Earlier in July, we were at the Erotic Trade Only (ETO) show and it was a fantastic experience. We saw a lot of really amazing stuff, talked to some great people in the industry, and learned a new thing or two.
It was exactly what I wanted to get from the experience.
Erotic Trade Only
For those that don’t know, the ETO show is an annual event for people in the adult industry in the UK to get together and show off what they are doing. There were a few very large companies showing just how enormous their range is, but there were also many much smaller companies showing how they are blazing a trail and doing very different things.
One of the stands that really stood out for me was SpankLeather. They were on a small stall showing off their range of incredibly well made BDSM gear. From collars to floggers they had a very good selection and the construction and materials were top notch. Well worth checking out.
Catching up with people we know
Getting a chance to talk to people like Cara Sutra and Victoria Blisse in person was great. We have talked a fair bit on social media but being able to put a face to the real people behind the online persona was even better!
We will also be at Victoria’s Smut Manchester event in October, where we are going to be running a continuous workshop so anyone can sit down and make something while they are not in one of the talks. Before that, we’ll be at Eroticon in Bristol on 2nd August, teaching a workshop on how to make one of our cuff designs, and later in August, we’ll be exhibiting at Sexhibition and running a rolling workshop to show people how to make one of our mini floggers which they can take away.
After that, you’d think we’d take a well-deserved collapse in a heap somewhere, but no! We’re planning more fun workshops for September. Details to follow. Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know, and you’ll also get our free zipper course.
We are really looking forward to all the events, and we know we’re going to have a lot of fun :).
Explaining what we do
Of course, the very first thing anyone at events asks is “Who are you?” then the next question is “So what do you do?”. KinkCraft isn’t always an easy idea to get across at first, but as soon as the people at ETO saw some of our stuff and understood what we are doing, everyone seemed to love the idea, especially how different it is. In an area where everyone has seen it all before, there is space to do something new and unexpected. Not only in the actual products we are making - they are very different, practical and, I think, look great - but also in the idea and the approach. For us, it isn’t just about selling a product; it is about creating an experience and wanting to see our customers do something with the ideas we give them.
There is a lot we want to do in the future. I am looking forward to seeing where it takes us.