Day 1 Highlights

The first day of h+h americas 2026 kicked off with h+h university! The day was full of lively participation, vibrant energy, and inspiring community connections with educational classes taught by industry leaders. Attendees left with fresh insights, actionable business strategies, and new creative perspectives to bring back to their businesses.

The roundtable networking event invited attendees to pull up a chair, share their experiences, and tackle the industry’s biggest topics together. This brilliant combination of knowledge sharing and personal exchange set a collaborative tone for the rest of the event.

We finished the day with happy hour, allowing exhibitors and attendees to relax, catch up with old friends, and talk shop in a casual setting. 

The excitement culminated in the highly anticipated Sample It! This high-energy event gave exhibitors a fantastic platform to showcase their latest products and allowed attendees to get an exclusive first look—and first purchase—of the newest trends hitting the market.

Day 2 Highlights

The energy on the exhibition floor reached a whole new level today as buyers, designers, and exhibitors leaned into a full schedule of business building, hands-on creating, and unforgettable evening celebrations.

The morning kicked off with a powerful buzz of professional development. Industry leaders took to the Main Stage and stepped into packed classrooms for our specialized Business Classes, tackling everything from smart marketing pivots to scaling digital brand footprints.

Over in the Learning Lab, the atmosphere was tactile and experimental. Attendees rolled up their sleeves to test-drive cutting-edge tools, play with brand-new yarn and fabric releases, and master innovative techniques guided by expert instructors. It was the perfect reminder that at the heart of our industry is the pure, hands-on joy of creating.

As the exhibition floor wrapped up for the afternoon, the crowd gathered around the Main Stage for the highly anticipated h+h americas Fashion Show. Centered around the theme “Celebrate Your Style,” the professionally produced runway event was an absolute showstopper. Celebrating inclusivity, representation, and incredible craftsmanship in every single stitch, the show left the entire room feeling deeply inspired and empowered.

Day 3 Highlights

From the bustling aisles of Indie Untangled to the collaborative hubs of the Pattern Designer and Needlearts Alley pavilions, connection was happening at every corner. Independent designers and major brands alike spent the day networking, opening new accounts, and brainstorming collaborative projects that we’ll undoubtedly see hitting the market soon.

The morning kicked off with a focused, fast-paced energy. Buyers hit the floor with their checklists in hand, securing orders and mapping out their inventory for the upcoming seasons. From the indie dye lots to the newest sewing tech, exhibitors and retailers spent the day locking in partnerships that will shape the craft market for the rest of the year.

Next on the show schedule was the third annual h+h americas Cosplay Fashion Show Competition presented by Famoré Cutlery. Bridging the gap between the traditional crafting market and the visionary world of cosplay, this year’s competition put a spotlight on the staggering technical skill, mixed-media mastery, and passion of cosplay makers.

From fabric and foam to intricate embroidery and led lights, the runway was an absolute masterclass in wearable art.

h+h americas After Dark.

Whether reconnecting with longtime friends, meeting new collaborators, or simply soaking in the vibrant energy of the industry, After Dark proved to be where the true heart of our community shines. Away from the business contracts and booth setup, everyone let their hair down. The night was packed with music, drinks, conversations, and plenty of dancing. It was the perfect, high-spirited conclusion to an intense week of hard work, reminding us all that we aren’t just an industry—we are a family.

Day 4 Highlights

As attendees and exhibitors wrapped up, the conversation wasn’t about saying goodbye—it was about what comes next. After days packed with masterclasses, runway inspiration, and intensive networking, everyone is heading home with notebooks full of strategies and suitcases full of the latest trend samples.

The energy of h+h americas doesn’t stay in Chicago. Over the next few weeks, the partnerships forged during our roundtable sessions and late-night chats at After Dark will turn into new product lines, collaborative events, and stronger businesses across the globe.