What do you think of the changes? I am worried about the heat... and since I live near Chicago I am bummed. But I will go anywhere!

Re: the consumer show... I think exhibitors are a tad worried... will they have to sell product???

What do you think?

Orlando doesn't thrill me, being in Seattle and used to the weather here and having further to fly. The Chicago heat worried me enough! So I'll have to see how I feel as it gets closer before I decide.

The open show for consumers is a PLUS for regular crafters, but I can see how it would be stressful for the exhibitors. I'm not sure it's the best idea, but I guess we will find out next summer!

(I LOVE your hair Sarah! I had more Pinkie/Violet hair for a while and now I miss it.)

I was so surprised to read on Craft Critique that CHA is going to have a consumer show. I have serious doubts about that idea. The main idea for CHA is to allow LSS and independent craft stores get ideas for their customers and establish relationships with manufacturers. I wonder if a consumer show undermines this goal? In today's crappy economy, could this change create a domino effect where even more LSS go under? Just thinking out loud. I'd be interested in what other designers in the industry think.

I agree with all of the above... (including the comment about my hair! lol!)

I have heard that those exhibitors who want to be part of the consumer element will be set up in a separate space... so if a vendor does NOT want to participate in the consumer part they won't...

I just can' t imagine how it will work... and why a vendor would want to participate... and I think Consumers will be disappointed.

I mean we come home with all these samples and such... but that won't be the case in a consumer show for sure!

It will be interesting!

I wonder how many vendors will participate then since it's optional.

Hmmm.....

I don't understand what the benefits would be to anyone, if consumers are expecting the same perks and there is no selling. Make and takes, are great selling tools to buyers but also to educate on the product, I can't imagine a vendor wanting to hold those for EVERYONE.

Unless the consumer event is going to be for shopping or guaranteed samples I'm not sure I see the point.

Maybe they are making it like the big Quilt International show in Houston where classes are a big part of the show while having the Market separate for vendors and buyers. I think consumers would be thrilled to meet and craft with their favorite designers and getting a peek at the new stuff. However, I think with paper crafting being the big majority some of the other stuff will be lost. Also, like stated before with the iffy economy I think it would be better to maybe wait another year and just see how the new location works first.

And Orlando, in July? I could think of a few better places to travel to in the summer while doubling it as a vacation.

ya.... who owns stock in Disney 'eh?

I don't know if it's a smart idea for them to open it to consumers either. Aren't some of the companies in the 'made it in the nick of time' mind set anyway? I couldn't imagine them being prepared enough to sell to consumers also. That's just an observation though since I have never been there. {tear}

Maybe there won't be a big section for them.

Yipes! Summer in Florida? Sounds awful.. The taxes there are probably a HUGE improvement over Chicago though.

hi
looking forward to attending first cha show in usa missed the last few due to sickness and cost. coming over from perth western australia so am going to be at this one