Roundtable Discussions:

Choose one of our four moderated roundtable discussions where you'll have the opportunity to learn from peers, ask questions, and share your experience. The most powerful knowledge base in our industry is one another!

Each roundtable is grouped by business stage or role so conversations stay relevant to where you are right now, whether you're just opening your doors, running a lean operation, managing a larger team, or building a business around your creative work rather than a storefront. Tables are small and discussion-driven, led by an experienced moderator who will keep the conversation focused while leaving plenty of room for your own questions.

New Shops - Moderated by Kathy Cruz
 For owners in their first one to three years of business. Talk through the challenges of the startup phase, including building your first customer base, managing early cash flow, choosing your initial inventory and class offerings, and avoiding the mistakes that trip up so many new shops. Connect with others who remember exactly what you're going through right now.

Small Shops - Moderated by Ali Dillingham
 For established shop owners running lean, close-knit operations, often with a small staff or just family help. Dig into the realities of wearing every hat: balancing the books, buying inventory, running the sales floor, and building community, all without a large team behind you. Share what's working, troubleshoot what isn't, and pick up ideas you can put to use as soon as you're home.

Large Shops - Moderated by Corey Pearson, Linda's

For owners managing multiple staff members, higher inventory volume, and more complex operations. Discuss the challenges that come with scale, including hiring and training, delegating without losing your shop's personality, managing systems and logistics, and planning for growth. Trade strategies with peers who are solving the same problems at a similar size.

Designers and Teachers - Moderated by Sandra Chandler
For pattern designers, class instructors, and other creative professionals working across the industry rather than from behind a single storefront. Talk through building and protecting your creative brand, pricing your work and your time, structuring licensing and teaching relationships with shops, and navigating a career that depends on relationships with many businesses rather than one.