MacPherson’s Art is North America’s most reliable source of fine art supplies and creative materials, with over four decades of experience connecting the art supply industry. They offer a range of 50,000 products from 250 brands and vendors worldwide, and are the exclusive US distributor of Micador products. MacPherson's Creativity Hub returned to Las Vegas in June after a COVID-induced hiatus. The Flamingo Las Vegas was host to the renowned Trade Show, with a schedule including hands-on experiences, panels, demos and designated time for inquiry and conversation with vendor partners. We were lucky enough to have two of our team in attendance, Micador’s Head of Sales, Simon Moloney, and Senior Product Designer, Simon Hart. With a format designed to inspire, educate and create consumer engagement, there was a lot to both share and learn at the event.
The Micador booth certainly embodied Creativity Hub’s format, with experiences and product demonstrations with our early stART No Drip Paint and early stART Chunky Markers - famous for their sink proof nibs. MacPherson's Rep Training with Micador on Tuesday 20th June was a big hit, with both Simons educating and promoting fun with our new On the Go range.
The Trade Show officially opened on Wednesday 21st June and Micador's booth had a constant stream of visitors, keeping the Simons on their toes until the show concluded the following afternoon.
To hear about some of the key highlights and takeaways, we asked Simon Hart a few questions about his time in Vegas.
How was your experience at MacPherson's Creativity Hub?
It was really an amazing experience and very hard work! We did really well with our training with the reps and got awesome feedback and some laughs. Some of them later told me it was their favourite one. We got heaps of compliments on the product and the stand and were very busy the whole time - sometimes Simon and I were both talking to two groups of people at the same time!
Which Micador products were most popular on the stand?
All the new stuff was definitely well received, and people were also super interested in the Micador Jr. The E.S.C.A.P.E Table – Activity Edition that we had on show - lots of them said, "I want this now!". early stART Colour & Play was really loved, and the Dark Arts range. Also, early stART Scissor Skills and the other pads.
What are some of the latest trends in the industry?
Surfaces are the biggest growing trend; canvas boards and other materials, mixed surface pads, wood - we saw lots of that in our retail visits too. Online shopping is still growing and so your online store is no longer simply seen as an extension of your website, but as a complete way to interact and shop with the brand. However, customers still value a positive experience in-store and if they have one, they are more likely to buy online also. Some other things that are IN or growing: Sustainability (still growing!), inspiration from legendary artists, Japanese stationery, Mushrooms, Up-cycling, Anime/Manga, home decor, screen printing, paper craft, textured artwork, art therapy, crafting tools and art kits (huge).
What was your highlight of the trip?
I really enjoyed our training with the reps because I think we did a great job at that, and also Mac put on some good events at night, so it was super cool to just hang out with all the guys and go out with them. Made some good friends with them. Also, I loved just walking around in our free time and marvelling at Vegas!! Oh..... and the temperature!
The Creativity Hub was a great success, and it was great to learn more about trends, updates and products in the market. We thank MacPherson's and in particular, Cathy Denny, for organising the event.
We are looking forward to our next international trade show and the opportunity to share some more of our great new products at the New York Toy Fair in October.
