers. We'll talk smart strategy as well as boots-on-the-ground models that you can put in place immediately. 

David Pyle has been developing and managing successful marketing campaigns in the art and creative products community for over 35 years. He’s served as a leader in retail and branded consumer products. He also spent 15 years in media as an executive leader and Group Publisher for the largest media brands in the fine art-making and crafting categories. In 2020, he launched a new marketing services group called Pyle Creative Studio. David is also an accomplished artist and image maker - and he teaches at Colorado State University in the Arts Management program.

 


Saturday, March 23, 2024
12:00 PM to 1:30 PM 

Teaching and Demonstration Boost
Presented by TEAM Craft Connections

Teaching and demonstrating are two of the most important methods used to sell products, and they deserve some serious attention on how to do them both in the most effective way to achieve the best-desired results. They both need a good game plan! Learn how to organize a class or demonstration from beginning to end from an expert with years of experience in both the creative industry and the field of education. Discover simple teaching methods to structure effective presentations that merge the best of teaching and demonstrating to motivate students to learn with enthusiasm resulting in product purchases. Get a boost of passion to take you to a higher level of teaching and learning that will greatly benefit your students. It will help you meet your objectives and will give you the results you want. Each attendee will receive clear guidelines, lesson plan templates, and valuable tips to help you to become an even more effective teacher and demonstrator than you already are. Following Creativation, attendees will get an opportunity to schedule a complimentary 1 on 1 consult with expert Julie Stephani - Team Craft Connections.

Julie Stephani has BS degrees in English, Speech, and Theater and an MS degree in Communications. She taught language arts and composition in public schools, college, and university for fifteen years. Julie was also one of the leading magazine and book editors of the craft industry for more than twenty-five years and is the author of more than twenty books and hundreds of articles in national magazines. Julie appeared as a regular TV guest and was the host of her own show, More Than Memories on PBS. She served as a judge for the prestigious National Magazine Awards. Julie was one of the first inductees into the Craft and Hobby Association Hall of Fame.

 

 


Saturday, March 23, 2024
12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

Acrylic Family Workshop
Presented by HK Holbein Inc.

With Holbein color on an assortment of Legion's Stonehenge surfaces, the Acrylic Family Workshop features purposely selected colors and mediums from Holbein's various acrylic color lines. Attendees will have an opportunity to use and learn more about Holbein Heavy Body acrylic, Fluid Acrylic, Acrylic Ink, 'Mat' Matte Acrylic, Colored Gesso, Acrylic Gouache and Acrylic Mediums.

Category(s): Paints, Colors, and Mediums, Mixed Media, Paper, Canvas, and Other Substrates, Drawing and Sketching Tools, Brushes, and Application Tools
Level: Beginner
Estimated time: 2 hours

 Keith Eccles is a New Orleans-based acrylic artist.

 Matt Hopper is an artist educator from Holbein Artist Materials.







Saturday, March 23, 2024
1:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Botanical Impressions with Sizzix: Exploring Stamping Techniques in Cardmaking 
Presented by Sizzix

Join us for a botanical voyage as we explore the realm of summer fruits and florals! Sizzix Creative Designer Alexis Trimble will lead a 2 1/2-hour workshop featuring the latest Sizzix tools, accessories, stamps, and die designs, including new releases from designers such as Eileen Hull, Stacey Park, and Lisa Jones.  Designed to celebrate the simple beauty of spring and summer botanical motifs, the cards created in this class will add a touch of nature's charm to any project. Alexis will dive into stamping techniques, where you will learn how to use various floral motifs and fruit pattern stamps to create intricate, unique compositions and visually captivating designs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced card maker, this workshop offers a fantastic opportunity to learn about the latest Sizzix releases.

Category(s): Paper, Canvas, and Other Substrates, Papercrafting, Stamping, Cardmaking, Inking
Level: Beginner
Estimated time: 2.5 hours

 

Alexis Trimble was born and raised in Southern California and began paper crafting at 12 years old. She spent most of her college years working at a local, independent scrapbook store. After earning her B.A. in Sociology at UCSD, she worked in casting for the television industry. But the creative world called, and she returned to her first love of paper crafting. As a member of the Sizzix Design Team, Alexis enjoys being able to support the creative community through tutorial videos, education workshops, and intricate makes. Her inspirations for designs and projects are often drawn from her time spent in nature and traveling.

 

 


Saturday, March 23, 2024
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Light Up Your Sales With Predesigned Classes
Presented by Pear Blossom Press and Spellbinders

*** SPECIFICALLY FOCUSED FOR INDEPENDENT RETAILERS ***
When you are running a small business, you are literally doing it all. Gain back some of your valuable time by offering pre-designed classes that generate higher sales per customer. Together, we walk through how to use the Pear Blossom Press One Light, paired with gorgeous new dies from Spellbinders, to make a stunning light-up card. In this teach-the-teacher workshop, you learn tips and tricks for introducing Pear Blossom's lighting products to your customers in ways that they love. We love seeing our customers' eyes light up - and you will too! Pre-designed classes include project photos, full-length videos, modifiable class instruction sheets, kit checklists, shopping lists, and marketing resources.

Category(s): Paper, Canvas, and Other Substrates, Papercrafting, Light-up mechanisms (art and technology)
Level: Beginner
Estimated time: 1.5 hours

Amanda Stevens is one of the founders of Pear Blossom Press, a company focused on offering unique and innovative products for paper crafters. As a long-time crafter, she has worked with all types of mediums, but her favorite of all is cardmaking. She loves to take tools and techniques from other fields and develop them specifically for papercrafts. When she isn't teaching in person, or through videos, she is busy developing new products.

Kim Kesti shares her passion for paper crafting through videos, virtual classes, and in-person events. She loves all things crafty and particularly enjoys experimenting with new techniques and ways to create with paper. Having been in the crafting world for over 20 years, she still finds new ways to create and share with her students in the form of card-making and memory-keeping. When not crafting, Kim also takes pleasure in home design and travel adventures.


Saturday, March 23, 2024
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

Money in Your Pocket
Presented by Creative Retailer

Five tips for ensuring you have money in the bank each month to pay yourself and your bills. Retailer Heidi Kaisand walks you through steps to putting a financial plan in place that guarantees money in the bank.

