Creativation® by NAMTA
Education | May 15 -16, 2026
Trade Show | May 17 - 19, 2026
St. Louis, MO | America's Center Convention Complex
The can't-miss trade show for the creative materials industry.
Creativation® brings together fine art and craft materials suppliers, retailers, and creative professionals.
Registration for Creativation 2026 Coming Soon
Travel Information | Networking Events | Information for Exhibitors | Detailed Education Schedule | Schedule at a Glance
WHY ATTEND?
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Education sessions
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150+
international exhibitors
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Learn hands-on techniques and business insights for creative professionals and art materials retailers of all sizes.
Detailed Education Schedule
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Network one-on-one on the trade show floor, plus enjoy first looks and live demos of the latest fine arts and crafts products.
2026 Exhibiting Companies
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ENTERTAINMENT & NETWORKING
Retail Store Tour
When: Friday, May 15, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Where: Meet at the Marriott Grand St. Charles St. Entrance
Tickets: $25 Per Person (space is limited)
Creativation Fourth Annual Store Tour! Discover the Art of Visual Merchandising in St. Louis! Hop aboard the Creativation bus for an exclusive Master Class and store tour guided by KIZER & BENDER. Explore St. Louis’s most innovative retailers, from inspiring craft shops to legendary markets and stylish home & garden stores. Learn fresh, actionable ideas to elevate your store design while enjoying a mix of on-foot exploration and a comfy bus ride.
Product Palooza!
When: Friday, May 15, 2026 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: America's Convention Center 3rd Floor
Tickets: $15 Per Person
Join us for a fun-filled evening of product discovery, networking, and celebration at Product Palooza! Connect with fellow retailers and creative professionals while getting a sneak peek at the latest and greatest products from industry leaders. Participate in hands-on make-and-takes, demos, and product sampling. Enjoy delicious appetizers, beer, and wine — and enter to win exciting prizes!
*This event is exclusive to Retailers and Creative Professionals. Space is limited.
Welcome Reception
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Where: Marriott Grand, Majestic Ballroom
Tickets: Free
Kick off Creativation by NAMTA 2026 at our Welcome Reception! Celebrate the start of the show as we honor industry leaders with the Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement, and our new Special Recognition Award. Don’t miss Justin Healy, CEO of Spark, as he takes the stage to unveil NAMTA’s highly anticipated upcoming Market Research project Be sure to stay for the exciting announcement of the 2027 show location! Enjoy wine, beer, and light hors d’oeuvres while connecting with friends and colleagues.
Presidents Reception
When: Sunday, May 17, 2026 | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Where: Ballpark Village - Crown Room/Bud Deck
Cost: $75 per person
Join us for an unforgettable President’s Reception at Ballpark Village! Held in the stylish Crown Room and on the scenic Bud Deck—two exclusive venues—you’ll enjoy sweeping views overlooking Busch Stadium. This elevated locale is the perfect showcase for St. Louis’s vibrant energy and baseball heritage. The evening will feature live music, heavy appetizers, and a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, all while you take in breathtaking views of the Cardinals’ ballpark. Transportation will be provided between the Ballpark and the Marriott Grand. Shuttles will begin at 6:30 PM departing from the St. Charles St. Entrance. Please note - the Ballpark is walkable from all host hotels if you prefer not to take the shuttle.
Cheers, Beers & Clydesdales Happy Hour - an evening well brewed!
When: Monday, May 18, 2026
Where: Anheuser-Busch Brewery
Cost: $30
Join us for a fun-filled Happy Hour at the iconic Anheuser-Busch Brewery! This year, we’re trying something new by combining our two traditional happy hours into one memorable experience — giving everyone the chance to come together for an even bigger and more exciting evening.
Enjoy delicious appetizers and refreshing drinks while soaking in the brewery’s rich history. The event also includes a guided tour (sign-up required so we can plan accordingly) and a special visit with the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales — an experience you won’t want to miss! Transportation will begin at 5:30 PM from the Marriott St. Charles St entrance!
"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."
— Brick and mortar retailer
GETTING TO CREATIVATION®
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Discounted Air Travel
Southwest Airlines is proud to partner with NAMTA! As a benefit of our partnership, travelers will receive 25% more Rapid Rewards bonus points on all qualifying flights booked via SWABIZ.com flown to or from St. Louis between May 12-22, 2026.
Learn More →
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Hotel Accommodations
The headquarters hotel for Creativation® by NAMTA 2026 is Marriott St. Louis Grand located at 800 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63101. Details and Booking Coming Soon.
Learn More →
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Thank You to Our Creativation® by NAMTA 2026 Sponsors
Learn about Sponsorship Opportunities
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Creativation® open to the public?
Creativation by NAMTA is open to the trade only. Learn more about our membership categories.
How much is registration for Creativation®?
Registration is free for current NAMTA members; if you are a member, registration opening date will be announced in the Winter. There is a fee for registration for nonmembers to attend Creativation®; contact NAMTA for more information.
Is the trade show floor open on Education Days?
Only for exhibitor setup. Education days are for members and attendees who want to attend product workshops and business seminars.
Are kids allowed on the Trade Show floor?
Children under the age of 16 are not allowed on the Trade Show floor. See all show policies
Does NAMTA offer scooter rentals during Creativation dates?
There is no scooter rental onsite at the Seattle Convention Center. Rentals will need to be made in advance with either company listed:
Scootaround 888-441-7575 scootaround.com/en/seattle
Wheels for Feet 425-256-2882 https://wheelsforfeet.com/
If you have any additional questions, contact us at [email protected].
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INFORMATION FOR EXHIBITORS
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