classes

GENERAL ASSEMBLY HALL

Retailers, wholesalers, and business owners—you won’t want to miss this! Join Mark Hyland, CEO of Premier Needle Arts as he shares details and results from the 2022 Quilter’s Survey, sponsored by Premier Needle Arts. This survey is sent to more than 1 million quilters annually, during the first quarter of each year and has been conducted for the past 12 years. Information will include information and data about the Quilting Industry as well as important consumer demographic information about your customers: Who they are, what they’re buying (and not buying!), spending habits, trends, and more to help you better approach your own business, increase sales, and meet the needs of both current and potential customers.

Then, we’ll have a State of the Industry panel discussion with Mark Hyland, Heidi Kaisand of American Quilt Retailer magazine and a shopowner, and Brittany Gray of E.E. Schenck/Maywood Studio discussing their specific areas of the industry, how the pandemic has affected them, and what they see ahead for the future. Don’t miss out on this important event!

Retailers, wholesalers, and business owners—you won’t want to miss this! Join Mark Hyland, CEO of Premier Needle Arts as he shares details and results from the 2022 Quilter’s Survey, sponsored by Premier Needle Arts. This survey is sent to more than 1 million quilters annually, during the first quarter of each year and has been conducted for the past 12 years. Information will include information and data about  the Quilting Industry as well as important consumer demographic information about your customers: Who they are, what they’re buying (and not buying!), spending habits, trends, and more to help you better approach your own business, increase sales, and meet the needs of both current and potential customers.

Then, we’ll have a State of the Industry panel discussion with Mark Hyland, Heidi Kaisand of American Quilt Retailermagazine and shopowner and Brittany Gray of E.E. Schenck/Maywood Studio discussing their specific areas of the industry, how the pandemic has affected them, and what they see ahead for the future. Don’t miss out on this important event!

Considering teaching, or perhaps kicking up your current game? Linda Hahn will discuss proposals, contracts (for shops, guilds, shows, cruises, and retreats), supply lists, shipping, selling products, expenses, "negotiation", presentation, evolving from a shop teacher to national teacher, ethical and moral considerations, preparation, social media, pricing, cancellations, reviews, reputation, working as a "brand ambassador", dealing with difficult students, and much more! Nothing is "sugar coated". www.froghollowdesigns.com

In a competitive market, learn how to make sure your website is Google friendly. www.sewandvacmedia.com

In Spring 2022, Facebook announced additional changes to business pages that significantly reduce organic growth. Facebook Groups provide businesses an opportunity to build fan communities, increase organic growth, and drive website traffic. Teresa Coenen will provide planning documents, practical application strategies, and action plans for starting and maintaining Facebook groups. www.stitchintree.com

Have you ever wondered if publishing a quilt pattern in a magazine might boost sales in your store? Bring your questions to editor Tracy Mooney and learn about how to submit to magazines, get designs published, and turn that into kit sales for your shop. www.sewsupportive.com

Filing a trademark application with the USPTO is probably the most important thing a young business can do. This class will teach you about choosing your name, researching whether the name is available, and how to start to fill out the form at the USPTO yourself. Don't wait! Don't invest time in a name you can't use. And of course, there's the issue of hashtags. Law is not scary. Learn about trademarks. www.justwannaquilt.com

Leave with a roadmap of how to create, launch, and teach LIVE online courses. Learn about creating your course from idea to going LIVE! Get an overview of tech, setup, live stream gear, and platforms. Traci Bautista has been an educator for over two decades, teaching tens of thousands in-person at retreats, quilt guilds, tradeshows, craft stores, and hosted international workshops, including 12 years teaching LIVE online. She brings a wealth of knowledge about turning your art and craft into a teaching platform. www.treicdesignsdigitals.com

Starting a new business? Go through all of the basic elements to get your business up and running in a snap. Learn more about business formation, basic trademark registration, employment questions, and contracts. What does every business need to get started? Whether it is a side hustle or your main business, this seminar will help you sort through the basics. www.justwannaquilt.com

Like Sew has analyzed quilter buying behavior through and after the pandemic and can teach you helpful tactics to grow your sales. www.likesewwebsites.com

Improve your cash flow and enjoy the calm of knowing you can pay your bills, even during slow seasons. Create a cash flow projection for the next 12 months. Learn seven quick tips to manage your cash flow every day and two strategies to increase your cash flow now. www.retailmavens.com