CHA summer Show Stats
The CHA Summer Show held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL., July 18 – 20, 2008.attracted more than 7,166 verified craft and hobby industry professionals and 348 exhibiting companies from 44 countries around the world. Buyer attendance was down by 7% and overall attendance was down by 6% compared to 2007. However there 80 new exhibitors at the Summer Show, and over 126, 895 square feet of exhibition space, reaffirming the CHA Summer Show as the largest craft and hobby trade show of the season.
“Despite challenging economic times, we’re pleased with the amount of business we saw conducted on the Show floor,” explained Steve Berger, CHA CEO. “It’s a testament to the importance of trade shows during slow economy periods and the resiliency of the craft industry.”
While there were fewer attendees at the Show, the buyers in attendance didn’t appear to let the slow economy hamper purchases. Based on interviews with several exhibiting companies, the CHA Summer Show was a great success.
Attendees also took advantage of more then 70 classes, workshops and seminars at the Show, which were designed to provide retailers, manufacturers, and designers with business techniques and solutions which will carry them through the current economic downturn and beyond.>BR>
Featuring such sessions as “Why and How to Use Classes and Clubs to Generate Store Traffic” and “Actions Speak Louder than Words! Veteran Sales Techniques That Work,” the Summer Show’s educational lineup provided CHA members with effective solutions to enhance their business and drive sales.
In addition to all the products and excitement on the Show floor, several seminars and presentations were offered during the four-day event. Speaking on the timely topic of finances and the current economy, financial guru Jean Chatzky gave an insightful presentation Thursday evening, June 17, entitled “Make Money, Not Excuses… Even in a Recession!” The New York Times bestselling author and financial editor for NBC’s Today Show shared her expert financial insights with those in the craft and hobby industry.
Education framed around the Show theme, “Kids Crafting: Inspiring Growth and Creativity” also taught attendees how to reach the growing U.S. kids crafting market, consisting of 73 million children under the age of 18.
The 2009 CHA Winter Convention and Trade Show will return to the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA from January 25-28, 2009. For the latest news on the upcoming Show, including educational programs, events and exhibitor listings, visit www.chashow.org.
