40th show for CHSI is resounding success
Posted on in Creative News
Over 7000 creative craft industry professionals attended Craft Hobby + Stitch International, held from 15-17 February at the NEC, Birmingham.
The show, previously known as Stitches, was celebrating its 40th year, and welcomed both long-standing and new exhibitors and visitors across the three days.
Once again, the hall was transformed into a colourful creative hub where more than 230 exhibitors from across the world connected with thousands of retailers, from large multiples to independents.
Joint Managing Director, ICHF Events, Troy Bennett said: "The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. This milestone show has been a welcome opportunity to take stock of how far the show has come in 40 years and to celebrate both its longevity but also the new features introduced in recent years which reflect how the industry has moved forward. Things have changed a lot since the show started with social media now being an important part of the show both for networking and business development. The industry has moved with the times, but the positive and friendly culture of the creative crafting world remains the same. As a family business, we value the strong relationships we have with those involved in the show and feel honoured to have played a part in the development of the industry over the last 40 years."
The show included features introduced in recent years with the catwalk taking centre stage, plus the free seminars and workshops proved to be very popular, particularly ones hosted by special guests Warren Knight and Sewing Bee star May Martin.
The show's international element remained strong with both exhibitors and visitors travelling from across the globe to network and do business at the show. Exhibitors, both long-standing and new, reported a very positive show.
Jonathan Thompson, Executive Director, DMC comments, "We have exhibited at CHSI for more than 20 years and I think this year is the best our stand has ever looked, we have the best product range and it has been the busiest show."
Textile artist, Sue Walton from Multipom, exhibited as part of the Bright Sparks Pavilion and said: "This is our first show with a new product and we've been blown away by the interest. We had three orders before 9.30am on the first day. We've been well supported with publicity which has really helped drive customers to our stand."
After such a successful show, plans for the 2016 event are already well underway, with the introduction of a new logo which, although still being called Craft Hobby + Stitch International or CHSI, incorporates the show's original name of ‘Stitches'. Keep your eyes on the website www.chsi.co.uk for show updates and information.