Back From TNNA and Back To Make Art

We're back from the trek to Cleveland and the TNNA Summer Trade Show. The National Needlearts Association holds two trade show/markets per year, we attend both.

Folks generally start a conversation about the show with a question along the  lines of "Was it a good show?" Of course. We knew it would good before we went. Why would we go if we thought it was going to be a bad show. But folks ask the question wanting to know if we made money.

Most of the time, we only use the monetization of an event as a small part of the success/not-as-successful determination of the event. There is so much more to an event like TNNA than the money aspect.

Don't get me wrong...pottery and money don't grow on trees. But we began attending TNNA shows and continue to attend them primarily for strategic purposes. It's not about transactional goals...it's all about strategic goals.

Okay, I'll be honest. Strategic goals may have a somewhat shorter timeline now than 40 years ago when I started my path in pottery, but even at (ahem...cough) 65, I think long term (it's relative) rather than what's happening today...at least in regards to the relationships that are developed through TNNA.

It was a great show for us. We can see many wonderful projects developing from the show. Some great new ideas discussed with our clients...and the crate is lighter coming home than it was going...always a good thing.

The response to our new colors was absolutely wonderful. The result of the response? We feel confident that our direction is a good one and are encouraged to continue make art...at home...on Hobnob.