Trade Shows, Seminars, and the Public

Needlework Markets look so exciting, all those new canvas, all those designers you admire.

But as a person not in the industry you wonder what you can attend. Today I’ll go over what’s open to the public and how to learn about these events and where they are happening.

Markets

TNNA is the major trade (wholesale) organization for the needlework industry. This includes more than just needlepoint. They have several shows a year, most importantly the Summer and Winter Needlework Markets held in June and January.

Also of great importance for needlepoint is the Dallas Market, held in September. It is also a wholesale market.

As is the case in any industry, trade shows and wholesale markets are open to members of that industry only. There aren’t events that are open to the public.

In order to attend you or your business has to be a member of the industry. Employees of these businesses can attend. In order to attend the show you must be registered. That means you will need to show proof that you are in the industry.

Although you can’t go to the Markets yourself, many designers are in the area for the show. This can mean special classes, trunk shows or events at your local shop.

National Seminars

The major needlework organizations hold national seminars once a year. The groups include ANG (American Needlepoint Guild), EGA (Embroiderers Guild of America), and EAC (Embroiderers Association of Canada). They are in a different location each year.

Although you need to be a member of the organization to attend classes and events, parts of the Seminars are open to the public. These include exhibits and shops. Usually the shop is created for the event by a local needlework shop. Often they bring in merchandise especially for the Seminar.

Depending on the organization there may be other things open to the public. These might include auctions, receptions, and opportunity baskets. The Merchandise Nights where companies sell items to attendees are almost always not open to the public.

To learn when these will be for each organization, check their websites.

Regional Seminars

Some organizations, especially EGA, hold smaller, shorter seminars in different parts of the country. These are usually held every other year. Depending on the group they may have shops, exhibits, or auctions. They may or may not be open to the public.

You will need to check the websites for each region to find out about these events.

Coverage of Summer Needlework Market

This weekend is TNNA’s Summer Needlework Market. There promises to be lots of great stuff there. My coverage will begin on Monday. Tuesday has the regularly scheduled Mindy Mini. Coverage will continue Wednesday-Friday.