A man with dreadlocks sitting on a stool in a workshop with sewing machines and fabric on tables and shelves.

Tools of the Trades

2026

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Artist Access Fund

Join us

March 19-20

NextFab

CraftNow

Laser Philly

NextFab • CraftNow • Laser Philly •

Tools of the Trades is a hybrid conference designed

for makers by makers,

focused on connecting artisans to business resources in Philadelphia and beyond.

Meet our SPEAKERS

A group of diverse women gathered around a table in a bright workshop or classroom, listening to a woman at the front who is wearing glasses and a plaid blazer, with a laptop open in front of her.
Three women smiling and chatting around a high table at an indoor event, with coffee cups and a soda can on the table, and a crowded background with other people.
Three women hugging and smiling against a light blue background.

KNOWLEDGE

COMMUNITY

GROWTH

Make an Impact Today

When you give, you invest in progress and help drive economic impact in creative communities.

  • $2,500 +

    Our “Artisan Pathways” sponsors will be the primary sponsors of this event, acquiring the top-tier spots in our marketing and PR campaigns, event website, and during all event promotions. These sponsors will receive the exclusive opportunity to have a tabling spot and podium speech at our Friday in-person networking event, predicted to have 500 attendees, to speak about your products and services to the audience. These sponsors will also get an opportunity to have one-on-one consultations with our event attendees.

  • $1,000 +

    Our “Workshop” sponsors will have their logos and websites listed on all digital and printed materials as one of our secondary level sponsors, be listed on the event website, and promoted on all social media and email newsletters. During the event, each sponsor’s logo will be displayed on their sponsored workshop/ talk slides.

  • $500 +

    Our “Community Maker” sponsors will help sponsor the makers, crafters, and other small businesses that attend this conference to help fuel them for future success in their practices, small businesses, and economic endeavors. For this sponsorship level, each sponsor will receive their logo on the event website and all promotional materials.

View Sponsor Breakdown

Become a Sponsor

email rebecca.ledbetter@nextfab.com for details

A blue circular stamp-like graphic with the words 'Tools of the Trade' arranged around the center.
Stamp-like graphic with the text 'Tools of the Trade' in bold blue letters arranged in a circle.
Purple circular stamp that reads 'Tools of the Trade' in uppercase letters.
A circular stamp with the text 'Tools of the Trade' in blue lettering, with a distressed appearance.
A circular blue rubber stamp with the words 'Tools of the Trade' inside.

Contact us at info@toolsofthetrades.org with questions