 

 

 

 

Heidi Kaisand is the publisher of Creative Retailer® magazine, a trade publication guiding small business owners to success. She is also the owner of Hen & Chicks Studio in Conrad, Iowa.  This brick-and-mortar store, with a strong online presence, carries quilting, sewing and craft supplies, offers longarm rental, and has a retreat center where people can create for days. Heidi indulges her creative spirit by helping individuals and groups succeed at quilting, scrapbooking, and other art forms. Her goal each day is to help retailers and customers be creative and successful.

 

 

 


Saturday, March 23, 2024

2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

How to Sell 8x More Items in Your Store
Presented by Jaime Echt

Jaime from The Crafter's Workshop teamed up with some of your favorite vendors to show you how to 8x your sales. Samples sell products, right? But you're too busy to make good samples.  No worries, problem solved!

In just 2 hours, you'll learn how to use multiple products together to increase your sales.  We'll experiment with color (thank you to The Color Wheel, Jacquard, R&F, Golden, and Zebra pens) and different surfaces (thank you Jack Richeson and Gelli Arts). And if you don't want to get your hands dirty (or you want to bring several members of your staff), you can opt for the "lecture only" option.

$85 hands-on sample-making class kit: Complete with over $100 worth of products to take back to your shop.  You'll leave with a sample board and samples showing your customers how to use PanPastels, Zebra pens, Jacquard ink pads, Encaustics, Gelli Plates, TCW stencils & delicious Stencil Butters, plus a few surprise products. If you have several people from your store interested in coming, this option is perfect for the person who makes your store samples and/or teaches your classes and demos.

$25 Lecture Only - no class kit: This option is perfect for the folks in your store who want to learn tips and techniques of up-selling as well as an in-depth tutorial on several products that are sure to bring more money into your shop WITHOUT the expense of an additional class kit.

Jaime Echt is the founder and CEO of The Crafter's Workshop. As a "recovering retail store owner", she understands the challenges and time constraints of being owned by a store.  It's through these in-the-trenches experiences that she's developed her series of tips and techniques to not just survive but thrive in this crazy retail environment.





Saturday, March 23, 2024
3:00 PM to 4:30 PM


Store Displays for Days!
Presented by KIZER & BENDER SPEAKING, LLC
 

Have you ever visited a store with the intent to purchase just one item but left with an armload instead? We know the answer is yes because we all have done that very thing – that’s the power of visual merchandising! The goal is to create intriguing displays that make buying a snap – and easy for shoppers to purchase more than one item. Join KIZER & BENDER and learn how to curate product stories that sell, the proper use of props, how to unleash the power of 3, how to make your store’s darkest corners a destination, where and how to display clearance merchandise, how to cross-merchandise like a pro, and more. You’ll come away with dozens of easy-to-implement display strategies that encourage customers to stay longer and buy more

Rich Kizer and Georganne Bender are speakers and consultants who have helped thousands in the retail, hospitality, travel, healthcare, sales, and service industries since 1990. Best known for their store makeovers, KIZER & BENDER help retailers revamp their spaces to increase foot traffic and generate more sales. As global retail thought leaders, they are consistently listed among the Top 100 Retail Influencers and the Top Retail Industry Experts to Follow on Social Media.


Saturday, March 23, 2024
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Reclaiming Creativity with Innovation: A Hands-On Workshop with DecoArt
Presented by DecoArt

Discover a revolutionary acrylic paint that transforms discarded house paint into a high-quality, ready-to-use water-based acrylic. Join us for a hands-on workshop where you will be introduced to DecoArt's innovative and sustainable new paint, DecoEARTH Reclaimed Acrylics. During the workshop, you will have the opportunity to create a picture frame project to take home while learning about how house paint is repurposed into a premium art material that meets the high-quality standards of DecoArt's top paint brands. DecoEARTH is made with 70% reclaimed paint, is AP-certified, and is water-based. Did you know that of the 700 million gallons of house paint purchased yearly, 75 million gallons go unused and end up in the waste stream? DecoEarth is changing this story by capturing the best of this paint and turning it into a premium paint product. Join us to learn and experience more about this innovative and sustainable solution.

Category(s): Paints, Colors, and Mediums
Level: Beginner
Items attendees should bring: none required
Estimated time: 1.5 hours

Sandy McTier is an internationally known artist, designer, and teacher. As a DecoArt creative consultant and artist in residence, Sandy has worked closely with our Sales, Product Development, Education, and Marketing teams. She is passionate about creating and sharing all the fun and creative ways to use DecoArt products.

 

 

 

 

Jonathan Kane is currently the CEO of DecoArt and Jack Richeson. He has a 35-year career in materials and chemicals and wishes he had artistic talent. He cares deeply about sustainability and has been working to bring practical solutions to market for most of his career.

 

 

 

 


Saturday, March 23, 2024
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

The Marketing Hourglass: Learn & Share (Facilitated Brainstorming Session)
Presented by Create & Craft, LLC

Today’s buyers often travel down a path without our knowledge or participation. They search the web, read social media postings and talk with friends before they make a purchase. The Marketing Hourglass™ (Duct Tape Marketing) is a holistic and effective model for understanding how a buyer wants to buy and puts your businesses along that path – long before the prospect even knows they are looking for what we sell and long after we’ve transacted that sale. Joe explains the model and his best practices for each phase while giving the audience an opportunity to share what’s worked for them in facilitated brainstorming. We’ll fill a flip chart with ideas for you to take back and transform how you market and sell your products and services.

Joe Rotella is a leading thinker and professional speaker in strategic management, marketing, and business development. Joe is a nationally recognized speaker. Joe currently serves as Chief Value Officer for Delphia Consulting, a national software consulting firm, and the owner and founder of Create & Craft. One of Joe’s many hobbies is mixed media art. Joe’ is a frequent guest on Make It Artsy, and his work has appeared in many national magazines.


Saturday, March 23, 2024
3:30 PM to 5:30 PM

The Value of Video: Profit, Education, Community
Presented by The Academy for Virtual Teaching

This seminar, brought to you by The Academy of Virtual Teaching, will give you an overview of what it takes to create educational video content that you can use everywhere from live social media events to Youtube tutorials, to stand-alone On-Demand workshops that generate passive income. Video is by far the most effective marketing tool for your brand and can lead directly to increased income. Workshops can bring you customers from wider geography as well as passive income. The technical skills needed for creating videos might seem overwhelming but in reality, today’s smartphones make filming and editing video content much easier than you think. You already have most of the equipment you need! We know you have no time or energy to spare so we begin by focusing on leveraging what you are already doing as efficiently as possible to create your first educational offerings. Topics Discussed: What is virtual education? Where does your customer find your videos? How do videos bring customers to you? How can video tutorials increase your sales? How does video create a community loyal to your brand? What equipment do you really need?

