The focused US trade show for art, craft and creative materials, 17–19 May 2027 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, with retailer education on 15–16 May.
Dates
17–19 May 2027
City / country
Grand Rapids, United States
Venue
DeVos Place Convention Center
Time
Daily floor opening hours were not published at research time
Event overview
Creativation by NAMTA is the US trade show for the fine art, craft and creative-materials industry. The 2027 edition moves to Grand Rapids, Michigan, with two education days on 15–16 May followed by the trade show on 17–19 May at DeVos Place Convention Center. Suppliers, retailers and creative professionals use the show to see new products, test materials in hands-on booths and write orders for the coming season.
The format is deliberately compact: a focused exhibit floor, retailer-oriented education and several networking events, all within a walkable downtown. DeVos Place is connected to the Amway Grand Plaza headquarters hotel, so buyers can move between sessions, the floor and their rooms without a shuttle. Registration is free for NAMTA members, and first-time non-member retailers are invited free in 2027, while returning non-members pay a fee.
TL;DR
Buyers get hands-on access to new paints, papers, brushes, pens, craft kits and maker tools, plus retailer-specific education and direct time with brand owners. The 2026 programme added the Passport Journal, which gave retailers a structured route across 36 booths, and the 2027 education days extend that practical, test-the-product approach.
A 10x10 booth puts a brand in front of independent retailers, chain buyers and distributors who are actively writing orders, in a show small enough for exhibitors to spend real time with each visitor. The 2026 recap reported vendors receiving larger orders than in previous years and strong post-show ROI, and the move to a connected downtown venue lowers the friction of getting buyers onto the floor.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
2303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
Entrances & gates
Monroe Avenue main entrance
Main convention-centre address; skywalk connects to Amway Grand Plaza.
Underground city-managed garage beneath DeVos Place; Amway ramp discount for hotel guests.
$22.50/day
No event shuttle: the convention centre is attached to the Amway Grand Plaza and a short walk from the other official hotels.
Parking: Parking is under DeVos Place with vehicle access from Michigan Street or Lyon Street; the garage is managed by the City of Grand Rapids. Amway Grand Plaza guests receive a 50% discount — self about USD 22.50 (normally USD 45), valet about USD 24.50 (normally USD 49).
Gate: Trade-show entry is through the DeVos Place lobby; exact hall doors and badge-collection point were not published for 2027.
Attend
Event days & opening times
NAMTA member registration
Free for current NAMTA members; 2027 registration opens in 2027.
First-time non-member retailer
Official 2027 guest page invites new non-member retailers with no registration fee.
Returning non-member registration
A fee applies but the 2027 amount was not published; contact info@namta.org.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Bring photo ID and registration confirmation; the 2027 badge-collection point was not published.
Ticket notes
Registration is not yet open. Member registration is free; the non-member fee amount is not published and first-time non-member retailers are free in 2027.
What's on
Creativation education days
Two days of retailer and product education held immediately before the trade show, 15–16 May 2027.
DeVos Place meeting rooms; the trade-show floor is closed except for exhibitor setup.
WebsiteRetailer education sessions
Workshops and business seminars for members and attendees, including product workshops.
Creativation Booth Awards
Judges review exhibitor booths for presentation, activity and product. 2026 winners included Legion Paper (small), Faber-Castell (medium), xTool (large) and A House of Books (best new exhibitor).
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Visitors: 1,200
Exhibitors: 161
This edition
2027
Visitors: 1,200
Exhibitors: 165
Next edition
2028
No 2028 dates or venue have been announced. NAMTA has run Creativation in May each year, so a May 2028 edition is the planning assumption only.
Venue and dates to be confirmed by NAMTA after the 2027 Grand Rapids edition.
Growth over time
Edition recap
Creativation by NAMTA 2026 ran 15–19 May in St. Louis, Missouri. The post-show recap reports more than 1,200 attendees including 161 exhibitors, about 700 at the welcome reception and 400 at the President's Reception at Ballpark Village. The new Passport Journal took 100 registered retailers to 36 designated booths, and NAMTA used the edition to expand jewellery and in-booth demonstration content.
