As the creative industry continues to flourish, h+h americas 2024 has once again proven to be the cornerstone event for all things handmade. Held from May 1 – 3, 2024 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont, this year’s event marked an extraordinary gathering where creativity met business on an unprecedented scale.

A Melting Pot of Creativity

The 2024 edition saw a remarkable turnout, drawing attendees from 38 countries and all 50 states. With a total of 3,831 attendees, including 3,268 domestic and 563 international visitors, the event showcased a truly global community passionate about crafts and handmade business. Notably, the presence of the top 5 US mass merchants highlighted the event’s significance in the industry.

Exhibitor Excellence

A diverse range of 402 exhibitors from 24 countries displayed their innovative products and services. This included 309 domestic exhibitors and 93 international ones, underlining h+h americas as a hub for discovering the latest trends and innovations in the handmade business world.

Engaging the Digital World

Content creators and makers were a significant highlight, with over 140 creators in attendance. These influencers reached an astonishing 18,591,719 total engagements with their audiences, reflecting the event’s robust online presence. Their efforts translated to 2,617,500 monthly page views and 1,700,000 unique visitors, amplifying the event’s reach beyond the physical venue.

Social Media Impact

The social engagement for h+h americas 2024 was phenomenal, achieving a reach of over 18.6 million views. This digital footprint underscores the event’s ability to engage and inspire a vast online audience, fostering a vibrant community of craft enthusiasts and professionals.

Industry Focus

The primary business categories represented were diverse, covering yarn (35.20%), fabric (10.46%), and craft accessories (7.86%), among others. The focus areas clearly indicate the broad spectrum of interests and the dynamic nature of the handmade industry.

Decision Makers in Attendance

An impressive 86% of attendees held final or significant decision-making authority, making h+h americas a pivotal event for networking and forging business partnerships. This high level of engagement from key industry players ensures that the event is not just a showcase but a catalyst for meaningful business growth.

Interests and Trends

The main focus of interest at h+h americas 2024 reflected the evolving trends in the industry. A significant 55% of the audience was interested in quilting, sewing, textiles, and embroidery, while 36% focused on knitting, crochet, weaving, cross-stitch, and needlepoint. These insights highlight the diverse passions driving the handmade business forward.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate the success of h+h americas 2024, it’s clear that the event has solidified its position as the most international crafts and hobby show in North America. With its unique blend of creativity, business opportunities, and global reach, h+h americas continues to be the premier event for anyone making a living through crafts. We look forward to seeing what new heights will be achieved at the next edition in 2025!