Lyric Montgomery Kinard is an award-winning, globe-trotting, textile art teacher who has also taught online since before videos were even a thing. Seeing the need for technical training specific to teaching arts and crafts online, she founded The Academy for Virtual Teaching, a community of creatives adding video content to their business models. The Academy provides training in using filming equipment and developing online courses and provides a wide variety of ongoing professional development workshops.


Saturday, March 23, 2024
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Practical AI: Moving Beyond the Hype to Practical Use Cases
Presented by Handmade Seller Magazine 

We are all hearing about how AI is going to disrupt and change everything.  It can be hard to see beyond the noise and the hype to understand how these tools can be used in everyday practical situations. In this session, we will move beyond all the fancy marketing.  We'll do an overview of some of the different tools out there (some free, some paid), and walk you through ways you could consider using AI to help in your business.

Amber Christian is the Owner and Editor of Handmade Seller Magazine.  With over 20 years of experience in technology and finance, she helps small businesses understand and implement tools and processes to help grow businesses.


Saturday, March 23, 2024
4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Sublimation Unleashed: How to Integrate Sublimation & Increase Profits at Your Store!
Presented by MakerFlo

Unlock the vibrant world of sublimation and elevate your brick-and-mortar store to new heights! Join us for an engaging workshop designed to empower store owners with practical strategies for introducing sublimation affordably and creating a captivating experience that will have customers coming back for more. Get ready to sublimate and learn how to increase foot traffic to your brick-and-mortar store through sublimation!

Category(s): Other, Paper, Canvas, and Other Substrates, Sublimation Crafting
Level: Beginner
Items attendees should bring: none required
Estimated time: 1.5 hours

Marc Pendergraft, born in Tucson, Arizona, rocked the finance world after graduating from ASU. He's not just numbers and spreadsheets though; he's a sports fanatic who travels the globe, soaking up diverse cultures. At 18, he nabbed a spot in the top 50 teenage entrepreneurs nationwide. Talk about an unstoppable force! Marc is an avid Engraver and a master at sublimation!

 

 

 

John Modi, the whimsical Chief Imagination Officer! From philosophizing to surviving rogue waves, John's life is an exhilarating rollercoaster. Oh, and did we mention he nearly flunked 5th grade? Keep an eye out for this "as seen on TV" personality, he's a creative force to be reckoned with! John loves to teach new crafters and his favorite craft to teach is UV resin!

 

 

 


Saturday, March 23, 2024

5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Explore This! The Big Business of Summer Fun
Presented by TEAM Craft Connections

What if you could return to your shop after the Creativation show and be ready to execute a fully developed promotional strategy that is immediately actionable and designed to increase summer sales and profits? Come and experience this first-of-its-kind workshop that combines effective business tips and ideas to help you take advantage of the Summer selling season while also receiving a goody bag filled with products donated by exhibitors on the show floor. To complete this comprehensive experience you'll also be going back to your shops with completed project samples that you can use immediately for classes, demonstrations, and displays! Art materials will be combined with fabric and craft materials providing fully integrated projects and ideas that will thrill and delight both art and craft customers alike. It won't stop there because you will also be provided with activities, projects, and techniques including complete instructions and teaching tips designed around the various categories of creative customers revealed in the 2023 NAMTA CONSUMER STUDY. You will learn about opportunities to partner with non-profit organizations that benefit individuals in need while also building your brand. My Very Own Blanket benefits children in foster care with hand-made blankets and Help Heal Vets assists veterans with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury by providing them with Craft Therapy projects designed to help and heal. You may want to bring a bag with you to transport the multitude of products and projects donated by: Hero Arts, Beacon Adhesives, Clover Needlecraft, Ecstasy Crafts, Fabric Editions Inc., General Pencil, John Bead Corp, M. Graham & Co., SLS Arts, Toss Products LLC, Uchida of America Corp., Yasutomo Inc., Diamond Dots and Royal Talens North America!

Kathy Lamancusa has had an extensive 35-year career in the creative industries helping retailers sell more merchandise and manufacturers create more products. She then spent 16 years with the second-largest financial institution in the world to help small businesses open, grow, and expand. She focused on consumers by writing dozens of books with numerous publishers including Simon & Schuster totaling 3 million copies sold. She has written thousands of articles for trade and consumer magazines and served as a trend forecaster for manufacturers internationally.

 

 

 


Sunday, March 24, 2024
8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
 

Sizzix Presents: Exploring Mixed Media with 49 and Market
Presented by Sizzix

 
Join 49 and Market designer Katie Pertiet for an immersive mixed media class.  Attendees will explore the endless possibilities of stunning cards and art journaling using decorative papers, stamps, dies, inks, and rub-ons. This workshop is designed to show how easy it is to bring creative visions to life and inspire participants to explore the crossover between card-making and art journaling. Using the latest tools and making essential products from Sizzix and 49 and Market, this class will cover stamping and masking techniques, featuring 49 and Markets’ vintage watercolor style brought to life through spring botanicals and icons.

Category(s): Cardmaking, Art Journaling, Inking
Level: Beginner
Estimated time: 2 hours

Katie Pertiet has been a graphic designer for over thirty years and has been designing for 49 and Market since the company launched in 2016. Passionate about mixed media with vintage style, Katie loves to share her techniques with other creatives.

 

 

 

 


Sunday, March 24, 2024
8:30 AM to 10:30 AM

Dare to Create with Simon Hurley & Ranger
Presented by Simon Hurley & Ranger

Join Simon Hurley as he takes you into the world of Simon Hurley create. products made with Ranger Ink. You will explore some of Simon's most popular Ranger mediums and see all of the many possibilities they have to offer on your card-making projects. Create several cards with Simon and walk away with an expanded knowledge of new cardmaking techniques to use on future projects

Category(s): Paints, Colors, and Mediums, Paper, Canvas, and Other Substrates, Papercrafting, Mixed Media
Level: Beginner
Estimated time: 2 hours

Simon Hurley has been creating and crafting his whole life. When he was younger he would sit for hours at a time making origami sculptures, paper beads, stuffed animals (crocheting), and polymer clay creations before he stumbled into the world of cardmaking. Simon fell in love with cardmaking because each card is a small canvas and it does not take long to create a finished piece of art to brighten somebody's day. At the age of 10, Simon explored Alcohol Inks, Distress Inks, and Dylusions Sprays and discovered his passion for creating inky backgrounds. Although he started with ink, Simon quickly branched out into the world of stamping, embossing, and coloring and is now a Signature Designer with Ranger.