New this edition
Creativation Passport Journal
A guided journal and booth trail run with Golden Peak Media and artist Ophelia Staton; 100 retailers registered across 36 designated booths in 2026.
SourceExpanded jewellery content
NAMTA is gradually adding jewellery to the show, including a metal-stamping component sponsored by ImpressArt and a beginner jewellery class.
SourceGrand Rapids move
The 2027 edition moves from St. Louis to DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, with the convention centre attached to the headquarters hotel.
SourceTestimonials
The relationships we were able to nurture and the creativity we were able to experience allows us to gain the knowledge we need to be the best we can for our customers.
Impact
Creativation is small by convention standards but concentrated: about 1,200 attendees and 161 exhibitors in 2026. That scale is the product — buyers can cover the floor in a day and still spend real time with manufacturers, which is why the show's ROI story is about order quality rather than footfall.
Audience quality
The audience is qualified trade: independent retailers, chain buyers, distributors and reps who choose what art and craft materials reach store shelves. NAMTA's education days add a retailer-development layer, and the 2026 recap's sell-out social events suggest a high-intent core of members who attend for both buying and peer networking.
Exhibitor outcomes
A focused floor and low exhibitor count mean less noise and more buyer contact per booth. The 2026 recap quotes vendors reporting larger orders than in previous years and NAMTA describing strong post-show order flow; for a 10x10 booth, the case rests on a small number of serious retail accounts rather than raw lead volume.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
The US creative-materials market is split between a handful of large brands and hundreds of small makers, and independent retailers carry much of that range. Creativation concentrates the supplier side into one floor at the moment retailers plan autumn and holiday assortments, making it a low-cost, high-intent buying trip compared with broad gift or hobby shows.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
In-booth experience over static display
Exhibitors are turning booths into demo spaces where buyers can test a brush, paint a swatch or stamp a journal page rather than just look at packaging.
What it changes: Retail buyers commit more confidently after handling a product, and hands-on booths give small brands a way to compete with large displays.
SourceGuided, gamified floor trails
The 2026 Passport Journal sent 100 retailers to 36 designated booths and encouraged them to try products they might otherwise skip.
What it changes: Curated trails spread traffic to smaller exhibitors and create a measurable engagement record for brands.
SourceJewellery and mixed-craft expansion
NAMTA is slowly adding jewellery-making to a show historically centred on fine art and craft materials, including metal stamping and beginner classes.
What it changes: Retailers can source adjacent categories from existing suppliers and capture maker customers who cross between crafts.
SourceMaker technology on the show floor
Digital cutting and engraving brands such as xTool used large-format, hands-on activations at the 2026 edition.
What it changes: Technology is becoming part of the creative-materials mix, and retailers need to understand both the machines and the consumables they require.
SourceLatest updates from across the market.
Creativation sits in the winter-to-spring buying cycle alongside larger stationery, gift and art-material shows. A retailer can use a national gift show for broad assortment and Creativation for depth in art and craft materials.
Atlanta Market
Atlanta, United States
Broad general-merchandise market; Creativation is the specialist follow-up for art and craft depth. Dates are the recurring January market window.
websiteNational Stationery Show
New York, United States
Larger and earlier in the season; useful for stationery and gift assortment rather than deep art-materials sourcing. Dates are the usual early-February pattern and should be re-checked.
websiteSURTEX
New York, United States
Relevant for licensed imagery and surface design rather than art-materials retail buying; co-located with the stationery show.
websiteWinter gift and stationery circuit
January–February shows set broad assortment before the specialist art and craft buying trip in May.
Circuit rows are editorial comparisons of publicly known US trade shows, not NAMTA partners. Dates other than Creativation are the usual annual windows and should be re-checked before booking.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
The organiser's travel copy cites a 16-minute transfer to downtown; taxi or rideshare is the straightforward option.
