Craft & Hobby Association
http://www.hobby.org/research.html
Overview: In early 2004, the two most successful organizations serving the craft and hobby industry, the Hobby Industry Association (HIA) and the Association of Crafts & Creative Industries (ACCI), joined together to form the Craft & Hobby Association (CHA). Together as CHA, the new Association forms a single more dynamic and powerful force to drive the craft industry into the future.
Associate members? Yes, the cost ranges from $400 to $10,000 depending on supplier revenue.
Public membership directory? No, looks like its hidden behind a members only section. “D”
National conference? Yes, there is a show in Orange County in July. They have a website dedicated to the event and as yet there isn’t much information but look like there will be as the event draws nearer. “B”
Chapters? Doesn’t look like it. “D”
Industry news and reports? They do provide research and powerpoint presentations on the public site. The trade journal “Portfolio” is only available to members. “C+”
Glossary? No “D”
Provides a sense of the industry? Somewhat. There aren’t a lot of resources available and I didn’t get a sense of which crafts and hobbies were the most popular. The site doesn’t really get into individual areas but it does have decent overview resources. “C+”
Overall: Pretty weak. Looks like they haven’t done much to the site since they re-launched it after the two associations came together. I think the conference website when its closer to the show will give a better sense of the industry. “C+”