 


Sunday, March 24, 2024

8:30 AM to 10:30 AM

Crafts Meet Lasers: Boost Sales with Add-Ons
Presented by Hope Yoder

Discover how adding a CO2 laser to your craft store can open new revenue streams and enhance your product offerings. In this 2-hour workshop, you'll gain crucial insights into:1. Three Key Factors: What you must know before investing in a laser.2. Custom Creations: How to personalize popular items like paint brushes or prepare canvas for art classes.3. DIY Swag: Stop searching for the perfect store merchandise create your own with laser precision. Join us to explore how a laser can revolutionize your business, from crafting unique kits to personalizing products and even crafting your own branded swag. By the end of this session, you'll have the knowledge to become your own supplier, increasing both your offerings and your profits.

 Hope Yoder, is the entrepreneur behind Designs By Hope Yoder. I started my journey in the embroidery and fabric industry by creating products, courses, designs, and fabric for the home market. I have had the privilege of inspiring many along the way with our magazine articles, workshops, and our corporate projects. We host hands-on laser entrepreneur workshops and offer online courses and paid communities for budding entrepreneurs. Most days, you can find me dancing to Cupid Shuffle, in front of my computer designing, or behind my machine creating handmade happiness. Two years ago I PIVOTTED FOR PROFIT and changed things up. I love to say “I can sell dirt, and teach you how to sell it to”. My focus is on helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses while thinking outside the box. I can help you create the business you dream of, one lesson at a time”.

 

Visit Hope’s website www.HopeYoder.com and find her socials here https://linktr.ee/hopeyoder

  


Sunday, March 24, 2024
8:30 AM to 9:30 AM

AR and Art: Using Augmented Reality to Create and Enhance Physical Artwork
Presented by 
Da Vinci Eye LLC

 "AR and Art: Using Augmented Reality to Enhance Physical Artwork" is an innovative workshop designed to introduce participants to the exciting intersection of AR technology and traditional art creation. This class focuses on the practical application of the Da Vinci Eye AR Art Projector app, a cutting-edge tool that brings augmented reality (AR) into the realm of physical art creation. Throughout the workshop, participants will learn how to use the Da Vinci Eye app to project digital images onto physical panels, creating a unique guide for painting and drawing. This approach allows artists to merge the precision and flexibility of digital designs with the tactile experience of using traditional art supplies. The class is tailored for individuals who sell, purchase or are enthusiastic about art supplies, offering them a firsthand experience of how AR technology can enhance and expand the capabilities of conventional art materials. Attendees will explore how to integrate this technology into their artistic process or retail environment, demonstrating the practical benefits and creative possibilities of combining AR with physical art supplies. By the end of the session, participants will not only have a deeper understanding of what Augmented Reality is but also how to use it for their art or business. This class is perfect for those looking to embrace the digital revolution in art while staying true to the hands-on experience of traditional artistry.

Category(s): Art Technology
Level: Beginner
Items attendees should bring:
Estimated time: 1 hour

Sam Gherman, co-founded Da Vinci Eye LLC with his fiancé Charissa Castillo, aiming to create innovative Augmented Reality apps for traditional artists. Inspired by his artist parents and greats like Da Vinci, Gherman's work combines classic art techniques with AR. Their app, Da Vinci Eye: AR Art Projector, is popular among artists and crafters working on physical surfaces from canvases to cookies. Gherman's product development skills and Castillo's marketing expertise have made their company a leader in art tech with over a million users worldwide.

Charissa Castillo is the co-founder of Da Vinci Eye, and leads marketing and content creation. Her role involves managing product development and fostering collaborations with non-digital artists. Her vision extends beyond the app, aiming to build supportive, motivational communities for artists globally. Her work at Da Vinci Eye is a testament to her dedication to empowering underrepresented groups in the tech industry through innovative marketing strategies and inclusive community-building initiatives.


Sunday, March 24, 2024
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Beyond the Sales Floor: How Savvy Retailers Connect with Their Communities
Presented by KIZER & BENDER SPEAKING, LLC

Community is incredibly important to today's consumers. You get points for being a good corporate citizen, points for protecting the environment, points for recycling, up-cycling, sustainability, and for the local charities you support. This presentation looks at what you can do locally to become a better corporate citizen, engage potential customers, and encourage your community to look at your business as a local partner. You'll learn: How to be present in local activities; an easy exercise to help you brainstorm powerful ideas; how to create partnership promotions with other successful, non-competing businesses; how to utilize cause marketing; why it's necessary to toot your own horn, plus PR tricks to help you capture media attention.

Rich Kizer and Georganne Bender are speakers and consultants who have helped thousands in the retail, hospitality, travel, healthcare, sales, and service industries since 1990. Best known for their store makeovers, KIZER & BENDER help retailers revamp their spaces to increase foot traffic and generate more sales. As global retail thought leaders, they are consistently listed among the Top 100 Retail Influencers and the Top Retail Industry Experts to Follow on Social Media.


Sunday, March 24, 2024
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM


Curiosity to Confidence - Light Up Your Crafts with Chibitronics
Presented by Chibitronics 

Are you attracted to bright shiny objects?  Have you been intrigued by the exciting possibility of adding light to your creations?  Perfect for card makers, scrapbookers, and artists, Chibitronics is a fun and easy way to add light and interactivity to paper crafts. Join the CEO of Chibitronics in a hands-on demo that introduces the basics of crafting with light and how to bring this innovative way of making to your customers. Participants will gain confidence to create brilliant, light-up projects. No prior experience with electronics is necessary.

