As any designer knows, research is everything! And I’m going to be writing today about why a visit to a Contemporary British Design Show is a brilliant research opportunity that you should be putting in your diary.
I have to admit, I thought design shows were about people in suits and everyone talking about million pound contracts. But after my first visit to design show when I was a first year student, I realised they could be a lot more casual, but still super exciting, and professional! I knew I wanted to visit more, and maybe one day, exhibit. In 2014, I exhibited at my first trade show; New Designers. I hoping my experience as both an exhibitor and visitor can help convince you to visit!
Types of Shows:
There are two main types of design shows. Trade shows, and Retail shows. Trade shows of course, being open to trade only. Products aren’t generally for sale, which can be nice; less queueing at a till and more talking to designers, with their full range of products. No sell outs! Retail shows, as they say, are sales based. First come first served. I’ve been to some shows three days into the event and booths are empty. Sold out.
Why Visit and how you can benefit:
Trends:
Graduate Trade shows are brilliant for this. You have students who have been working solidly on one project for the past nine months, and it shows. Big companies obviously come out with some top notch trend based products too, but there is something about graduates, they are so fired up and they all do something a little bit different. Graduate shows are where you can find trendsetters. You won’t find dainty little owl prints or chalk painted side tables here, oh no. Each year you can find new and genuinely innovative design. And that’s why they are my favourite!
Retail shows are full of what’s already out there at the moment. You can still spot the up and coming trends, but they are usually at the peak of their trending lifetime by the time the products have reached a retail show.
Finding Stock:
Of course, the main reason for shows, is usually sales. You can find some very unique products to fill your shops, you can find materials for your own products, you can find manufacturers for your product ideas, fabric printers, packaging suppliers, etc. One of my favourite shows for finding new materials to play with is the Great Knitting & Stitching Show. Why? Because the biggest names in sewing machines rent huuuuge spaces and let you play with all their machines. It’s very exciting! They also have lots of vendors selling fabrics and materials, beads, felts. You have to see this place to believe it.
Networking & Collaborating:
Design shows are a brilliant way to actually talk to designer makers and store owners. You can treat it like a huge optional networking event. You don’t have to talk to people or feel awkward, but if you do want to approach someone, there are conversation starters all around you. It’s good to get to know people in the industry, and build up a business relationship with them. Just a five minute conversation is enough! Show your face. Everyone is really nice, honestly!
You also do sometimes see the big brands there. I exhibited at a show last year and we saw the representatives for Tigerprint, Paperchase, Habitat, Not On The High Street, to name a few. Literally looking for their new best sellers! It’s very exciting to amongst the buzz.
Etiquette & Advice:
Trade shows:
They say trade only – but I’ve never been asked to prove I am ‘trade’. Students are often welcome, so sign up as a design student and you’ll be in!
It’s great to show an interest in someone’s work, it’s very flattering, but do try not to take up lots of their time. They will be more than happy to have a little chat, but there its lot to see! Take a business card, and if you have something you really want to have a chat with them about, drop them an email. They will really appreciate it.
Try and make a connection after the event. If you have taken a business card, maybe follow them on Instagram. Retweet your favourite design, tag them on your Facebook. Designers will interact, especially on social media.
Retail Shows:
Buy your tickets in advance. They often give discount, and you don’t have to wait in line!
Sellers are more than happy to chat, but again, they will appreciate an email over you standing having a chat for 15 minutes whilst potential customers show interest then walk away.
When you are shopping for materials – Google is your friend. If you find an awesome product you are really excited by, give it a quick google. Some stores up their prices for shows, and you can get so excited by something you haven’t seen before that you can be stung. That product for me was Freezer Paper. An amazing addition to my craft room, as seen on Pinterest. I paid about £10 more than I needed to for ONE roll. I was so annoyed, I never opened the box. It’s still sat amongst my papers!
I hope you find these guides of interest! Feel free to refer back to them at any time. Click my name to see reviews & roundups of shows i have recently visited.
Shows to Visit
Here is a roundup of my favourite shows to visit:
| Name | Discipline | Type | Where | Notes | Time Of Year |
| HOME | Contemporary Interiors | Trade | London | January | |
| 100% Design | Furniture, Lighting, Product design, Home Accessories. | Trade | London | December | |
| British Craft Trade Fair | British hand-made traditional and contemporary giftware | Trade | Harrogate | Strictly NO Mass Produced Items. | April |
| Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair | All craft Disciplines | Trade – But purchases can often be made. | Manchester | October | |
| New Designers | All Crafts & Design | Trade | London | Two Part Show | June & July |
| Spring Fair | Gift Fair | Trade | Birmingham | HUGE fair, mass produced, but good for current trends. | February |
| Top Drawer | Gifts, Home, Craft | Trade | London. | Has a small handmade section as well as the big brands. | January & September |
| Knitting & Stitching Show | Textiles: knitting, embroidery | Retail | London, Dublin & Harrogate. | Go to the Alexandra Palace event in London. | October-November |
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