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Scotland Trade Fair Preview
British Craft Trade Fair returns for birthday celebration
The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) is set to return to Harrogate in April 2022, as it celebrates its 45th birthday Planning for BCTF is in full swing as the new owner, Kerrison Exhibitions, invests in the show’s return to the Yorkshire Event Centre (YEC) for the first time since 2019, for what is set to be its biggest show yet. Taking place from 10 to 12 April 2022, the fair will welcome thousands of trade buyers looking for the latest collections for their stores from more than 300 carefully vetted designer makers showcasing the very best of British handmade craft and giftware.
Uptake for the show has been strong, with spaces in both the Newcomers Gallery and Post Newcomers Gallery being limited due to high demand.
Makers participating in the show can also take advantage of additional benefits such as inclusion in the online trade catalogue; online mentoring sessions to help prepare them for the show; and access to newcomers’ guides and help audios.
Matt Miller, owner of Kerrison Exhibitions, said: “BCTF has a fantastic following of thousands of UK buyers and galleries already, and we’ll be supplementing direct mail and email invitations to these regular visitors with promotional campaigns on social media and across all key press titles. We’re committed to making BCTF 2022 a great success for all our designer makers.”
*Noted opens for exhibitors
This event will take place (along with SF NOW) at the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, located between Aquatic Park and Marine Green, in San Francisco, California, on 28 and 29 April, 2022. *Noted has quickly become the event for the greeting card community, including makers, retailers, and sales reps,” said GCA (Greeting Card Association) president George White. “NY NOW has a well-earned reputation for providing a curated selection of specialty gift suppliers that gift retailers need to attend each year to stay on trend.
“A co-located *NOTED/SF NOW show will bring the best of greeting card, gift, and lifestyle makers into one hall, providing a unique, must-attend solution for retailers of all sizes seeking the best offerings for their customers. “*Noted co-located with SF NOW will offer brands, makers, and artisans an all-in-one tactile boutique setting to meet buyers, celebrate creativity, and tell their stories. The event will be a prime opportunity to see what’s trending, show what’s new, and take orders in a location convenient for West Coast retailers and designers.’’
Find out more at www.greetingcard.org/noted.
Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring returns
Scotland’s Trade Fair returns to the SEC, Glasgow, from 23-25 January 2022 and is looking forward to bringing suppliers and buyers back together. As the only trade gift Show in Scotland with a wide range of card, stationery and book exhibitors, it is not to be missed.
Around 500 exhibitors will showcase their products across the gift, craft, homeware, jewellery and textiles sectors. With about 50 card, stationery and book producers, this show should offer something for most retailers.
Be inspired with new products from the Launch Gallery with young, companies (less than two years old) such as By Anna, Edinburgh Illustrations, Scribe & Grow, Silver Animal Art and St Mango.
Newcomers to the show in the greetings category include Catherine Kleeli Cards and Prints, and Wishstrings. These complement established exhibitors such as Pink Pig, Lomond Books, Cardology, F&B Cards, Hole in my Pocket, Emma Ball, Pigment and The Grey Earl.
The show’s Talking Shop zone will provide visitors with insight into topics such as targeting influencers, social media, doing your own PR, customer buying habits, retail trends and attracting back tourists. There will also be a range of informal talks, panel discussions and workshops.
Nessie’s Den is also returning. Here, emerging producers will showcase their products to the ‘Nessies’ - well respected retailers - in the style of the BBC’s Dragon’s Den in an entertaining and exciting session.
Best Product Awards will be judged on the opening day with the resulting winners’ products on display in the centre of the show.
EcoBags is the official supplier of carrier bags to Scotland’s Trade Fair and is providing bags made from recycled plastic bottles, which are themselves recyclable.
Mark Saunders, Scotland’s Trade Fair show director, added: “We are excited that Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring is back as it is the place where many new products are unveiled and 2022 ranges will be launched, orders are placed and friendships made and sealed. The card and stationery sector held up well during the pandemic and it’s exciting to see so many new designs emerging which will appeal to all types of retailers.” • Springboard Events, organisers of Scotland’s Trade Fairs, has just appointed a new sales manager. Jak Kelly-O’Donnell will manage the sales and bookings for the 500-plus exhibitors who are taking stands at this show.
With a background in exhibition sales, most notably eight years in sales for The Wedding Show at the SEC, Jak brings a wealth of experience in selling stands and organising shows. She has also worked on the Baby Show and is well versed in events at the SEC in Glasgow.
