The Alliance for Artisan Enterprise hosted 35 women entrepreneurs representing 28 African countries who are traveling around the US through the U.S. Department of State sponsored African Women'’s Entrepreneurship Program. Peggy Clark, co-director of the Alliance, led a discussion on Alliance activities and the African Growth and Opportunity Act, with assistance from Nathan Van Dusen, Africa Director of the CARANA Corporation.

Please join us for a reception co-hosted by Alliance for Artisan Enterprise & George Little Management. The Alliance will honor Clare Smith and award her with the Alliance Artisan Hero recognition for her leadership in the sector; the program will begin at 7:30 p.m. It is also a wonderful opportunity to meet artisan groups from 25 countries. 

For Artisan Resource exhibitors and attendees, your badge will provide access to the reception. If you are not attending Artisan Resource, but would like to attend the reception, please contact Annie Waterman at annie@byhandconsulting.com. 

This panel explored what makes global artisanal products resonate with an expanding diversity of consumers and retailers, and how to address challenges of growing these markets. Panelists included Conor French of Indego Africa, Jim Brett of West Elm, Ruth DeGolia of Mercado Global and Dana Towsey of Walmart.

The panel was moderated by Peggy Clark of the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise, and Keith Recker of Hand/Eye Magazine.

Tickets were $20 in advance or $25 onsite. For more information, visit www.nynow.com.