April 30 – May 2, 2027 · Donald E. Stephens Convention Center · Rosemont, IL

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Frequently asked questions.

37 answers about attending, exhibiting and teaching. Search, or filter by topic.

Attending

What is the Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival?

The Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival is the consumer craft festival by h+h americas: three days of hands-on classes, expert-led workshops, a marketplace of craft vendors, and community experiences for makers of every kind, from knitting and quilting to sewing, cosplay, beading and mixed media.

When is the Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival?

The 2027 festival runs April 30 through May 2, 2027, with classes starting on April 29. That places it directly ahead of h+h americas 2027, the wholesale trade show, which runs May 5 through 7 with its conference day on May 4, in the same building.

Where does the festival take place?

At the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, the same venue as h+h americas. Using one location makes it easy to book a single hotel for both events, and entertainment like Parkway Bank Park and the Allstate Arena is within walking distance.

Why is the festival scheduled right before h+h americas?

The back-to-back events invite everyone in the crafting industries and communities to gather in one space in one week. Brands can meet consumers at the festival, then meet the trade at h+h americas, and the two events feed into and support each other.

How do I get tickets?

2027 ticket sales open in the run-up to the festival, and tickets will also be available onsite. We recommend purchasing in advance to secure your spot, especially for classes, which sell out. Watch the Tickets & Pricing page for the on-sale date.

What does it cost to attend?

2027 pricing is being finalized. Alongside general admission there will be class and workshop tickets, and we are planning early bird pricing and seasonal promotions. Detailed pricing appears on the Tickets & Pricing page when sales open.

What are the exhibit hall hours?

Per-day festival hours are published on the Dates & Hours page as the festival approaches. The 2027 pattern follows previous editions: full festival days Friday and Saturday, with an earlier close on Sunday.

Is the festival family-friendly?

Absolutely. The festival is designed for crafters of all ages, with kids programs, interactive crafting zones and hands-on experiences throughout the hall.

Do I need to bring my own supplies for workshops?

Most workshops provide materials, but some may recommend bringing your own tools. Check the individual class details when the 2027 schedule is published.

How can I stay updated about the festival?

Sign up for the newsletter from any page on this site, or text JOIN to +1.630.454.6656 to get exclusive deals and updates directly to your phone.

Exhibiting

How do I apply to exhibit?

We are accepting exhibitor applications for the 2027 festival now. Complete the application on the Apply to Exhibit page and the exhibit sales team will follow up with next steps.

What is included with my booth?

A standard booth includes 8-foot high black pipe and drape and a booth ID sign with your company name and booth number. Booth carpet is not provided with the standard space but is included in the hardwall construction packages. Every main exhibitor also gets a digital floor plan listing, access to the festival platform and mobile app, lead scanning and one parking pass.

Is electricity included with my booth space?

Electricity is not part of the standard booth package. You can order it at an additional cost through the exhibitor service manual from Rosemont Exposition Services (RES), the general services contractor.

Is internet service available?

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the building and all exhibit halls. If you require additional bandwidth or dedicated services, order them from RES through the exhibitor service manual.

When can I set up and tear down my booth?

Move-in takes place over the two days before the festival opens, and all booths must be fully set up with freight removed by the evening before opening day. Teardown begins immediately after the show closes on the final festival day; dismantling any part of your exhibit before closing time is not permitted. The exact 2027 schedule is published in the exhibitor service manual.

What are my options for unloading during move-in?

A free courtesy service runs during both move-in days: drive to the Hall F overhead doors on Williams Street, use the available carts to move items yourself, or ask the RES labor team to unload and deliver to your booth. You can also hand-carry boxes in from the hotel or parking garage, or drive your vehicle or trailer onto the show floor during posted move-in hours.

Does my carrier need to check into a marshalling yard?

No. All vehicles delivering or picking up freight at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center go directly to F Dock or F Door. Give your carrier the map from the shipping section of the exhibitor service manual, and make sure the driver has the show name, exhibitor name and booth number. Certified weight tickets must accompany all shipments.

Can I order tables and chairs for my booth?

Yes. Order the festival furniture package, a skirted table with chairs and wastebasket, through the festival website, or rent 4, 6 and 8 foot tables, skirting and chairs through the exhibitor service manual from RES.

What if I want hardwall instead of pipe and drape?

Three turnkey hardwall packages are available: Pro, Prime and Premier. Each includes walls, lighting, electrical and carpet. See the Booth Packages & Pricing page for what each includes and how to order.

Do I need insurance coverage for my booth?

