Events

Tools of the Trades 2026:

Tools of the Trades is a conference for makers who want their work to sustain them - not burn them out.

Co-presented by CraftNOW and NextFab, this fifth annual hybrid conference connects artists, artisans, and creative entrepreneurs to real-world business tools, shared knowledge, and a supportive peer network.

From pricing and marketing to galleries, retail, legal protection, and taxes, Tools of the Trades removes the guesswork that keeps creatives stuck - without gatekeeping or generic advice. This is a concentrated, community-driven learning experience rooted in shared knowledge, accessibility, and peer connection.

This conference is for creatives who are trying to:

• Price their work with confidence
• Get into galleries or retail spaces
• Build an audience without social media burnout
• Understand contracts, taxes, and legal risks
• Use tools like AI without losing their creative voice
• Turn momentum into sustainable income

Whether someone is just starting out or refining an established practice, this conference meets makers where they are.

Website: toolsofthetrades.org: The conference for makers by makers.
Dates: March 19-20, 2026 (Conference) + Monthly Virtual Talks through August

• 🛠️ Hybrid Format:
  Thursday, March 19 (9:00 am – 4:30 pm): Virtual sessions (Zoom)
  Friday, March 20 (9:30 am – 7:30 pm): In-person workshops + networking at NextFab, Philadelphia
  Choose 3 hands-on workshops
  Concludes with a celebratory happy hour and maker networking
  April - August 2026: Monthly post-conference virtual sessions
• Ticket Link: https://bit.ly/2026ToolsoftheTrades
• Early Bird Discounted Tickets Available: January 27th - February 27th
• Regular Tickets Available: February 28th - March 20th