When we first reached out to Mary at NAMTA, she had many things to share about the updates and changes to their show for 2024. We decided to include her responses in their entirety so that you can read all about the upcoming show! Read on for a sneak peek at Building Creative Partnerships- Creativation 2024!
How are you designing your trade shows to include visually appealing elements that draw in attendees?
Namta is a creative association, we rely heavily on visual elements. During Creativation, we are purposeful to incorporate a variety of expressive elements to make our members feel stimulated and engaged throughout our entire event.
I. MURAL
To leave a positive impact on each city we visit, and to leave our ‘Mark’, we partner with local organizations to create a community mural during the show. We left our mark in Columbus and are currently working with the YAYA group in New Orleans to create a mural on the show floor. Once finished, it will be installed in the city to bring vitality and showcase the industry’s creativity.
Sponsorships and publicity are linked to exhibitors participating in the mural event. Here’s some information about our mural partner for New Orleans.
YAYA empowers creative, New Orleans-area young people through visual arts education combined with entrepreneurial and life skills training, equipping them with the skills they need to thrive as leaders. YAYA programs train youth to think creatively, solve problems, manage complex projects, and give back to their community. Since 1988, YAYA has served as an incubator for young talent, giving youth the freedom, opportunities, and resources to discover their passions and artistic voices. The mural will be painted and designed by YAYA Alumni Carlos Neville, and then donated to the Backstreet Cultural Museum. Â
Backstreet Cultural Museum, located in the historic Faubourg Tremé neighborhood and founded by Sylvester Francis, holds the world’s most comprehensive collection related to New Orleans’ African American community-based masking and processional traditions, including Mardi Gras Indians, jazz funerals, social aid and pleasure clubs, Baby Dolls, and Skull and Bone gangs. The museum’s filmed records of over 500 events constitute the most cohesive archive documenting these cultural traditions.
II. NEW – We themed DEMO ALLEY
Day 1, Monday, March 25: The Art and Craft Intersection: Let’s Get Messy!
Day 2, Tuesday, March 26: New Product and Innovations: Try Something New!
Day 3, Wednesday, March 27: Technology and Sustainability: Improving Efficiency
Why Create Themes
Namta is a leading organization that focuses on providing hands-on experiences to its retail members in a fun and comfortable environment. By identifying important topics through Demo Alley, Namta provides actionable ideas for retailers to increase their revenue. Each day, a new theme is introduced to create excitement and anticipation among attendees. Based on feedback from surveys, attendees want to see new product showcases in action, so we’re delivering on their request.
Namta has conducted research to identify areas for improvement. Their research study found that 56% of fine artists, spenders, and advanced-level creatives want to participate in a new type of creative activity, and 71% of them purchase monthly. Moreover, their research also highlighted that 8% of the US population are Fine Artists compared to 32.4% who are Crafters. Namta believes that by combining different materials, retailers can tap into the full potential of this industry.
Demo Alley is located in the central area, and the important themes are covered during the 2-days before the trade show during education. Demo Alley brings education to the central location on the trade floor so that retailers and members can witness the topics in action. Namta will also set up entertainment and food stations in Demo Alley to create a celebratory atmosphere.
Furthermore, exhibitors are also showing interest in the central location and are making plans to celebrate their company anniversaries in this gathering area, inviting all, instead of just to their booths.
III. New Music Sprinkled throughout the Trade Show Days
Namta is incorporating local jazz in New Orleans to connect our event to the cultural heritage of the region. We believe attendees will appreciate the authenticity and local flavor. Jazz is synonymous with New Orleans, and will add uniqueness to the Creativation trade show.
Music sets the tone and creates an inviting atmosphere. Live music performances provide a unique sensory experience that engages both the ears and emotions. When attendees feel immersed in the environment, they are more likely to stay longer and explore further.
By incorporating music, we add another layer of creativity to the event. Trade shows can be overwhelming for attendees. Music provides a soothing escape from the hustle and bustle. We believe music will enrich the Creativation experience, foster emotional connections, and contribute to a positive and memorable event. We are building creative partnerships with music.
IV. The New NAMTA Creative Products Certification Scavenger Hunt
During the Welcome Reception at the trade show for Building Creative Partnerships, members will receive details of a Scavenger Hunt on the show floor to celebrate the launch of a new 10-part education and certification program that consists of videos.
V. New Creative Professionals Collaborative Project
NAMTA’s Mary McLane (bottom right on picture) is currently working with a team of creative professionals who are collaborating on a project that will be unveiled during Creativation in New Orleans. Each member of the group has been assigned an 18-inch wooden letter to decorate in their unique style. There are 13 participants in the project, and the outcome will spell out the word “CREATIVATION!” which will measure about 20 feet long!