Yes. Exhibitors are required to carry liability insurance covering risks arising from participation in the event, and to confirm coverage through the exhibitor service portal. An insurance provider you can use is offered in the portal if you do not have your own policy.

May out-of-state and international exhibitors sell onsite?

Yes, out-of-state and international exhibitors may sell taxable goods on the show floor. If you sell, you must register with the Illinois Department of Revenue, charge the venue’s local rate and file after the show. A complete onsite sales and tax guide is available from the exhibitor services team.

Can I get an attendee list?

No. To protect the privacy of our attendees we do not share or sell their contact information, in line with GDPR, which is stricter than US federal and state law. You can still connect with participants through the festival mobile app, where you can network and arrange meetings with anyone registered for the event.

Will my items be secure in the exhibit hall?

Show management provides perimeter security during setup, show days and move-out. Beyond this, management and the facility are not responsible for exhibitor property, so secure your items and do not leave valuables in the booth overnight. Your booth must also be staffed by at least one representative for the duration of the event.

I am exhibiting at both shows. How do I move to h+h americas?

Dual-show exhibitors can request the same booth space at both shows, subject to availability. Otherwise, label your items on the final festival day and RES will move them to your h+h americas booth free of charge, delivered the following morning, or you are welcome to move your materials across yourself. Hardwall packages must be purchased separately per show, but the same graphics can be reused; RES will move purchased graphics for a half-hour labor fee.

Is there a package for local retailers?

Yes. Craft retailers located in the Chicago metro region, as defined by the US Census Bureau and CMAP county lists across Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, qualify for a special Local Retailer Exhibit Package. Contact exhibit sales for current inclusions and eligibility.

Where can I find the exhibitor service manual?

The service manual is published by Rosemont Exposition Services (RES) ahead of the festival, and is where you order furniture, booth equipment, pegboard and slatwall, electric and other services. RES is happy to help at any time: customerservice@rosemontexpo.com or +1.847.595.2208.

Classes & Teachers

When do classes start?

Classes begin on April 29, 2027, one day before the festival opens to the public. The festival itself runs April 30 through May 2, 2027.

How do I submit a proposal to teach or speak?

Submit your proposal through the official speaker portal by the deadline on the call for speakers, or send it directly to the conference manager at s.mehta@koelnmesse.us. Accepted instructors are notified by email with instructions on class setup, materials and scheduling.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my class?

Let us know as soon as possible by emailing s.mehta@koelnmesse.us. We will try to accommodate changes, but rescheduling is not guaranteed.

What A/V and technical support is provided?

Each room can be set up with a projector and screen, a lectern with microphone and a 6-foot table for materials, with an on-site technician available before and during your session. Wi-Fi covers all session rooms, but download your teaching materials ahead of time to be safe. We recommend bringing your own laptop, with final slides in PowerPoint at 16:9.

Can I distribute handouts or materials?

Yes. You may bring printed materials or provide a QR code linking to a digital resource.

How early should I arrive for my session?

Arrive at your assigned room at least 30 minutes before your session for an A/V check, presentation setup and a final review. Each class includes dedicated Q&A time at the end.

Is attendance tracked for classes?

Yes. A badge scanner at the entrance of all paid classes tracks attendance for credits where applicable. A summary attendance report is available after the event, and an attendee list for sharing your slides is typically sent within two weeks after the show.

Travel & Venue

How do I get to the festival?

The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center is minutes from Chicago O’Hare, with the CTA Blue Line running directly from the airport and downtown to Rosemont station. See the Venue, Directions & Parking page for driving directions, transit and rideshare details.

Does the convention center have a parking garage?

Yes. The Williams Street garage sits across from the convention center with walkways to the building; note its 10-foot height limit. Rates are set by the venue and change from year to year. Each main exhibiting company receives one parking pass for the garage.

Where can I park an oversized vehicle or trailer?

Vehicles under the 10-foot garage limit, including sprinter vans, can use the Williams Street garage. The Hyatt, Crowne Plaza and Hilton hotels directly across from the convention center can accommodate larger vehicles, and oversized vehicles and trailers can park at the RES marshalling yard. Ask the RES service center for current options and rates.

Where should I stay?

Rosemont’s hotel district is at the venue’s door, and 2027 room blocks are announced on the Hotel Information page. Book only through official channels: unsolicited housing offers are a known scam, see Beware of Scams in the footer.

Still stuck?

If your question is not here, contact the team, email info@fiberfabriccraft.com, or text us at +1.630.454.6656.