Artisan-Crafted Products Get Boost at Vegas Market

November 21, 2016  by Larry Thomas in Industry, Las Vegas, Market, Special Events   

Beyond exhibits, Las Vegas Market officials said they also are developing a number of maker-focused educational offerings and special events to complement the handcrafted products in both permanent showrooms and temporary exhibition space. 

“The burgeoning ‘Maker Movement’ is alive and well at Las Vegas Market,” said Dorothy Belshaw, president of gift & home décor at International Market Centers. “We will have a record number of artisans and makers at the Winter Market across both permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits.”

She said the expanded Handmade category at The Pavilions is expected to be sold out in January, while Discoveries, The Antique Vintage Marketplace has doubled in size in just one year.

“In addition to resource growth, we are supporting the artisan category with a variety of exhibits, special events and dedicated educational programming, all designed to appeal to the unique and inventive maker community,” Belshaw said.

She said the market has formed a new partnership with CRAFT (Craft Retailers & Artists for Tomorrow), a nonprofit trade organization that champions the business of handmade American crafts. As part of this new alliance, CRAFT is developing a series of special programming for retailers and exhibitors during Winter Market, including a “Meet the Makers” segment.

In addition, Las Vegas Market has become a major sponsor of American Craft Week, an annual celebration of made-in-the-USA crafts held annually each October.

Other special events focusing on the artisanal community at Winter Market include the sixth edition of the prestigious Global Goodness Awards, recognizing furniture, gift and home décor companies for environmentally-friendly, sustainable and socially responsible business practices. Entries will be accepted through Jan. 13, and winners will be announced at the market.