During last year’s show, one of the keynotes was a fireside chat with Justine Tiu, co-founder of The Woobles, a crochet kit company.
We’re excited to announce the keynotes for h+h americas 2024.
These sessions are also open to everyone in attendance at no extra charge and allow attendees to come together at the start of each day to kick things off in an inspiring way.
Tickets for h+h americas go on sale on Thursday, February 1!
Wednesday, May 1, 8:30-10:00 am
Golden Scissors Awards Ceremony and State of the Industry Panel
Moderator: Abby Glassenberg
Join us for the awards presentation for the inaugural Golden Scissors Awards, recognizing excellence in the crafts industry. Presented live on stage, awards will be given in five categories: Lifetime Achievement, Emerging Leader, Sustainability, Social Impact, and Innovation.
State of the Industry Panel
Immediately after the awards ceremony, we’ll welcome the panelists to the stage for our annual State of the Industry panel discussion. We’ll be exploring the challenges and opportunities craft businesses are facing today and what tomorrow will bring. In this panel discussion with industry leaders from the US and abroad, you’ll hear about developing trends, forecasts, and future outlooks for craft businesses.
Come away with a global view of the crafts industry. We are all connected, from new businesses to established companies, from large corporations to independent makers, and this discussion will set the tone for what the show and the coming year will bring.
Panelists to be announced soon!
Thursday, May 2, 8:30-10:00 am
Keynote: Amber Kemp-Gerstel of Damask Love
Amber Kemp-Gerstel began her career as a child psychologist. In 2015, she shifted gears to creating craft content full-time. Since then she learned that her job is as much about crafting as it is about relating and engaging with people. After being on NBC’s Making It, she came to realize that there is truly no creative challenge she can’t take on.
In this keynote address, Amber will dive into the ever-shifting landscape of how creative businesses engage with customers and the incredible value of influencer marketing. Hear inside anecdotes from brand collaborations and what it’s really like to share DIY content every day with an audience of over 115,000 people.
Friday, May 3, 8:30-10:00 am
Presentation of Craft Industry Consumer Research: Quilting
Quilting Trends is an annual large-scale consumer research study conducted by Premier Needle Arts and Handi Quilter in collaboration with industry partners. Each year 25,000 quilters nationwide respond to survey questions that reveal important behavioral and buying trends. In this summary of the 2024 survey results you’ll learn about the profile of the average quilter today, their buying preferences, and where quilters are turning now to learn new skills. Come away with an understanding of the trajectory of the industry in comparison to years past.
Friday, May 3, 8:30-10:00 am
Presentation of Craft Industry Consumer Research: Yarn
Yarn Trends is a periodic large-scale consumer research study focused on understanding consumer behavior in the yarn industry. Conducted by Berroco, the study’s findings reveal the overall size of the yarn industry now, the demographics of the average consumer in this sector, and trends in buying behavior. Learn how consumers are learning about new products, where they’re going to learn new skills and more.
Looking forward to hearing what Jan Hurwitz has to say about the yarn trends and where we are in the cycle
We are, too. She’ll be reporting the results of a large consumer study.