Guelph Artisans Expo 2026

 The Guelph Artisans Expo is a two-day, in-person business intensive designed specifically for artists, makers, and creative entrepreneurs.

This event was created for people who are strong creatively but want to feel more confident running the business side of what they do. Through a combination of expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and structured networking, attendees will gain practical tools to improve their sales, refine their brand, and build a more sustainable creative business.

This is not a vendor market or a traditional conference — it’s a focused, supportive space designed to help creative entrepreneurs make real progress.

Over the course of the weekend, attendees will receive full access to sessions (based on ticket type), coffee and light brunch-style refreshments, and thoughtfully designed interactive experiences — including a personalized notebook and lino block stamp activity on Saturday, and a hands-on charcuterie board workshop on Sunday.

With a small-group setting and built-in networking opportunities, the goal is to create an environment that feels approachable, practical, and genuinely supportive of growth.

By the end of the weekend, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how your creative work fits into a sustainable business model — and how to confidently move it forward.

Through a combination of lectures, hands-on activities, and group discussions, you’ll gain a stronger sense of your brand identity and target audience, along with practical in-person sales strategies that help turn browsers into buyers. You’ll learn how to improve your booth design and merchandising, better understand your pricing and profit margins, and explore ways to expand your income beyond markets.

You’ll also build confidence in areas that often feel overwhelming for creatives — including social media, content creation, and photography — while developing a realistic plan for growing your business without burning out.

Throughout the weekend, we’ll cover a range of topics including branding and positioning, in-person sales strategies, merchandising, pricing and basic financial literacy, e-commerce fundamentals, social media and content creation, iPhone photography, diversifying income streams, and sustainable business growth.