h+h americas has become the spring gathering for the crafts industry, uniting craft retailers, industry innovators, manufacturers, visionary designers, and passionate makers for an engaging, week-long experience. This inclusive event is dedicated to empowering the entire crafts community—offering dynamic educational sessions, collaborative networking opportunities, immersive product showcases, and meaningful pathways for business connection and growth.
The show invites craft businesses of all sizes, from the largest brands like BERNINA, Janome, and Berroco to independent brands like Indie Untangled and brick & mortar businesses like your local yarn store and local quilt shop. We know that brick & mortar businesses form the strong base of the crafting pyramid; retail shop owners form a direct line to the crafting community at large. They are an essential bridge connecting the crafting community. Brick & mortar retailers host crafters in their spaces for educational and inspirational events, and inspire and equip crafters in their local communities every day.
We also know that attending h+h americas is difficult for many brick & mortar retailers. Beyond the expenses of packing up and transporting materials and traveling to the show in Rosemont, Illinois, there is the additional cost of spending time away from their shops and communities.
To create a more equitable and inclusive show, Koelnmesse, owner and operator of h+h americas, and the Craft Industry Alliance, have launched a new Retailer Scholarship Program starting with h+h americas 2026.
The Retailer Scholarship Program provides direct support for brick & mortar retailers who have never attended h+h americas. The program’s purpose is to encourage curious retailers to attend h+h americas, form connections within the h+h americas community, and grow their business. Shop owners from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Five scholarships will be awarded for the 2026 show. Scholarship winners will receive:
- $1,000 to cover expenses related to travel and lodging
- A free ticket to the show ($59 value)
- A full conference ticket to attend all of the educational offerings at the show, including h+h University ($269 value)
- A ticket to the h+h After Dark party ($75 value)
- Free admission to Sample It ($15 value)
Winners will also be treated to a VIP show floor walk-through. The approximate total value of the scholarship is $1,418 per winner.
Applications are open from October 1-31, 2025. Only fully complete applications from brick-and-mortar retailers who have not yet attended h+h americas will be considered. Winners will be notified via email on December 4, 2025.
Apply for the Retailer Scholarship Program now and share it with your community and favorite craft retailer.
