Networking at a craft trade show like h+h americas is not just about making sales; it’s about building lasting relationships that can lead to significant business growth and opportunities. H+h americas provides a unique platform for craft businesses to connect with potential buyers, collaborators, innovators, and suppliers, all while showcasing their unique offerings. 

However, success at h+h americas requires careful planning. We pack a lot of networking and educational opportunities into a three day event—the feedback we receive again and again from attendees and exhibitors features some variation of: “I had trouble finding time to do everything I wanted!” In this guide, we’ll walk through effective methods to ensure you make the most of your networking opportunities before, during, and after the show wraps.

Are you interested in being a mentor to first-time visitors to h+h americas? Are you interested in finding a mentor for your first visit to h+h americas?  This year’s attendee registration process will include information about mentors and mentees—look for it when tickets go on sale February 1!

Preparations for Before the Trade Show

Stay at the Conference Venues

We remind you about making your reservations at h+h americas’ designated official hotels for a very good reason. Not only does this put you close to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, it also affords additional opportunities for informal networking. It’s easier to meet up with new contacts for meals, events, and before and after the show when you’re staying in the same place. Sharing accommodations with other attendees can make introductions easier and allow you to build rapport outside of the main trade show floor.

Research Attendees and Exhibitors

Preparation is key to successful networking, and h+h Connect is the place to prep for all your networking as early as right now. Make sure your h+h Connect profile is completed, with all of your contact information, social media and website links, and business interests up to date. Use h+h Connect to identify key attendees, exhibitors, or buyers who will be present. Create a prioritized list of people and organizations you want to connect with at the show. Knowing who will be there allows you to strategize and make meaningful connections, rather than relying on chance encounters.

Set Clear Goals

Before attending, define your business objectives for the event. Are you looking to secure wholesale buyers, identify potential collaborators, discover influencers and content creators, or find suppliers for your store? Setting clear goals ensures you stay focused and use your time effectively during the show.

Prepare Your Elevator Pitch

A well-crafted elevator pitch is a networking essential. Develop a concise and engaging introduction about your craft business, highlighting what makes you unique. This pitch should include your value proposition and how your products stand out in the marketplace. Practice your pitch until it feels natural and confident.

Bring Networking Essentials

Come prepared with everything you need to make a lasting impression:

• Business Cards: Ensure they are professionally designed and easy to read. If you’re considered about your information getting lost in the excess of materials attendees tend to pick up at trade shows, consider the next point! 
• QR Codes: Digital craft natives may appreciate the ease of a QR code as opposed to a business card. You can easily create a QR Code Business Card for free here. You can also use a QR code to link to your online portfolio or website.
• Promotional Materials: Bring brochures, flyers, or small product samples to leave with potential connections.

Attend h+h americas Community Roundtables

h+h americas Community Roundtables provide a monthly forum for attendees and exhibitors to gather together to prep, exchange tips, converse with one another, and share their thoughts, pain points, and the things they would love to see at the next show. It’s also a fantastic place to start networking with other h+h americas attendees and exhibitors. The next Exhibitor Roundtable meets on January 22 and the Attendee Roundtable meets on January 29. 

Networking During the Trade Show

Be Approachable and Friendly

First impressions matter. Smile, maintain good posture, and project openness. Also, opt for something bright to wear over something black, white, or gray. Don’t underestimate the power of bright colors to draw attention! As a craft show attendee or exhibitor, consider wearing an outfit that showcases your product in some way! Avoid getting stuck behind your booth for extended periods; instead, actively engage with visitors. A welcoming demeanor can make all the difference in starting a conversation.

Start Conversations with Open-Ended Questions

This is a good conversation trick in general. Try to avoid questions that deliver binary yes/no answers, which can quickly end a conversation “Are you having a good time at the show?” may seem friendly, but it doesn’t delve deeper into the person’s experience or generate further discussion. Instead, break the ice with open-ended questions to encourage meaningful dialogue. Examples include:

• “What brings you to h+h americas this year?”
• “What kind of crafts or products are you most interested in?”

These questions help establish a connection and demonstrate your genuine interest in the other person’s needs and goals.