Category(s): Papercrafting
Level: Beginner
Estimated time: 2 hours

Jie Qi is cofounder and CEO of Chibitronics, which produces high-tech art supplies and STEAM learning toolkits. Her mission is to combine art with engineering to empower creators of all backgrounds to make expressive and personally meaningful technologies. Jie received her Ph.D. in media arts and sciences from the MIT Media Lab, where she researched innovative ways to blend electronics and computation with traditional arts and crafts. She has given invited talks and workshops across diverse venues including Rhode Island School of Design, LEGO, Google, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Her work has been exhibited internationally and is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

Jessica Frost-Ballas is an artist and papercrafter who has been working in the industry since 2014. She loves mixing different cardmaking styles and has a special place in her heart for interactive designs. Her designs almost always have some element of sparkle in them; so when she discovered Chibitronics, Jessica was instantly captivated by the possibilities of crafting with actual light! She has been working with Chibitronics since 2015 and shares monthly video tutorials and inspiration for paper crafters interested in adding light-up elements to their creations


Sunday, March 24, 2024
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Content Mastery: Elevating Business Success in the Digital Landscape
Presented by Tamara Honaman

In the rapidly evolving landscape of eCommerce, content remains the keystone for businesses seeking to capture and retain the attention of their audience and customers. Content can include your email copy, an article, step-by-step on how to use a product, social posts and more! Learn how to build a content strategy that aligns with your long-term business objectives and how to keep it manageable and in line with the resources you have available. The Content Mastery workshop is designed to empower businesses with the tools and insights needed to navigate the digital sphere effectively. We will delve into the pivotal role that content plays in growing website traffic and retaining customers, and explore innovative ways to generate compelling copy without it becoming an overwhelming task. Key Workshop Topics: Content Creation Strategies: Explore ways to leverage technology to create high-quality, personalized efforts that resonate with your target audience. Maximize Content Impact: Demonstrations on how to efficiently manage your copy and the benefits that will lead you to a consistent and powerful online presence.SEO Demystified: Explore best practices for incorporating SEO into your strategy and see how you can amplify the reach and impact of your content. By the end of this workshop, participants will emerge with a toolkit they can use confidently to navigate the world of digital content creation. No matter your business model, this workshop aims to empower you and elevate your businesses in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Prepare to revolutionize your approach to content and implement a strategic strategy that can be a game-changer for your business!

Tammy Honaman is an expert in digital and print content development, an author, instructor, and creative artisan. Tammy is also a seasoned digital content strategist and publishing professional excelling in crafting compelling content. She is committed to propelling brand success through innovative and impactful content strategies. Tammy has a deep understanding of the relationship between manufacturers, artisans, and customers. She is a mentor and educator driven to stay on top of the ever-evolving trends and applications within the digital content realm.


Sunday, March 24, 2024
9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

Sustainability: A discussion around responsibilities and opportunities for brands and retailers
Presented by Pyle Creative Studio

How is sustainability taking shape in the creative products industry? What trends are underway? Should there be a sustainability standard? How can brands and retailers tell the most effective story around sustainable products? Join David Pyle for a panel discussion with key leaders in the industry as they explore how we can operate responsibly and create compelling messaging for our creative consumers.

David Pyle has been developing and managing successful marketing campaigns in the art and creative products community for over 35 years. He’s served as a leader in retail and branded consumer products. He also spent 15 years in media as an executive leader and Group Publisher for the largest media brands in the fine art-making and crafting categories. In 2020, he launched a new marketing services group called Pyle Creative Studio. David is also an accomplished artist and image maker - and he teaches at Colorado State University in the Arts Management program.

 


Sunday, March 24, 2024
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

LAUNCHING THE NEW SHARPIE CREATIVE MARKER! 
Presented by Newell Brands

In this class we will show you the features and benefits of our NEW Sharpie Creative Marker! Create your in-store display sample of our NEW Sharpie Creative Marker with local New Orleans comic book artist Robby Musso!  Samples will be provided!

Category(s): Markers, Drawing
Level: Beginner
Estimated time: 1 hour


Sunday, March 24, 2024
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Watermedia Workshop
Presented by HK Holbein Inc.

With Holbein color on an assortment of Legion's Stonehenge surfaces, the Watermedia Workshop features purposely selected colors and mediums from Holbein's various water-soluble color lines. Attendees will have an opportunity to use and learn more about the Holbein Artists' Watercolor, watercolor mediums, Artists' Gouache, and Acrylic Gouache.

Category(s): Paints, Colors, and Mediums, Brushes and Application Tools, Paper, Canvas, and Other Substrates, Drawing and Sketching Tools, Mixed Media
Level: Beginner
Estimated time: 2 hours

Keith Eccles is a New Orleans-based multimedia artist.

Matt Hopper is an artist educator from Holbein Artist Materials.


Sunday, March 24, 2024
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Helping Your Customers Understand the Safe Use of Creative Materials
Presented by The Arts and Creative Materials Institute

This presentation will discuss the safe and successful use of art materials. It is important for both art material retailers and users to know that the art materials you are selling/using have been properly evaluated and conform to the latest regulations. Join us to learn about federal and state art material labeling laws, the AP (Approved Product) and CL (Cautionary Labeling) Seals, the ACMI product evaluation process, and some helpful tips on using art materials safely.  We will leave plenty of time for questions and discussion, and some fun group activities with prizes!

Barbara Weyant currently serves as the Executive Director of ACMI. Prior to becoming the Executive Director, Barb worked in the art materials industry for many years.  She served as Co-Chair of ACMI’s Certification Committee for a number of years and also served as ACMI’s President from 2017-2019.  Barb brings her unique understanding of the art materials industry to the table for this informative presentation.


Sunday, March 24, 2024
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM


Hahnemuhle USA: Paper Makes a Difference
Presented by 

Nearly all artists use paper but often do not know much about it, why it works or doesn’t work with different media. Attendees will learn why quality paper matters, all about sizing, weight, deckles, the features, benefits, and differences between the many types of paper fibers, including sustainable fibers. Attendees will learn about the environmental impact of making paper, how fine art paper is made, and the history of making paper, including a 439-year-old mill. This is NOT a brand-specific workshop. We will cover the pluses and minuses of all popular watercolor paper brands. Videos and images of paper machines in operation. It goes without saying that the products and manufacturing methods have changed since 1584. Only the highest qualities of fibers pass our rigorous testing before use in Hahnemühle papers. The presenter will provide many tactile examples of different felts and paper textures.

Category(s): Paper, Canvas, and Other Substrates, Mixed Media
Level: Beginner
Estimated time: 1 hour

Joe Domeier started oil painting and drawing in high school. In 1985, at Minneapolis Community College, he earned his associate degree in Commercial Art, Design, and Advertising. In 1985, he started working part-time at a local MN art supply store. Curiosity for product knowledge and techniques led him to a 38-year career in the art materials industry. He has worked on all sides of the art materials industry as an artist, store owner, and manufacturer.

