Tools of the Trades Returns March 19-20

You’ve excelled at your craft: the welding torch, the sewing machine, the digital design software, but then someone asks about your pricing strategy, and suddenly you’re googling at 11 PM, drowning in advice written for tech startups or drop-shipping businesses. Where is the advice for makers, and how do you know what’s worth pursuing?

Tools of the Trades gets it.

Co-presented by CraftNOW and NextFab, this annual hybrid conference exists for one reason: to connect artisans, makers, and creative entrepreneurs in Philadelphia and beyond with the business resources they actually need. The real, practical, unglamorous stuff that keeps creative businesses alive and growing.

Creativity Is the Engine. Community Is the Fuel.

Running March 19-20, 2026, Tools of the Trades is built around a simple belief: creativity drives our economy, but community sustains it. This isn’t about transforming artists into corporate entities. It’s about supporting long-term, values-aligned creative careers so you don’t have to choose between paying yourself and staying true to your work.

Across 20+ sessions, you’ll dive into the questions that keep you up at night:

• How do I price my work with actual confidence (not just guessing and hoping)?
• What does it really take to get into galleries and retail spaces?
• Where are the grants, and how do I apply without losing my mind?
• Can I market my work without burning out?
• What contracts do I actually need, and what about taxes?
• How can tools like AI support (not replace) my creative practice?

This is a concentrated period of participatory learning designed to help craft-focused businesses accelerate growth and find success on their own terms.

Two Days, Two Formats

Day 1 (Virtual) – March 19: Join from anywhere for sessions on legal guidance for artists, funding pathways, retail strategies, and audience development. Perfect for those juggling studio time or outside of Philadelphia.

Day 2 (In-Person at NextFab) – March 20: The full experience. Registration and light breakfast at 9:30 AM, then three workshop blocks covering everything from Business 101 to practical AI applications and tax preparation.

Friday wraps up with a Networking Happy Hour (4:30-7:30 PM) followed by “Meet a Mentor” and a CraftNOW Trunk Show.

It Doesn’t End in March

Your early bird ticket (available through February 27!) also includes access to five post-conference virtual sessions from April through August.

Why This Matters

Makers aren’t typically trained in business, which can make the management and growth side feel overwhelming. Tools of the Trades exists to provide the structure, growth plan, and guidance to build a solid foundation.

Early bird tickets are available through February 27th.
Register here: Tools of the Trades Tickets