Leverage h+h Connect

As its name suggests, h+h Connect can help you connect with other attendees and exhibitors. Use h+h Connect to schedule meetings or find individuals you’d like to meet. 

Attend Networking Events and Seminars

Take advantage of h+h americas growing list of mixers, workshops, panel discussions and other networking events. Stay tuned for upcoming news about h+h After Dark, Main Stage events, Keynote Sessions, Creator Summit, Product Academy, Meetups & Special Events, Learning Lab, h+h University, the Sewing Dealer Exchange, and more. We’re still building out the program for 2025, so keep an eye out for more information to come. These events provide opportunities to meet, work, and learn alongside people in fun, relaxed settings. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to speakers, teachers, or panelists after sessions; they welcome interaction and feedback!

Focus on Relationship Building, Not Just Sales

Effective networking isn’t about immediately pitching your products. Instead, focus on building genuine relationships. Listen actively to the other person’s needs and interests, and offer advice or insights that may help them—even if it’s unrelated to your products. This approach builds trust and credibility.

Exchange Contact Information Thoughtfully

If exchanging business cards, jot down a quick note on the back to remind yourself of the conversation. For example, write down the topic discussed or a shared interest. This will make follow-ups more personalized and meaningful. Don’t forget to look for them on h+h Connect! 

Collaborate with Other Exhibitors

Fellow exhibitors aren’t just competition; they can be valuable partners. Discuss opportunities for cross-promotion or collaboration, such as bundling products, sharing social media audiences, or co-hosting events such as make alongs. These partnerships can help both parties reach a broader audience.

Discover the h+h americas Mobile App!

The h+h americas mobile app will be your ultimate guide to navigating the event and staying connected to the community. With everything you need right at your fingertips, the app will enhance your festival experience in real time from start to finish.

Why Download the App?

Plan Your Festival Journey

• Interactive Event Schedule: Explore workshops, demos, and activities happening throughout the festival.
• Personalized Itinerary: Save your favorite sessions, exhibitors, and events to create your customized festival schedule.

Navigate with Ease

• Event Map: Find vendors, experiential zones, and classrooms with a detailed interactive map.
• Real-Time Updates: Get notified about schedule changes, special announcements, and exclusive on-site deals.

Connect and Engage

• Social Feed: Share your festival moments and see what others are posting using #hhamericas, #HHA252025, and #OnlyAtHHA.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and exhibitors right through the app.

Shop Smarter

• Exhibitor Directory: Discover vendors, browse their offerings, and even save favorites to visit.
• Exclusive Deals: Access app-only discounts and promotions from your favorite brands and small-batch artisans.

How to Get the App

The h+h americas app will be available for free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Stay Ahead of the Craft Curve

Don’t wait—download the app in February and start planning your festival experience today. From discovering new tools and techniques to connecting with the community, the h+h americas mobile app is your ticket to crafting your passion like never before!

Following Up After the Trade Show

Send a Personalized Thank You Email

Within a few days of the event, send personalized emails to the people you connected with. Reference specific conversations or shared interests to show you were paying attention. Include a brief reminder of your craft business and links to your website or social media profiles.

Connect on Social Media and h+h Connect

Follow your new contacts on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. Engage with their content by liking, commenting, or sharing relevant posts. This keeps your business on their radar and helps maintain the relationship over time. As mentioned earlier, don’t forget to connect with them on h+h Connect! You can also use the platform to send a follow up message right after you meet, and before your thank you email.

Evaluate Networking Success

After the trade show, take time to review the connections you made. Identify the most promising leads and prioritize follow-ups. Create a plan to nurture these relationships, whether through regular check-ins, sending updates about your business, or inviting them to future events. Review the goals you set earlier to determine if you accomplished everything you set out to do at the show.

Networking at h+h americas is a powerful way to grow your business and forge meaningful connections. By preparing in advance, engaging authentically during the event, and following up diligently, you can make a lasting impression that extends far beyond the trade show floor. Remember, networking isn’t a one-time effort but an ongoing process that can yield valuable opportunities over time. Start planning now and make h+h americas your most successful trade show appearance yet!