 

 

 
 


Sunday, March 24, 2024
11:30 AM to 1:30 PM


Sizzix Presents: Tropical Cardmaking with Catherine Pooler
Presented by Sizzix

Join Catherine Pooler and Erika Post of Catherine Pooler Designs for a fun-filled 2 hour making extravaganza. You will create 3 cards with a variety of ink techniques alongside new and existing tools from Sizzix, including the innovative Stencil & Stamp tool. We’ll use CP Designs' popular foam ink pads in trendy color combinations (we're sending you home with some too!) and products from our upcoming Va-cay Mode Collection…all with a tropical flair!

Category(s): Paper, Canvas, and Other Substrates, Papercrafting, Cardmaking, Inking
Level: Beginner
Estimated time: 2 hours

Catherine Pooler's paper crafting journey began over 30 years ago with scrapbooking. From creating collages to storytelling and decorating scrapbooks, there was something she found so satisfying about the process of creating. She stamped her first card in 2003 and fell in love! Catherine began teaching classes and built an online presence, before launching her first products in 2015. Now she comes to work every day with an amazing team and it is truly a dream come true!

Erika Post grew up in a family of artists and craftsmen, and creating was always a part of Erika's life. She integrated this love for arts and crafts into her hobbies and professional endeavors. In 2006, Erika was introduced to stamping by Catherine Pooler and was hooked! Soon, she found ways to get involved with Catherine's growing business. In 2017, Erika joined the Catherine Pooler Designs team, combining her experiences into her role where they work together to bring Catherine Pooler products to life!


Sunday, March 24, 2024
11:30 AM to 1:30 PM


Mixed Media Explorations with Dina Wakley & Ranger
Presented by Ranger Industries

Join Dina Wakley and Ranger for an exciting class where we delve into simple mixed media techniques that are easily duplicated and will captivate your customers. Discover the joy of working with a diverse range of materials, including acrylic paints, glosses, transparent papers, and more. It will be artsy, fun, and creative!

Category(s): Paints, Colors, and Mediums, Brushes and Application Tools, Paper, Canvas, and Other Substrates, Mixed Media
Level: Beginner
Estimated time: 2 hours

Dina Wakley is a mixed-media artist and teacher. She loves everything about art: creating it, thinking about it, looking at it, and teaching it. She has been scrapbooking since 1995, stamping since 1996, and art journaling since 2004. She believes in writing yourself down, expressing yourself, and making your mark on the world. As a Ranger Signature Designer, Dina designs a line of mixed-media art supplies that includes acrylic paints, mediums, brushes, rubber stamps, stencils, and more.

 

 
 


Sunday, March 24, 2024
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM


Lessons from a Shop Owner
Presented by Creative Retailer

With humor and real-life examples, shop owner Heidi Kaisand will leave you with 10 top lessons from her 12 years of retail experience.

 

 

 

 

Heidi Kaisand is the publisher of Creative Retailer® magazine, a trade publication guiding small business owners to success. She is also the owner of Hen & Chicks Studio in Conrad, Iowa.  This brick-and-mortar store, with a strong online presence, carries quilting, sewing, and craft supplies, offers long-term rental, and has a retreat center where people can create for days. Heidi indulges her creative spirit by helping individuals and groups succeed at quilting, scrapbooking, and other art forms. Her goal each day is to help retailers and customers be creative and successful.

 

  


Sunday, March 24, 2024
12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

Digital Marketing Toolkit for Art and Craft Retailers in 2024
Presented by CRAFTalytics

In the first part of this session, attendees will learn about digital marketing options and tools available for art and craft retailers, and the trends for 2024. Topics will include:- Google Business Profile- Google Search Console- Bing Webmaster Tools- Google Analytics 4- Social Media- Marketing attribution- PPC campaigns and conversion optimization- Artificial Intelligence / ChatGPT- Multichannel marketing- Ecommerce Benchmarks for the Arts and Crafts marketIn the second part of this session, the presenter will walk attendees through the CRAFTalytics Business App. This online app brings together many of the digital marketing tools under one user-friendly platform and is available as a NAMTA member benefits for a 3-month free trial and preferred pricing on paid plans. Attendees will be invited to sign up for the free trial during or after the session. After the session, attendees will have the information required to assess their current digital marketing strategies, decide on the next steps, and to start using some of the tools for their businesses. Attendees will also be offered a free consultation with the presenter after the show to assist with this process.

John De Fusco graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA, and held positions of increasing responsibility over a 20-year career in Information Technology in the Financial and Telecommunications industries. In 2005 John joined his wife Carla Canonico in launching a quarterly consumer craft magazine, which they've evolved into a content marketing service for major brands and distributors, and CRAFTalytics, a digital marketing agency for arts and crafts retailers. In 2021 CRAFTalytics partnered with NAMTA to offer free trials and discounts on digital marketing tools and services for members.


Sunday, March 24, 2024
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Champagne Strategies on a Beer Budget: No-Cost, Low-Cost Marketing Ideas for Retailers
Presented by KIZER & BENDER SPEAKING, LLC

Get ready for some crowd control! Shoppertainment is the fine art of running in-store events and promotions is the perfect way to differentiate your store from your competition, build a buzz about town, and thrill customers all at the same time. Join KIZER & BENDER and learn retail-tested holiday, seasonal, and year-round events, how to make your choice of advertising media work harder; tips to create repeat business, and more. This presentation is chock-full of non-stop traffic-building, profit-producing, attention-grabbing, sales-generating, competition-miffing, customer-winning retail promotions you can't afford to miss!

Rich Kizer and Georganne Bender are speakers and consultants who have helped thousands in the retail, hospitality, travel, healthcare, sales, and service industries since 1990. Best known for their store makeovers, KIZER & BENDER help retailers revamp their spaces to increase foot traffic and generate more sales. As global retail thought leaders, they are consistently listed among the Top 100 Retail Influencers and the Top Retail Industry Experts to Follow on Social Media. 


