NAMTA Connect Schedule

            January NAMTA Connect 2025

Since Namta Connect is all about learning and listening, we’re going to light that up for Q1 2025. Join us for live sessions January-March and be entered in a drawing for an Apple Airpod Max that will help you catch every detail, every nuance, every earth-shaking, business driving idea. Every time you join us live, your name will be entered for the Airpod Max drawing. Second prize will be for Apple Airpods 4.

AI for Retail Success: A Practical Guide to Getting Started with ChatGPT

When: Thursday, March 6th at 3:00 pm ET
Speakers:  Heidi Kaisand 

Discover how AI can revolutionize your retail business with this hands-on introduction to ChatGPT. Learn the difference between the free and paid versions, and why starting with the free version is a great first step. Explore simple strategies for integrating AI into your daily operations, from brainstorming creative ideas to creating compelling content and receiving business advice. This session will provide a beginner-friendly "start here" plan and real-world examples of how ChatGPT can enhance your efficiency, spark new ideas, and become your trusted business advisor. Whether you’re a tech novice or ready to level up, this class will inspire you to harness the power of AI for your business growth.

About Heidi Kaisand: 

Heidi Kaisand is the owner of Creative Retailer®, a trade organization guiding small business owners to success. She is also the owner of Hen & Chicks Studio in Conrad, Iowa. Heidi indulges her creative spirit by helping individuals and groups succeed at quilting, scrap booking, and other art forms. Her goal each day is to help both retailers and customers be creative and successful. 

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My Biggest Success and Most Notable Screw Up With Denzil Quick

When: Tuesday, March 11th at 3:00 pm ET
Speakers:  Denzil Quick

Guess who’s coming to NAMTA Connect? This regular series features conversations with leaders within the industry - this month with Denzil Quick, VP of Business Development at Spellbinders Paper Arts. We’ll open the door to discuss memorable and pivotal moments: what’s been learned over the years in the creative industry? What opportunities does he see ahead for the community? What are Denzil’s most memorable experiences (names changed to protect the innocent!)? You’ll walk away with deeper insights about the creative products landscape. We can’t wait to see what he brings to this discussion!

About Denzil Quick:

Denzil celebrated his 30th year in the craft industry in 2024. After eight successful years as a retail buyer who led the opening of 10 scrapbooking stores in the 1990s and early 2000s in the Midwest, he moved to California to help lead the start-up Sizzix brand with Ellison for 12 years. During that time, he led the marketing and brand by launching dozens of new technologies and literally thousands of in-house and licensed designs, including the BigShot, SideKick, Vagabond, Tim Holtz, Eileen Hull, and Brenda Walton. In 2014, Denzil moved to Arizona to work with Spellbinders, where he is today the Vice President of Business Development. He looks for new opportunities and continues to develop new products, such as the Platinum line of die-cutting machines, the Glimmer Hot Foil system, and 2023’s Namta Best New Product award-winning BetterPress letterpress system. Denzil embraces new ideas, thoughts, and opinions and welcomes the challenges of the arts and crafts industry.

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Maximize Your Success at Creativation

When: Thursday, March 13th at 3:00 pm ET
Speakers:  Georganne Bender

Creativation is the ultimate playground for creative minds! It’s a chance to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, chat with exhibitors, dive into hands-on workshops, party like a true creative pro – and that’s just the beginning! But hey, while Creativation is packed with fun, it’s also a lot of work. To make sure you get the best bang for your buck, you’ve got to hit the show floor with a plan. Join Georganne Bender and learn the insider tips and tricks that’ll have you cruising through Creativation like a rockstar. You’ll walk away with everything you need to make the most of your experience, including: What to do before you even step into your first booth, the perfect order to schedule those all-important vendor appointments, key questions you need to ask so you don’t miss out on golden opportunities, how to tap into vendors’ sales-building wisdom to fuel your success, smart networking strategies to boost your productivity with fellow retailers, and more. Whether you’re a Creativation pro or this is your first time, this NAMTA Connect session is a don’t-miss for making the most of your time in Seattle

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