Mixing It Up at the 2011 CHA Summer Show

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J., March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) will hold its 2011 Summer Conference & Trade Show July 19-21, 2011 with pre-Conference sessions starting July 18th at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL.  For more than 30 years, the CHA Summer Show has been the craft and hobby industry's must-attend event of the season for buyers, exhibitors and designers, and this year's Show will continue that legacy with a focus on mixed-media crafts, a Craft Fusion Center and three unique pavilions.

Mixed media is combining different craft materials in innovative and non-traditional ways, resulting in intriguing art, unique gifts, spectacular fashion and other handicrafts.  The often-dramatic effects achieved are being called "Craft Fusion," which is the theme of the 2011 CHA Summer Show.  By helping the industry focus on interdisciplinary crafting that appeals to core crafters across different sectors, including younger crafters, artisans and creative enthusiasts worldwide, Craft Fusion represents sales and growth opportunities for the entire industry.

"Mixed media is an opportunity for the industry to collaborate on creative products, projects, cross-promotion and cross-sales," explained Steve Berger, President and CEO, CHA.  "We're also adding three exciting pavilions to the Show floor, providing even greater exhibitor and attendee opportunities to experience the power of Craft Fusion and mixed media."

The new pavilions will focus on three areas: New Exhibitors, Needlecrafts, and Jewelry & Beading.  Exhibitors who participate in a pavilion will receive multiple benefits ranging from additional pre-Show promotion and online advertising to special discounts and hosting VIP receptions, to name a few.  Attendees will enjoy the many activities, competitions, demonstrations and more all happening in the new pavilions.

To further enhance the Show experience, CHA will also implement a new conference format, first introduced successfully at the 2011 Winter Show.  The change provides attendees with greater value, more convenient hours, increased networking opportunities and unlimited access to the Trade Show floor, conference programs and special events by using an all-access Conference & Trade Show badge for only $25 (Advance registration price).

Additionally, Show hours have been changed to 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. the first two days.  Moving opening and closing times back by one hour allows members opportunities to participate in more education and events and maximize their time both off and on the Show floor.

CHA offers diverse and timely business education at every Show.  These programs provide attendees with opportunities to learn new skills, gain knowledge on business trends and network with other members through workshops, business seminars, demo-nars and special events.

Attendees at the CHA 2011 Summer Conference & Trade Show can look forward to receiving valuable information on:

• Trends: Mixed-media and color trends from experts in the field.
• Project Inspiration: New, popular mixed-media projects to teach in-store.
• Product Assortment: Expanding retailers' product ranges offered in-store and merchandising effectively to complement current lines.
• New Distribution: Securing new points of distribution by presenting manufacturers' product lines and designing sell-through tools for mixed-media applications.

To learn more about the upcoming 2011 CHA Summer Conference & Trade Show, including a complete schedule of all programs and events, exhibitor listings, travel discounts and other key Show highlights, visit www.chashow.org.  Online registration opens May 5.

About the Craft & Hobby Association

The Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) is an international not-for-profit trade association consisting of thousands of member companies engaged in design, manufacture, distribution and retail sales of products worldwide in the $29 billion U.S. craft and hobby industry. For more about CHA, membership or its award-winning CHA Conferences & Trade Shows, visit www.craftandhobby.org.

SOURCE The Craft & Hobby Association