Midwest Craft Con is a craft and business conference offering workshops, speakers, and networking for creative business owners of all stripes. Now in its third year, the event will take place February 16-18 in Columbus, Ohio. Keynote speakers include knitter and television host Vickie Howell, the Crafty Chica Kathy Cano Murillo, and cartoonist and pub parent Gemma Correll.
During breakout sessions attendees have the opportunity to learn from top experts on topics such as selling wholesale, public relations, ecommerce, creativity, craftivism, intellectual property rights, social media advertising, accounting, and product photography. The speakers and teachers at this conference come from diverse backgrounds and bring a variety of perspectives to the table.
Midwest Craft Con is an event that also takes fun seriously. If you arrive early you can hop on the bus tour to visit some Columbus hot spots. And throughout the weekend there’s ample opportunity to relax at yoga classes, craft like you’re a summer camp, watch movies, swim, and sing some karaoke with friends new and old. Plus try your hand at macrame and shibori dyeing and do some drawing with Gemma Correll.
Midwest Craft Con organizers Brit, Megan, and Grace.
I attended the first Midwest Craft Con in 2016 to speak, teach, and learn and it was a rejuvenating weekend. I made connections and friendships I still value years later and I learned quite a bit (and still refer to my notes from the breakout sessions). If you’ve never been to a craft conference, or if you’re in need of some in-person creative business support, Midwest Craft Con is an opportunity not to be missed.
Craft Industry Alliance members get discounted tickets (check today’s newsletter for more information) and member Elaine Luther will be at the conference representing CIA this year. She can’t wait to meet you! Get your tickets here.