Building the gosadi Yarn Grotto at Vogue Knitting Live 2024

Trade shows are more than just showcasing products; they're about creating memorable experiences that resonate with your audience. Connecting with and building your community is the real magic. At gosadi, we took this to heart when we set out to build our Yarn Grotto photo display for Vogue Knitting Live 2024 sponsored by:

Knit Picks
We Crochet

Here's a peek behind the scenes at how we turned yarn into an immersive experience for makers:

1. team collaboration:

It all started with teamwork. Every member of the gosadi team pitched in to bring our vision to life. Special shoutout to Abbey, whose Broadway skills came in handy as she and her husband meticulously crafted the frame for our display.

2. structural integrity:

Construction began two months prior to the event. We had to ensure our display was not only sturdy enough to hold the weight of yarn and create space for our guests but also portable enough to maneuver around the space. Folding and unfolding became key considerations in the design process.

3. lighting considerations:

Planning for lighting is crucial. While we initially planned for ring lights, we had to pivot when we realized the outlet situation posed a tripping hazard. Enter rope lights, strategically placed to provide ideal lighting for visitors' photos. It is essential to factor in safety and be ready to make a pivot on-site if needed.

4. audience-centered design:

Knowing your audience is essential. We wanted our display to add value to visitors' experiences, not just serve as a sales opportunity. Our vibrant gosadi gradient not only aligned with our branding but also caught the eye of passersby and gave everyone who entered a chance to experience the yarns provided by our sponsors Knit Picks & WeCrochet.

5. flexibility is key:

Despite meticulous planning, things don't always go as expected. Hilary and her team at Nina Chicago had done most of the yarn winding in advance so we could lay out the display and confirm we had estimated the right amount of yarn. We didn’t.

Thankfully, in working with a brand sponsorship we knew we could rely on, we quickly had additional yarn shipped to us on-site. We then adapted and set up a winding station in the room at the hotel to wind yarn to fill in those gaps.

Being flexible is key and working with partners and a team who can respond and adapt is the secret to success. It came together because we all were ready to solve and resolve the shortfall.

Adaptability is crucial in such situations.

6. learn from setbacks:

Sometimes, setbacks and the unexpected happen. We had hidden a scavenger hunt pin inside the grotto as a fun treat for guests of the show to find as they participated in the scavenger hunt, only to discover it had been stolen in the morning! Lesson learned: always bring extras and be prepared to adapt on the fly.

We were able to add in a new pin within minutes of realizing it was missing and enlisted volunteers to watch the display when team gosadi had to step away.

We also had a staffing change and were fortunate to be working with the great team at Vogue Knitting Live on this and they provided us with a volunteer to help work the display. Like we said earlier in this post, partnering with the right team is always the key and partnering with VKL team was a winning combo!

To Knit Picks and WeCrochet, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for sponsoring our Yarn Grotto display. Your support made our vision a reality, and we're incredibly grateful.

And, to all the fellow trade show exhibitors out there, remember these tips as you plan your next display. It's not just about showcasing products; it's about creating an unforgettable experience for your audience. Here's to crafting success, one display at a time!