Whether you’re selling directly to consumers or distributing your incredible products to other businesses, understanding the customer journey is crucial. In Part 1, we’ll dive into the core concepts of funnel marketing, breaking down its stages from awareness to advocacy. You’ll learn how to map your unique customer pathways for both wholesale and retail/e-commerce models, identifying key touchpoints and opportunities for engagement. We’ll explore effective strategies for attracting new prospects, nurturing leads, and converting them into loyal Fair Trade champions. This session lays the essential groundwork for building a robust marketing strategy that truly supports your mission and growth.
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This session brings together two purpose-driven organizations to showcase how circular practices are reshaping the way we design, produce, and connect with customers. From upcycled materials and eco-conscious shipping to inclusive community engagement and economic reinvention, each organization will share their unique approach to circularity and offer actionable insights. Participants will gain both inspiration and practical ideas—whether for sustainable production, innovative marketing narratives, or new business models—that can be embedded across their own operations and shared with customers.
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Faire is the largest wholesale marketplace in the US, with over 700,000 independent retailers using the platform. These retailers are diverse, including boutiques, gift shops, bookstores, general stores, museums, and specialty shops. After a brief overview of Faire, we will have a guided discussion about the different components that need to be mastered to be successful on this platform. We will explore shipping, payment terms, marketing, Shopify integration, customer acquisition, and more. Don’t miss the boat on this huge sales opportunity. This session is intended for wholesale brands.
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From innovative product design to powerful market partnerships, Fair Trade Federation members are stronger together. In this interactive session, panelists will share case studies of successful collaborations—from joint product development and custom orders to shared event strategies. Hear how organizations like dZi, Imani Collective, and Bunyaad have navigated the creative and logistical dynamics of working together. Then, join your peers in small groups to dream up future partnerships and co-created projects. Bring your curiosity and creativity; this session is about what we can build together.
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Custom product design can deepen relationships, differentiate your brand, and better meet customer needs—but how does it work in a fair trade model? This hands-on workshop brings together wholesalers and retailers to explore how to collaborate on custom pieces that align with artisan capacity, timelines, and creative strengths. We’ll cover the benefits and challenges of bespoke design, how to initiate a collaboration, and how to use it as a competitive advantage. Come ready to brainstorm and build toward more strategic, values-aligned partnerships.
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What’s the deeper story your store is telling? In this hands-on session, we’ll dive into the values, emotions, and messages that shape your brand experience. Through guided prompts and peer feedback, you’ll clarify what makes your retail space or brand unique, and how to better connect with customers through visual storytelling, signage, and everyday conversations. Whether you’re refining your mission language or just looking for a fresh way to share your “why,” this session will help your story shine.
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Ready to put theory into practice? Part 2 is all about the “how-to” of implementing successful funnel strategies. We’ll get tactical, exploring which marketing channels are still highly effective for Fair Trade businesses, from engaging at trade shows to leveraging powerful digital tools. Discover practical methods for capturing leads, streamlining your operations to support sales, and adapting your approach for both wholesale and retail audiences. Through case studies and concrete examples, you’ll gain actionable insights and specific techniques to refine your marketing efforts and drive tangible growth for your Fair Trade enterprise.
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What does it really take to bring a handcrafted fair trade product to life? From raw materials to finished goods, this session offers an insider’s look into the artistry, culture, and care behind fair trade production. Understanding the process stands out when selling and storytelling! Join us for a series of short case studies, where FTF members will showcase the processes, techniques, and traditions behind their products. Then, open the floor for your questions. Let’s celebrate the skill and soul behind every item in our FTF community!
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The early years of running a fair trade enterprise can be both thrilling and incredibly tough. This facilitated support circle is a safe, confidential space for those in their first 1-4 years of operations to share the real behind-the-scenes experiences: the challenges, the doubts, the moments you thought about quitting. Together, we’ll build community through honest conversation, mutual support, and collective wisdom. If you’re looking to feel less alone, more grounded, and more connected to others walking this path, this space is for you.
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How do we know our fair trade efforts are creating the change we intend? In this panel, leaders from Fair Trade Federation member organizations will share how they measure impact—through surveys, storytelling, annual reports, and other methods tailored to their values and community contexts. Learn how to design meaningful impact assessments that reflect your mission, honor artisan voices, and help your organization grow with transparency and accountability. Leave with actionable tools and inspiration to create or refine your own impact measurement strategy.
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Fair trade fashion comes with unique challenges and powerful potential. In this session designed for both buyers and sellers, leaders from Passion Lilie, Mata Traders, and Global Mamas will share insider knowledge on sourcing, managing apparel inventory, and understanding textile materials. From sizing runs to seasonality, get the tools you need to make informed purchasing decisions and support sustainable growth for artisan producers. Walk away with a mini “Textile 101” toolkit, best practices for apparel sales, and fresh insight into how we can collectively strengthen the fair trade fashion sector.
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Is your website or POS powered by Shopify? Do you have questions about how this platform can better support your online sales? Or are you considering switching to Shopify but still have doubts? If so, this session is for you. Julio Zegarra-Ballon, owner of Zee Bee Market, will share insights from his 12 years of experience with Shopify—offering tips, tricks, shortcuts, and practical advice to help you get the most out of your POS and online store. He’ll also answer your questions. Bring your laptop and at least one idea to share so we can all benefit from our collective expertise.
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Bring your questions and ideas to this interactive discussion with the Apples & Oranges Marketing team. Together, we’ll explore what marketing channels are most effective today—from trade shows and digital tools to lead capture and operations—and how to evaluate where your efforts are paying off. Learn how to allocate funds wisely and measure ROI.
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This reverse-panel session is a space for transparent, two-way conversations between fair trade retailers and wholesalers. What are the pricing pressures each side faces? How can we make online platforms work for everyone? What does sustainable margin-sharing actually look like? Together, we’ll unpack topics like online “coopetition,” packaging expectations (e.g. shop-ready goods), and in-person events like trade shows. Join a circle of your peers to ask, answer, and imagine new ways we can support each other’s success in the evolving marketplace.
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The recently imposed tariffs are already creating ripple effects across small- to medium-sized fair trade enterprises in the U.S., introducing uncertainty and instability into already challenging market conditions. While we may not be able to change the tariffs themselves, as a fair trade community we can face this moment together—building resilience through transparency, solidarity, and collective problem-solving.
In this interactive workshop, we will:
Recent FTF Member Roundtables on tariffs showed just how powerful our collective voice can be: wholesalers and retailers reaffirmed their commitment to working together, members gained clarity on how to communicate transparently with customers, and many left feeling renewed hope for the path forward.
Whether you’re directly impacted by these tariffs or want to show solidarity with fellow enterprises, this session is designed to deepen understanding, share strategies, and reaffirm the unique role of fair trade in moments of global economic uncertainty.
Together, we can turn challenge into opportunity—and ensure our movement continues to thrive.
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Questions? Email us at conference@fairtradefederation.org.
See here for our refund policy.
