Countdown Begins: h+h americas 2025 Promises Unmatched Excitement with Record-Breaking Exhibitors, Competitions, and Events

Chicago, IL – April 5, 2025 – With just 30 days to go, anticipation is soaring for h+h americas 2025, the premier event for the creative crafts industry. Scheduled for May 7-9, 2025, this year’s show will feature over 541 exhibitors from 77 countries and US states and countries, 185 education sessions, 38 meetups and events, and 6 distinct pavilions—including, for the first time, a German Ministry-supported country pavilion.

“We are incredibly excited for this year’s event,” said Mette Petersen, President, and Managing Director of Koelnmesse Inc. “h+h americas 2025 is shaping up to be our most vibrant and impactful show yet. With more exhibitors, extensive educational offerings, and unique experiences like the premiere of the Oscar-nominated documentary The Quilters, there truly is something unforgettable for everyone attending.”

Competition and Prizes The highly anticipated costume competition promises dazzling creativity and exceptional craftsmanship, with competitors vying for over $14,500 in cash and prizes, generously sponsored by industry leaders such as Famoré Cutlery, Janome America, Oliso, WonderFil Specialty Threads, Cherrywood Fabrics, Valdani, dime by OESD, FanPowered Press, Hilos Iris/Iris Threads, and Hobbs Bonded Fibers.

Keynote Sessions:

• Wednesday Keynote: Celebrate Excellence – The Golden Scissors Awards | May 7
  A prestigious ceremony celebrating innovation and excellence within crafting and textiles, honoring trailblazers setting new industry standards.
• Thursday Keynote: Unicorns on the Conference Call: Living an Authentically Creative Life as an Adult | May 8
  Presented by Larrie King (Mister Larrie), a renowned arts and crafts creator and design professor known for accessible, vibrant, and budget-friendly projects. His work has featured in major publications and partnerships with top brands including Amazon, Adobe, Starbucks, and Tulip.

• Friday Keynote: Unveiling the Future of Craft – Industry Research Presentations | May 9, 8:30 – 9:30 AM
  Mark Hyland (CEO, Handi Quilter) and Jan Hurwitz (General Manager, Berroco, Inc.) present groundbreaking consumer research insights from Quilting Trends 2025 and Yarn Trends, providing essential data for understanding and leveraging emerging industry opportunities.

Special Event Highlights:

• Fashion Show | May 7
  Experience creativity on the runway featuring 21 companies/designers showcasing 60 unique looks under this year’s inspiring theme: ‘Crafted for All’. This year’s show celebrates inclusivity and representation in every stitch. Don’t miss this inspiring showcase that’s sure to spark your imagination and leave you feeling empowered!
• State of the Industry Panel | May 7
  Gain insights from global industry leaders Jakob Lang (Lang Yarns), Jeff Martin (Missouri Star), Bianca Springer (Thanks I Made It), and Kristin Vejar (A Verb for Keeping Warm). Moderated by Abby Glassenberg (Craft Industry Alliance), this panel explores trends, forecasts, and the future outlook for craft businesses.

• Oscar-Nominated Movie Premiere: “The Quilters” | May 8
  Join us for an exclusive screening of the impactful, Oscar-nominated documentary short The Quilters, directed by Jenifer McShane, followed by an insightful Q&A session with the director.
• h+h After Dark presented by Janome | May 8
  An exclusive networking event where craft industry professionals can connect in a vibrant atmosphere with music, food, and beverages.

Future Show Dates:

h+h americas – May 7 – 9, 2025 – Rosemont, USA – www.hh-americas.com
(Wednesday – Friday)

h+h cologne – March 20 – 22, 2026 – Cologne, Germany – www.hh-cologne.com
(Friday – Sunday)

Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival – May 1 – 3, 2026 – Rosemont, USA – www.fiberfabriccraft.com (Friday – Sunday)

h+h americas – May 6 – 8, 2026 – Rosemont, USA – www.hh-americas.com
(Wednesday – Friday)

For more information, contact:

Darrin Stern
Vice President & Show Director
Koelnmesse Inc. / h+h Americas
+1-773-326-9925
d.stern@koelnmesse.us
www.hh-americas.com
www.instagram.com/hhamericas
www.linkedin.com/showcase/hhamericas
www.facebook.com/hhamericas

Koelnmesse – trade fairs for the handicraft industry

As an organizer of innovative and important trade fairs worldwide Koelnmesse is the global market leader in the handicraft & hobby sector. h+h cologne is the leading trade fair for textile handicrafts and the industry’s largest international inspiration and order platform. Koelnmesse also supports companies in reaching international markets, which is why it has expanded its fiber arts portfolio in the USA: h+h americas, a platform for the North American knitting, sewing, textile and craft industries, uses pioneering formats and online solutions to put the industry’s products and services center stage. The hybrid trade show in Rosemont, Illinois, offers both digital and on-site experiences to maximize reach and impact. The Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival in Rosemont, Illinois, is a new consumer trade show that brings together crafters, creatives, and innovators for education and to showcase the latest trends, products, and techniques in knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross stitch, felting, sewing, quilting, and cosplay.