About 16 minutes by road from downtown Grand Rapids
to venue
16 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 160–200 / night
Official 2027 room block rate is USD 179/night single or double, plus 6% state and 12% local tax; book by 22 April 2027.
sourceUSD 200–240 / night
Headquarters hotel at USD 214/night plus taxes; directly across from and attached to the convention centre.
sourceUSD 225–300 / night
Official 2027 rate is USD 234/night plus taxes; a short walk from DeVos Place.
sourceGet around the city with these convenient transport options.
Airport taxi or rideshare
About 16 minutes; no event shuttle from the airport.
Walk / skywalk
The Amway Grand Plaza is attached; AC Hotel and JW Marriott are short downtown walks.
Self parking
Normal self rate USD 45; valet USD 24.50 with discount.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor visa | Visitors who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and are attending for business meetings or buying | $185.00 | Weeks to months depending on consulate | |
| ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program | Citizens of VWP countries travelling for business for up to 90 days | $40.00 | Usually minutes to 72 hours |
Canadian citizens generally enter visa-free for business visits; Mexican nationals need a B-1 or border crossing card.
The United States is not an ATA Carnet destination. Exhibitors should use a customs broker and a temporary import bond for display goods.
Official visa pageWeather
Mid-May in Grand Rapids is mild and changeable: roughly 7–21 °C (45–70 °F), with rain possible and cool evenings. Bring a light jacket and comfortable walking shoes for the skywalk and downtown.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US 120 V, 60 Hz, Type A/B plugs. Venue-wide Wi-Fi terms were not published for 2027; downtown hotels typically provide Wi-Fi, and exhibitors should order dedicated internet if their demo requires it.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Restaurant servers expect 15–20%; bartenders and taxi drivers are tipped similarly. Hotel housekeeping is usually USD 2–5 per night.
Business style
US trade-show conversation is direct and appointment-oriented. A quick product demo and a clear wholesale terms sheet work better than a long brochure.
Dress
Business casual is the norm on the floor; comfortable shoes matter because the venue and skywalk involve a lot of walking.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)
Book 6–10 weeks out for the best fares; Grand Rapids is a small airport, so a connection through Detroit, Chicago or Minneapolis is common.
Book flightsMost international visitors need a US B-1 business visa or ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program; Canadian citizens generally enter visa-free for business.
Estimated cost: ESTA about USD 40; B-1 consular fee about USD 185
Processing: ESTA usually within 72 hours; B-1 weeks to months
Apply well before travel and carry registration confirmation. The US does not accept ATA Carnets for temporary exhibit goods.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: GRR is about 16 minutes from downtown; taxi or rideshare USD 30–45.
Hotel → venue: Walk or use the enclosed skywalk; the Amway Grand Plaza is attached to DeVos Place.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate in Grand Rapids; a downtown trip is typically under USD 15.
Public transit: The Rapid bus network serves downtown Grand Rapids; exact routes and fares should be checked locally.
Parking: Underground DeVos Place garage, USD 22.50 self with event discount; valet USD 24.50 at the Amway ramp.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: May
Temperature: 7–21 °C (45–70 °F)
Seasonality: Spring showers are common; no dry-season guarantee.
Packing: Light layers, a rain jacket, comfortable shoes and a warm layer for air-conditioned halls.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: 18 May 2027
Day two of the trade show gives you a full first-day scan behind you, more settled supplier meetings and the best chance to negotiate orders before the floor closes. Arrive on 16 May if you also want the education days.
Confirm registration status and whether your NAMTA membership is current — Member registration is free; first-time non-member retailers are also free in 2027.
Book the hotel and check the 22 April 2027 group-rate deadline — Amway Grand Plaza is attached to DeVos Place.
Build a target exhibitor list and book meetings — Use the 2026 exhibitor list as a starting point; the 2027 list was not published.
Download the app or print the floor plan and education schedule — Check the NAMTA site for 2027 updates before travelling.
Pack business cards, comfortable shoes, a rain layer and a credit card for orders — Bring photo ID for badge collection.
