9 INDUSTRY NEWS ICHF Events announces strategic expansion ICHF is excited to announce that the beloved Crafting Live Events at Sandown Park and Doncaster Racecourse have officially joined the ICHF Events family, marking a significant step forward in both companies’ commitment to the crafting community. This strategic move will enhance the experience for both exhibitors and crafters, ensuring that the rich tradition of live crafting events continues to flourish. Karl Shaw, Managing Director of Highlight Crafts, said, “We’ve worked with ICHF for nearly 30 years through its Creative Craft Shows around the UK and are thrilled to bring Crafting Live into the ICHF family. This partnership allows us to unify our efforts in nurturing and growing the crafting community. With Crafting Live now part of ICHF Events, we can provide even greater support to our exhibitors and create unparalleled experiences for crafters across the UK.” Stephanie Weightman will continue her dedicated support to crafters at these events, ensuring that the spirit of Crafting Live is maintained and enhanced within the ICHF Creative Craft Shows. Simon Burns, Managing Director of ICHF Events, shared his excitement, saying, “This is like welcoming a new member to the family. Crafting Live will now be a part of our yearlong calendar of events, offering exhibitors and attendees alike more opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. With live demos, hands-on workshops, influencer hubs, and celebrity partners, we’re bringing the wonderful world of crafting to an even wider audience.” For exhibitors, this means a strengthened platform to showcase their brands to a passionate and engaged audience, free from the challenges of online marketing. For crafters, it’s an opportunity to deepen their skills, share their passion, and connect face-to-face with like-minded individuals in a vibrant community setting. Simon Burns, adds, “As the crafting industry continues to evolve, with the decline of high street craft stores and the rise of online alternatives, live events like ours are more important than ever. They provide a unique space where crafters can experience the joy of learning and sharing in person, ensuring that the art of crafting remains a cherished and growing part of our culture. We are confident that this partnership will inspire even more creativity and passion within the crafting community, and we look forward to seeing new and returning visitors at our upcoming events.” Industry news Latest news from the craft industry New Hunter Price collaboration Hunter Price International has been named the consumer product partner in the UK and Europe for the high-profile collaboration between two iconic brands, L.O.L. Surprise! and Crayola for their L.O.L. Surprise! Loves Crayola collaboration announced late last year. The collaboration encourages self-expression and creativity through an engaging and impactful product strategy of dolls, playsets, and consumer products globally. The creative team at Hunter Price developed the vibrant and imaginative debut collection across accessories, bags, games & puzzles, health & beauty, home & lifestyle, stationery, and creative play, all of which will be available in retail later this year. L.O.L. Surprise! and Crayola coming together has created a huge opportunity for an extensive range, particularly around stationery and creative play activities. The collection features everything from backto-school sets, notebooks, journals, arts and crafts, slime, stickers, stencils, make your own and colour your own doll house, bracelet kits, and so much more! The innovative collection from Hunter Price has already had a hugely positive market response after being featured at the opening trade shows of the year in London and Nuremberg.
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