Attention Creatives and Makers: Learn How to Scale Your Business From Industry Experts at The 5th Annual Tools of The Trades
Philly’s creative community is getting a major boost this spring as CraftNOW and NextFab team up once again for the 5th Annual Tools of the Trades Conference, a two-day event built specifically for artists, makers, and creative entrepreneurs who want to get better at the business side of doing what they love.
Happening March 19–20, Tools of the Trades is a hybrid conference that brings together working creatives, industry experts, and community leaders for real conversations, practical advice, and hands-on learning. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to fine-tune an established creative business, this conference is designed to meet you where you are. Tickets are available at toolsofthetrades.org.
The conference kicks off on March 19 with a full day of virtual programming, making it easy to tune in from anywhere. Sessions run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and cover topics creatives actually care about—like pricing your work, marketing without burnout, finding funding, navigating contracts, and understanding the legal side of running a creative business. Speakers include founders, business consultants, and legal experts who work directly with artists and makers.
On Thursday, March 20, the conference moves in person to NextFab (1800 North American Street) for a day of workshops, conversation, and networking. The in-person experience features multiple workshop tracks covering everything from getting your work into galleries and shops, to building an email newsletter, using AI tools creatively, setting up an LLC, and more. The day is broken up into easy-to-digest sessions with built-in time for coffee, lunch, and connecting with fellow creatives.
After workshops wrap up, attendees are invited to stick around for a Networking & Happy Hour from 4:30–7:30 p.m., offering a relaxed space to meet collaborators, swap ideas, and keep the conversation going.
This year, Tools of the Trades doesn’t end when the conference does. For the first time ever, CraftNOW and NextFab are offering five monthly virtual follow-up sessions from April through August, giving attendees continued support on topics like creative writing, building an online audience without relying on social media, preparing for the holiday season, and more.
