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.

My Biggest Success and Most Notable Screw Up with Elaine Salazar

When: Thursday, January 9th at 3:00 pm ET
Speakers:  David Pyle with Guest Elaine Salazar

Guess who’s coming to NAMTA Connect? This regular series features conversations with leaders within the industry - this month with Elaine Salazar, President/CEO of Ampersand Art Supply. 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 she see ahead for the community? What are Elaine’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 she brings to this discussion!

About Elaine Salazar:

Elaine Salazar is the President/CEO of Ampersand Art Supply. It all began when Charles Ewing developed Claybord, a unique, clay-coated panel that allowed him to achieve amazing detail and allowed him to use the surface with scratchboard techniques. Driven by Elaine Salazar’s love of art and her background in art history, she and three of her classmates created a business plan around Claybord and won a national business contest that allowed them to establish Ampersand Art Supply in 1993 with Charles and Barbara Ewing. 

Over 25 years later, Ampersand is the leader in art panels and is still a small, woman-owned company, located in Buda, Texas.

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Growing your Customer Base Part 2: Mastering Customer Retention and Loyalty

When: Tuesday, January 14th at 3:00 pm ET
Speakers:  Heidi Kaisand

This session focuses on turning customers into loyal advocates for your brand.  We'll explore advanced techniques for fostering long-term customer relationships, including loyalty programs, feedback loops, and exclusive incentives that keep your audience engaged.  Discover the importance of understanding customer lifetime value and learn how to use data-driven insights to tailor experiences that resonate.  Additionally, we'll highlight innovative ways to maintain authentic communication through automation and how to adapt your approach as your customer base evolves.  This session is designed to help you not just grow your customer list, but create meaningful, lasting connections that drive repeat business and referrals.  Get ready to elevate your cusomer retention strategy and ensure your business remains their go-to choice!

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 & Amp, 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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Customized Tea Towels with Jacquard Indigo Dye Product Demo

When: Tuesday, January 21st at 3:00 pm ET
Speakers:  Dylan Freitas-D'Louhy with Jacquard

Make a day of it with this Shibori Tea Towel workshop.  Experience a brief history of Shibori, it's cultural significance, and how it differs from modern dying techniques.  Not only will this give you a knowledge base on the product to educate your friends, but a demonstration of how deep the colors and techinquest can get.  

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Have you missed some NAMTA Connect Session