Sunday, March 24, 2024
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Using Analytics to Inform your Marketing Strategy
Presented by 
Stitchcraft Marketing

Did you know that only 4% of craft companies are using their analytics to inform their marketing strategies?  Data and analytics can be tricky to interpret. What's important and where do you find it? Dive into Google Analytics, POS (point of sale) data, and the back end of your social channels to capture important KPIs (key performance indicators), to help you really understand what the numbers are telling you, in order to level up your marketing. Leave this session knowing exactly what to look for, where to find it, and how to use that data to create more targeted advertising, social media, and newsletter campaigns.

Leanne Pressly is an accomplished entrepreneur and businesswoman with extensive experience in the craft industry. She is the CEO and Founder of Stitchcraft Marketing, a digital marketing agency that specializes in helping craft companies with social media strategy and execution. Under Leanne's leadership, Stitchcraft Marketing has grown into a leading digital marketing agency in the craft industry, working with clients ranging from independent craft shops to major craft brands. Leanne is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and events where she shares her expertise in digital marketing and entrepreneurship. She also hosts the podcast, Business of Craft showcasing topics to help craft retailers thrive. In her free time, Leanne enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending time with her family in the Colorado outdoors. She is also an avid crafter, particularly in the areas of knitting, quilting, and collage art.


Sunday, March 24, 2024
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM


Sublimation Crafting Without a Printer
Presented by Artesprix

Unbox the professional level of personalization with Artesprix’s Sublimation Starter Kit. Class attendees will receive a retail-ready Sublimation Starter Kit and will create a project using our line of sublimation arts & crafts supplies without a sublimation printer. Come experience first-hand, the instant satisfaction that sublimation has to offer all while incorporating other craft supplies Creators already have in their “Maker Toolbox”. Attendees will also have an opportunity to have a hands-on experience with our Sublimation Acrylic Paint & Stamp Pad Inks. Each attendee will receive a Sublimation Starter Kit.

 

Category(s): Paints, Colors, and Mediums, Brushes and Application Tools, Paper, Canvas, and Other Substrates, Papercrafting, Mixed Media
Level: Beginner
Estimated time: 1 hour

Ashley Ciccero joined the Artesprix (pronounced: ahrt – eh – spree) Team in late 2018 as Sales Manager and have since been helping grow their brand to more than just Sublimation Markers. I am ready to introduce the world to Sublimation through crafting. It is exciting to be a part of this industry, as I learn more about arts & crafts supplies every day. The best part about my job is the relationships I develop with makers, customers, and partners.


Sunday, March 24, 2024
2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

The New Frontier - Capturing Creativity Legally and Using It to Sell 
Presented by Hon. Dr. Tammy Browning-Smith

Talking about the use of AI and other technologies in an ethical and legal way to enhance creativity and sales along with what to look out for when using and selling items when the items are created with new technology. 


Sunday, March 24, 2024

2:30 PM to 3:30 PM

Harnessing the Power of Data-Driven Marketing
Presented by Rain Retail Software

In an era where information is king, leveraging data to inform marketing strategies has become imperative for businesses seeking sustained growth and competitive advantage. Learn best practices for leveraging your data to increase sales with text and email marketing as well as gather online reviews.

Spencer Wright is an experienced operationalist specializing in small business and social marketing. Spencer has a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Brigham Young University.  He has a strong background in point-of-sale training and sales analytics. Spencer is an avid sand volleyball player and a fan of the Utah Jazz and Pittsburgh Steelers.


Sunday, March 24, 2024
2:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Live Botanical Painting with The Mint Gardener and The Stoneground Paint Co.
Presented by The Stoneground Paint Co

Experience live botanical painting with artist and author, Sarah Simon – The Mint Gardener, showcasing The Stoneground Paint Co’s premium handmade paint. Explore colours, painting techniques, and the benefit of handmade paint while capturing the beauty of botanicals in the New Orleans region. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join, no matter the experience level. Sarah and The Stoneground Paint Co. will educate, energize, and inspire.

Category(s): Paints, Colors, and Mediums, Brushes and Application Tools Paper, Canvas, and Other Substrates Drawing and Sketching Tools
Level: Beginner
Items attendees should bring:
Estimated time: 2.5 hours

 

Sarah Simon is an artist and author from Seattle, WA. Sarah has been sharing her love of color, animals, and botanicals with many artists across the world. Sarah has assisted thousands of artists in experiencing the world of color and painting with her published books, workshops, and online content. Sarah's talents have been featured on several products, brands, and even television. Sarah is engaging, inspiring, and incredibly talented.

 

 

 


Sunday, March 24, 2024
2:30 PM to 4:30 PM

Celebrate 20 years of Tim Holtz Distress with Cheiron Brandon and Ranger
Presented by Ranger Industries

Celebrating 20 years of Tim Holtz Distress! Learn about one of the newest products in the Distress line, Distress Watercolor Pencils.  In this class you will learn all about these highly pigmented pencils that come in the Distress Colors you already know and love. Experiment with Distress Watercolor Pencil techniques that can be used for card making, scrapbooking, art journaling, and mixed media projects. Create a mixed-media panel that explores a variety of pencil techniques that can be achieved with this newest addition to the Distress Line. 

Category(s): Paints, Colors, and Mediums, Brushes and Application Tools, Paper, Canvas, and Other Substrates, Papercrafting, Mixed Media
Level: Beginner
Items attendees should bring:
Estimated time: 1.5 hours

Cheiron Brandon has been creating handmade cards for over 15 years. She loves to create cards that incorporate Tim Holtz Distress products and mixed media supplies. She has done design work for many companies in the paper crafting industry including Tim Holtz, Simon Says Stamp, Reverse Confetti, Hero Arts, AALL & Create, Mama Elephant, Neat and Tangled, Dina Wakley, and Ranger Ink. She currently contributes a monthly feature to the Ranger Ink and Simon Says Stamp blogs.

 

 

 


Sunday, March 24, 2024
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

The Business of Creativity
Presented by 
Create & Craft, LLC

You've got the creative side of your business down pat, but are you on top of the business side? Even 1-person shops need to understand how to manage their business. It's often a struggle for micro/small organizations too. Joe will help you understand the functional areas of a business and how you can budget your time to cover each area. He'll focus on how to decide what's worth doing (i.e. return on investment) and how to market on a shoestring budget.

Joe Rotella is a leading thinker and professional speaker in strategic management, marketing, and business development. Joe is a nationally recognized speaker. Joe currently serves as Chief Value Officer for Delphia Consulting, a national software consulting firm, and the owner and founder of Create & Craft. One of Joe’s many hobbies is mixed media art. Joe’ is a frequent guest on Make It Artsy, and his work has appeared in many national magazines.


