Nov 14, 2008
Green education program takes center stage at CHA winter show

(ELMWOOD PARK, NJ) – The Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) 2009 Winter Convention & Trade Show today announced an innovative program of over 130 educational sessions designed to provide industry professionals with sustainable business techniques and solutions that will not only benefit the industry and environment, but also the bottom line. The workshops, seminars, and Demo-nars will begin on January 24 and run through January 28, 2009.

Featuring sessions such as “The Trend to ‘Go Green’ – Real World Examples on How to Grow Your Business AND Save Money,” and “Green Your Store to GROW Your Business – Key Steps for Retailers,” the educational lineup at the Winter Show will introduce industry professionals to key management and operational business practices that favorably impact the earth while increasing sales. The program was also designed to help members raise consumer awareness of ‘green’ opportunities within the craft industry.

“At the Show, attendees will discover valuable industry insights not only on the Show floor, but also in our seminars, workshops, and demo-nars,” said Steve Berger, CEO, CHA. “Implementing sustainable and responsible products and practices is especially important in this current economic downturn, as green strategies can provide our members with a competitive edge in the $209 billion green product category and can ultimately boost their bottom line.”

Special Winter Show offerings include:

Retailing with Excellence Program: This successful track of customized education for independent and scrapbook retailers returns to the Winter Show with a focus on key business basics including Marketing, Sales, and Inventory. The goal of this program is to encourage continued success and growth among CHA’s independent retailers with simple take-home business lessons retailers can immediately implement in their stores.

Designer Education: CHA’s Designer Education program features events tailored specifically for designer members. Designers of all disciplines are encouraged to attend these networking and education events with topics including “Color Trends: What’s in Store for the Future from the Pantone Color Institute” and “Branding 101 for Designers.”

Green Show Theme Education: Workshops and seminars aimed to teach members easy ways to go green. Topics include “Go Green Concept by Prima Marketing,” “Fashion Sweatshirts by Lorine Mason” (with special consideration given to repurposing and eco-friendly materials), and “Creatively Green Metal-Raku Workshop.”

This year CHA is introducing recession-friendly pricing with Seminar passes at the Winter Show. These passes will give members unlimited access to all Seminars during their time at the Show and are available at tiered pricing levels to meet individual member needs representing a significant savings. Additionally, all Workshops are available at pre-2008 pricing.

To learn more about the upcoming CHA 2009 Winter Convention & Trade Show, including registration, discounts, a complete schedule of all programs and events, a map of the show floor, exhibitor listings and travel discounts, visit www.chashow.org.

The CHA Winter Convention & Trade Show is produced by the Craft & Hobby Association, a not-for-profit trade association consisting of about 5,000 member companies engaged in the design, manufacture, distribution and retail sales of products in the $31 billion craft and hobby industry. For more information about CHA visit www.craftandhobby.org.