437 | Why In-Person Retail Markets Still Matter & How To Make The Most of Them with Lib Ramos & Jessie Tyree Jenness
Today's conversation is a really good one, especially if craft shows, retail markets, or in-person events are on your radar for this year. The market is shifting, fees to exhibit are higher, competition to apply and get into shows is stronger, and buyers are showing up differently than they did even a few years ago.
At the same time, I keep seeing how valuable it is to get offline and to connect with our customers face-to-face. That human connection is hitting differently right now. And people are craving that in person connection.
What I love about today's episode is that we are looking at this from both sides of the table. We have Lib Ramos, she runs Indie Craft Parade with her team. This is an incredibly well respected, longtime running show.
And we also have Jessie Tyree Jenness, founder of Root and Branch and one of our Proof to Product community members who has exhibited at shows like this multiple times.
In the episode we're digging into what organizers are actually looking for when you apply for these shows, how exhibitors can decide if a show is worth it, and how to also measure ROI following a show and then how to think about your strategy so that you're not just showing up for the shows, but you're showing up with true intention.
Applications are now open for exhibiting at Indie Craft Parade, you can apply now through April 20, 2026!
If you are planning to exhibit at retail shows this year, I want to tell you about some resources we have inside of our LABS community so that you can do this more strategically.
We have checklists, tools, and things that will help you bring your booth plus to life, but also have community discussions about things like inventory, sales goals, and strategies for upping your AOV. If you want support as you plan for your in-person retail events, join us!
MEET LIB
With a background in print design, Lib has spent her career designing for a variety of companies. Her enthusiasm for handmade goods and the makers behind them led her to co-found Indie Craft Parade in 2010, an annual celebration of handmade. In her role as Creative Director, she works to empower creative entrepreneurs while cultivating a supportive community around them.
Lib is a wife, mother, and an advocate for the maker community. She also runs a small press, Good Printed Things, and is a Paper Camp alumni (2024).
CONNECT WITH LIB
WEBSITE: https://indiecraftparade.com | INSTAGRAM: @indiecraftparade
MEET JESSIE
Root & Branch Paper Co. creates nature-inspired stationery items that celebrate the relationships we have with one another and with the Earth. As artist and owner Jessie Tyree Jenness draws creative inspiration from the natural world, we are deeply committed to cultivating a sense of responsibility for our beautiful earth. We are proud to work with other US-based manufacturers, using sustainable materials and practices whenever possible. We use 100% PCW recycled papers in our products and zero plastic in our packaging and shipping materials.
CONNECT WITH LIB
WEBSITE: https://www.rootandbranchpaper.com | INSTAGRAM: @rootandbranchpaper | FACEBOOK: @rootandbranchpaper
Connect with Katie Hunt
Katie Hunt is a business strategist, podcaster, mentor and mama to four. She helps product based businesses build profitable, sustainable companies through her conferences, courses and coaching programs.
Website: prooftoproduct.com | Instagram: @prooftoproduct
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