Post-NAMTA Reflections: Innovation and Opportunity in the Face of Change

I just returned from the NAMTA show and conference, and wow—what a ride. It's been six years since I last attended, though before that I rarely missed one in over three decades. I've always loved going, and this year reminded me why.

This time, I was flying solo. I gave a talk to a group of retailers on the power of AI—and how it can be a game-changer for small business owners. Afterward, I spent time networking, meeting new people, and walking the trade show floor.

Here are a few takeaways:

The energy was real. I loved the enthusiasm—from fellow speakers to suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers. I discovered fresh brands, clever new products, and inspiring ideas. Best of all, I got to reconnect with old friends and make a few new ones.

That said, the mood was complicated. Nearly every conversation included some mention of internal or external headwinds—economic challenges, shifting consumer habits, industry consolidation, or the ripple effects of digital disruption. You could feel the tension.

But here's what struck me: there's a sharp divide between those who see only obstacles and those who see opportunities. I count myself in the latter group. I believe disruption clears the path for creativity, innovation, and transformation. I met many who shared this mindset—and others who seemed stuck.

Think of it this way: some people run from the fire. Others run toward it. Which one are you?

In this moment—particularly in the art and craft materials space, but also in retail more broadly—it's time to partner up and double down on two actions: innovate and eliminate.

Innovate new ideas, tools, and ways of doing things.
Eliminate the impulse to dwell on what's wrong.

Change creates opportunity, but only if you look for it. If you focus too much on what's broken—what's happening, why, how, and who's to blame—you can get trapped in a doom loop. Before long, you're paralyzed.

Don't let that happen.

So what are the opportunities? Based on what I saw and heard at NAMTA, here's my take:

1. Shift from transactional to collaborative.

Retailers and manufacturers alike need to stop obsessing over sell-in and start co-creating success. Products matter, but people matter more. Manufacturers who support retailers with training, marketing assets, and localized outreach will win. Great store experiences drive sales—not the other way around.

2. Network like it's your job.

Ideas don't bloom in isolation. The best innovations, insights, and energy come from conversations—whether one-on-one or in a group. NAMTA reminded me how powerful it is to learn alongside others. We need more of that. Build community—externally and internally.

3. Learn new things (especially tech).

AI and other new tools are changing how we work. The only way to scale is to embrace them. Learning and experimentation are essential. New products attract customers, and better experiences keep them coming back. The pace of change won't slow down, so we must evolve and adapt continuously.

Bottom Line:

If you're in the retail or creative materials business, now's the time to embrace relationships, community, learning, and bold experimentation. Most people will wait it out and worry. Don't be most people.