Sunday, March 24, 2024
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Bright Ideas with Chibitronics - Techniques and Tricks for Crafting with Light
Presented by Chibitronics

Are you captivated by paper curiosities that glow, twinkle, and come to life?  In this intermediate workshop, you will dive deeper into the potential of using light as a creative tool and be the first to experiment with our innovative new products.  Participants will learn more advanced circuit techniques and have the opportunity to participate in hands-on demos using some of our supplementary products, such as animating LEDS, pressure sensitive plastic, templates, and switches.  This workshop builds on concepts and skills learned in “Curiosity to Confidence: Light Up Your Crafts with Chibitronics.'' It is recommended, but not required, that you complete that workshop before taking this one.

Category(s): Papercrafting

Level: Advanced
Estimated time: 2 hours

Jie Qi is co-founder and CEO of Chibitronics, which produces high-tech art supplies and STEAM learning toolkits. Her mission is to combine art with engineering to empower creators of all backgrounds to make expressive and personally meaningful technologies. Jie received her Ph.D. in media arts and sciences from the MIT Media Lab, where she researched innovative ways to blend electronics and computation with traditional arts and crafts. She has given invited talks and workshops across diverse venues including Rhode Island School of Design, LEGO, Google, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Her work has been exhibited internationally and is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

Jessica Frost-Ballas is an artist and paper crafter who has been working in the industry since 2014. She loves mixing different cardmaking styles and has a special place in her heart for interactive designs. Her designs almost always have some element of sparkle in them; so when she discovered Chibitronics, Jessica was instantly captivated by the possibilities of crafting with actual light! She has been working with Chibitronics since 2015 and shares monthly video tutorials and inspiration for paper crafters interested in adding light-up elements to their creations!


Sunday, March 24, 2024
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Mardi Gras Marketing Madness: Catching Beads and Crowning Kings and Queens!
Presented by 
KIZER & BENDER SPEAKING, LLC

You deserve a little bling and in the spirit of Mardi Gras, we'll be tossing beads-a-plenty. Do you have a great promotion that spins the doors on your store? Great! Share your idea and catch some beads. How about a unique display technique that attracts customers like crazy? Have you discovered the way to your employees' hearts? We're all ears and you'll be gorgeous in your Mardi Gras jewels. At the end of our parade of ideas we'll cloak one lucky Mardi Gras Muse with even more beads, baubles, and other unexpected surprises. But that's not all: what's a Mardi Gras Muse without a Court?If learning, laughing, catching beads, and crowning kings and queens sounds like a good time to you, then join Rich Kizer and Georganne Bender for our not-to-be-missed Mardi Gras Marketing Madness '€“ a retailer roundtable that puts YOU in the spotlight!As they say in New Orleans: Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler - Let the Good Times Roll!

Rich Kizer and Georganne Bender are speakers and consultants who have helped thousands in the retail, hospitality, travel, healthcare, sales, and service industries since 1990. Best known for their store makeovers, KIZER & BENDER help retailers revamp their spaces to increase foot traffic and generate more sales. As global retail thought leaders, they are consistently listed among the Top 100 Retail Influencers and the Top Retail Industry Experts to Follow on Social Media.


Sunday, March 24, 2024
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Small Space, Big Dreams: Networking and Online Course for the Cash Registers 'Ching
Presented by Hope Yoder

Ready to turn your business into the neighborhood's favorite hangout and an internet sensation? This 2-hour jam session is your golden ticket! Here's the lowdown: Part 1: Be the Local Hero- Talk the Talk: Master the art of chit-chat to turn your community into raving fans.- Party Planner: Throw your own buzz-worthy events” even in a small space, you can be the hottest ticket in town!Part 2: Make the World Your Stage- Show 'n Tell: Create an online course that's not just cool but sells like hotcakes.- Double Whammy: First, sell your awesome course. Next, sell the gear folks need to nail it. It's a win-win! You'll walk away with a no-fail plan to become a local legend and a global rockstar, all while hearing the sweet sound of your cash register going "cha-ching!

 

Hope Yoder, is the entrepreneur behind Designs By Hope Yoder. I started my journey in the embroidery and fabric industry by creating products, courses, designs, and fabric for the home market. I have had the privilege of inspiring many along the way with our magazine articles, workshops, and our corporate projects. We host hands-on laser entrepreneur workshops and offer online courses and paid communities for budding entrepreneurs. Most days, you can find me dancing to Cupid Shuffle, in front of my computer designing, or behind my machine creating handmade happiness. Two years ago I PIVOTTED FOR PROFIT and changed things up. I love to say “I can sell dirt, and teach you how to sell it to”. My focus is on helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses while thinking outside the box. I can help you create the business you dream of, one lesson at a time”.

Visit Hope’s website www.HopeYoder.com and find her socials here https://linktr.ee/hopeyoder


Sunday, March 24, 2024
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Introducing Experiential Crafting to your store through UV Resin Kits
Presented by MakerFlo

Unlock the potential of your craft store and elevate the crafting experience for your customers! Join us for a transformative workshop using UV resin starter kits designed specifically for craft business owners eager to revolutionize their stores and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of crafting. Beat the big box stores by hosting fun and creative events at your brick-and-mortar stores! Each paid attendee will receive a UV Resin kit as part of the workshop experience. Once the workshop is over, you will have an idea of what kind of kits are popular and how to teach and promote the kits!

Category(s): Jewelry Making, Party/Special Occasion
Level: Beginner
Items attendees should bring:
Estimated time: 1.5 hours

 

Marc Pendergraft, born in Tucson, Arizona, rocked the finance world after graduating from ASU. He's not just numbers and spreadsheets though; he's a sports fanatic who travels the globe, soaking up diverse cultures. At 18, he nabbed a spot in the top 50 teenage entrepreneurs nationwide. Talk about an unstoppable force! Marc is an avid Engraver and a master at sublimation!

 

 

 

John Modi, the whimsical Chief Imagination Officer! From philosophizing to surviving rogue waves, John's life is an exhilarating rollercoaster. Oh, and did we mention he nearly flunked 5th grade? Keep an eye out for this "as seen on TV" personality, he's a creative force to be reckoned with! John loves to teach new crafters and his favorite craft to teach is UV resin!

 

 

 


 
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