UK-based organiser European Trade Exhibition Services (ETES) has reported a 20 per cent rise in visitors to its annual Make It exhibition after introducing new sectors to the show.
 
The eighth annual edition on 24-26 February attracted 8,619 visitors (unaudited) and 101 exhibitors to FIVE in Farnborough including a range of new companies from the food, baking, fashion, patchwork, knitting and embellishing sectors.
 
“We worked particularly hard to expand Make It from its paper craft roots and introduce the ‘homemade’ concept and introducing other popular crafts, particularly jewellery making, stitching and knitting,” show organiser Kate Valentine said.
 
“Everyone in the craft industry is working harder than ever to maintain a good level of business with an eye to growth and diversification. We are thrilled all our efforts have brought so many crafters together at this year’s show.”
 
Valentine said ETES also put extra effort into creating a strong, broader workshop timetable. Particularly popular sessions were ‘Blogging – the basics’ by UK Craft Blog’s Hilary Pullen, and an introduction to 3D needle felting.
 
“Exhibitors were also encouraged more than ever to include demonstrations and ‘make and takes’ to ensure all visitors leave having learnt something new,” Valentine added.
 
ETES is based in Staines and also runs the Southern – Manufacturing and Electronics Exhibition and the Fishing Show. The company was founded by MD and ex-Reed Exhibitions employee Phil Valentine.
 
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