April 10, 2023 - Pre-Show Special Events

These are special events that are on Monday, April 10th. 

These are not part of the Education Day pass.

You MUST register for the trade show first in order to register and attend any Events & Sessions.

Retailer CoLabratory Workshop with Hope Yoder

Introduction to Lasers

April 10 from 12:00PM - 4:00PM

My name is Hope Yoder, and I look forward to returning to VDTA. I am eager to share a streamlined plan to scale your business, gain a new customer demographic and be the "go-to" EXPERIENCE in town.

Do you remember when digital cutters were introduced to our industry? This is where I met most of you, and it's no secret that I love to keep up with what's new and trending in our industry. Lasers are a GAME CHANGER!

If you are looking for ways to grow your business and want to learn how owning a laser can increase your profit and productivity, register for my course to see the laser in action on different materials, from cutting fabric appliques to making acrylic rulers and more.
Discussions and laser demos will include:

  • Introduction Into Lasers
    • Benefits and features
    • Specs and important details
  • Show-N-Tell – Laser-Made Inspiration
  • Laser Safe Materials
    • How to test and determine if it's safe to engrave
  • Laser Safe Fabric Chart
    • What types of fabrics are suitable for lasers
  • Live Laser Demos
    • Fabric quilt blocks
    • Machine appliques
    • Acrylic rulers
    • And more
  • Explore different models; which one is right for your shop
  • Q & A

You MUST register for the trade show first in order to register and attend the Retailer CoLabratory Workshop by Hope Yoder. Click on Register Now to begin registration. If you have already registered for the trade show, you will need to click Modify Registration at the top of the page.

Whiz Bang Retail Bootcamp with Bob Negen

Growth! How to Dramatically Increase Your Sales in 2023

April 10 from 12:00PM - 3:00PM

Growth does not usually happen by chance. It happens when you know exactly what to do and precisely how to do it. In this thought-provoking, hands-on workshop, you will gain tried and true strategies and tactics you can use as soon as you get back to your store.

You will learn:

  • The three ways to grow your business and how to use them together for exponential growth
  • How to get NEW customers for little or no money
  • How to make your email marketing work 5 times harder for you
  • The world’s best loyalty program for independent retailers
  • How to turn pesky donation requests into big money in the bank
  • The secret to intense customer loyalty
  • … and much much more!

You MUST register for the trade show first in order to register and attend the Whiz Bang Retail Boothcamp. Click on Register Now to begin registration. If you have already registered for the trade show, you will need to click Modify Registration at the top of the page.

Basic Sewing Machine Cleaning Services with Andi Barney

April 10 from 12:00PM - 4:00PM

The highest demand for service right now is cleaning, lubricating, and keeping machines going - preventative measures!

We'll get you started with the basic procedures for sewing machine cleaning, lubricating, and preventative measures.

This is a hands-on demonstration session where you'll experience different aspects of offering this service independently or as part of a quilt or retail shop.

You MUST register for the trade show first in order to register and attend the Basic Sewing Machine Cleaning Services workshop. Click on Register Now to begin registration. If you have already registered for the trade show, you will need to click Modify Registration at the top of the page.

Both sessions are ideal for shop owners, managers, sales associate, and machine embroidery educators. Classes will run from 1-4 pm. with a combined Kimberbell meet and greet from 4:00 to 5:00. Select your class and enroll for just $99. You’ll receive an incredible Kimberbell goodie bag plus class supplies. Registration opens February 15 at kimberbell.com.



This game-changing product sells machines! With Kimberbell’s Clear Blue Tiles system custom quilting can be added to a variety of projects using any size hoop. Kim Christopherson will share the inspiration behind the CBT system and teach you how to plan a class for your customers, so they can experience just how easy it is to quilt on an embroidery machine. Class supplies will be provided including a CBT educator pack, USB and design files, blue marking pen, fabric kit, and Kimberbell Project Batting. Space is limited to 75 participants. 

Become the expert resource your customers need for every stabilizer question. Joy Ercanbrack will share the Kimberbell process for developing our stabilizer line and test results that led us to hand select each one. Receive in-depth product information and samples while participating in hands-on demonstrations that you can repeat in store, teaching your customers the Kimberbell difference. With an additional focus on merchandising, you’ll develop confidence to guide customer decisions and have an exact plan for how stabilizer can generate profits in your shop. Space is limited to 75 participants.

You MUST register for the trade show first in order to register and attend any Kimberbell event.