Education day: retailer workshops and product sessions
DeVos Place meeting roomsEducation day and pre-show networking
DeVos Place / Amway Grand PlazaBadge collection and opening walk of Exhibit Halls B and C
DeVos PlaceBooked supplier meetings and hands-on demos
Exhibit Halls B and CSecond-pass buying, new-brand discovery and order writing
Exhibit Halls B and CEvening networking downtown
Downtown Grand RapidsFrederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Garden and Sculpture Park
About 15 minutes from downtown
A major Midwest art and horticulture attraction with an outdoor sculpture collection and indoor conservatory.
Grand Rapids Art Museum
Art Museum
Downtown, walkable
A convenient downtown art stop that fits a half-day before or after the show.
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
History Museum
Downtown, walkable
A short downtown diversion for visitors extending their stay.
Amway Grand Plaza lobby and bars
Hotel lobby
The headquarters hotel is attached to the venue, making it the natural after-hours meeting point.
Downtown Grand Rapids brewery district
Bar / restaurant district
Walkable downtown cluster for informal dinners and supplier catch-ups.
Creativation is a relationship show: the 2026 recap describes vendors writing larger orders and NAMTA emphasising decision-maker attendance. A fast, specific follow-up is how a small floor converts into repeat wholesale accounts.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 215–260 / m²
Raw space
USD 215–260 / m²
Standard booth
9.3 m²
Per-square-metre figures are derived from a 9.3 sqm standard booth and are indicative only. Corner, endcap, peninsula and island configurations carry surcharges.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth
exhibitor · standard
USD 2000–2400 / per 10x10 booth
hotel
both · budget
USD 179 / per night
hotel
both · mid
USD 214 / per night
parking
both · standard
USD 22.5–24.5 / per day
visa
visitor · ESTA
USD 40 / per person
per_diem
both · standard
USD 60–90 / per person per day
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth | exhibitor | standard | USD 2000–2400 / per 10x10 booth | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | both | budget | USD 179 / per night | published | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 214 / per night | published | 2026-10-31 |
| parking | both | standard | USD 22.5–24.5 / per day | published | 2026-10-31 |
| visa | visitor | ESTA | USD 40 / per person | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| per_diem | both | standard | USD 60–90 / per person per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions score whether Creativation is worth a visit, an exhibitor investment, or a skip for your business.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
Which best describes your role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You buy or specify art and craft products and can spend at least half a day on the floor.
Best for
Retail buyers and creative professionals sourcing art and craft materials
Min. budget
$600.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks
Risks
Registration fee for returning non-members
Hotel rates rise after the April deadline
exhibit
You have a US-ready line, wholesale terms and a follow-up process for retail leads.
Best for
Manufacturers, distributors and brands selling to US retailers
Min. budget
$3,500.00
Timeline
3–6 months
Risks
Booth, freight and travel costs
US customs clearance without an ATA Carnet
skip
Your assortment is not art, craft or creative materials and you have no supplier meetings booked.
Best for
General gift buyers and anyone outside the creative-materials category
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
A broad gift show will cover more categories
Travel cost is hard to justify for a narrow assortment
Book with
NAMTA
National Art Materials Trade Association, owner and operator of Creativation.
Official organiser website.
DeVos Place Convention Center
Downtown Grand Rapids convention centre at 303 Monroe Ave NW; venue for the 2027 trade show.
Official venue website.
Experience Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids convention and visitors bureau; local dining, hotel and trip planning.
Public destination-marketing organisation.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
The regional airport serving Grand Rapids, about 16 minutes from downtown.
Official airport authority website.
Recommended providers
Official B-1 visa and ESTA guidance.
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
Official 2027 headquarters hotel at USD 214/night; book by 22 April 2027.
Compare fares to GRR; the airport is small, so one connection is common.
Freight marketplace; confirm US customs broker and liftgate/loading-dock access with DeVos Place.
Travel insurance comparison; check cancellation and medical cover.
Local attractions, restaurants and neighbourhood guides.
Booth lead-capture app and badge scanners; confirm CSV/CRM export before the show.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
4 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
4
References
2
Publishers
4
Date checked
NAMTA
Art Materials Retailer
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