The creative professionals are encouraged to express themselves freely and use any product they desire. Our goal is to celebrate the diversity of expression and the endless possibilities of materials that our industry offers. The group is thrilled about our inaugural collaborative project. Now more than ever, it is important for us to come together as an industry and help retailers explore and celebrate the potential of material crossovers.
The Creative Professionals who joined this project are volunteers and amazing women with inspiring stories. We have been meeting monthly leading up to the show, and have now grown to 16 participants. We believe in the magic of creativity and expression, and how this magic grows stronger when we create as a group. Creating together is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. We are eager to see how each Creative Professional designs their letter, and how they come together to spell CREATIVATION!!! having three exclamation points and we are considering adding a swoosh!
Creative professionals will bring their embellished letters to the Welcome Reception for the unveiling. We will put all of the letters and characters together to spell our word. Creating a collaborative project not only brings this member group closer but also creates quite a statement for the industry. This is an exciting time for our industry to celebrate the diversity of expression and the endless possibilities of materials.
How are you designing either educational content or events at your trade shows to encourage attendees to engage with each other?
Namta is an association that comprises retail sellers, supplier manufacturers, distributors, importers, independent representatives, and creative professionals in the creative materials products industry. The 74-year-old association is committed to maintaining quality standards and therefore carefully vets its members to ensure quality standards.
Networking events are planned with consideration for the various member categories to facilitate connections. Some events bring everyone together, while others are structured to encourage conversations and push people out of their comfort zones. The association believes that we learn best when we learn from each other and can be open and vulnerable.
Education courses and workshops offered in the two days leading up to the show have doubled for the upcoming event in New Orleans. We were inundated with submissions. The education team carefully reviews each submission to ensure members have a good variety of education sessions while also making sure important topics are covered, as with the Demo Alley themes.
Detailed education here.
At a glance here: Full Creativation Schedule
The Namta team carefully plans and ensures that all Creativation activities are engaging and informative. We believe it is important to help foster creative partnerships among our members. To bring this initiative home, Namta has chosen Building Creative Partnerships as its 2024 theme.
Here are the networking events for Creativation. We’ve added a few new ones in New Orleans!
Welcome Reception
Join us for a fun-filled evening of reunion and new connections! Enjoy a selection of complimentary beer, wine, and light hors d’oeuvres while we present the Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement Awards. Be the first to know the exciting location announcement for Creativation by Namta 2025! Additionally, the Creative Professionals will showcase their collaborative project: a 20+-foot-long word made of 16 wooden letters, each decorated in their unique style!
New Event Grab-n-Go Breakfast, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Start the Creativation trade show with a bang! Come and join us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony on the first day of the event in 2024. Enjoy a grab-n-go breakfast, beverages, and lively jazz tunes with your team. Let’s cut the ribbon and head in together!
President’s Reception
Join us at the annual President’s Reception and experience the magic of New Orleans at Mardi Gras World. You’ll be dazzled by the spectacular Mardi Gras floats, enchanted by the live music, and delighted by the delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Come and enjoy a night of entertainment with magicians, jugglers, tarot card readers, and more. This is an evening that you and your team will never forget.
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Next Generation Happy Hour
Join us for a social event at Stumpy’s Hatchet House, exclusively for our members aged 45 and under. This is a great opportunity for networking while enjoying the thrill of hatchet throwing, located just a few minutes away from the French Quarter.
New Event Mardi Gras Social
Join us for an exclusive event open to Exhibitors and Creative Professionals only. This social reception is an opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products to Namta’s Creative Professionals. These professionals are influential figures in the social arena and can offer valuable feedback and suggestions that can help grow business. Exhibitors are also encouraged to share product samples. Light appetizers, beer, and wine will be served. Don’t miss this chance to network with like-minded individuals and potentially boost your business.
New Event Old Timer’s Whiskey Tasting
Are you too old for the Next Generation Happy Hour? No worries! Come and join us in a guided whisky-tasting session featuring some of our favorite whiskies from the renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery. This class will introduce you to the art of nosing, tasting, and evaluating spirits from a bourbon-lover’s point of view. You can experience all this at Sazerac House.
The Sazerac cocktail gained fame in New Orleans in the 1850s and is served all around the world to this day. Now, it has its grandest home yet: The Sazerac House.
This is your place to see how the Sazerac is part of the customs, traditions and culture of New Orleans. Discover the methods used in distilling Sazerac Rye, learn how we handcraft world famous Peychaud’s Bitters and join us for special experiences steeped in the unique character of the city that inspires it all.
O’Canada Hour
Come and join us at the Namta booth on the show floor. Everyone is welcome to enjoy Canadian beer and snacks.
Meet and Greet: Coffee with the Creative Professionals
Come and meet the Namta Creative Professional Members to discover how they can assist your business.
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