Tabletop Displays

Learn the best tips and tricks for making an outstanding first impression!

Our event expert, Kristen Rask, President of Urban Craft Uprising, will share the secrets of creating an engaging tabletop display that will capture attention and draw event guests to your table or booth. Once your display has brought them over to learn about your business, you need to know how to effectively connect with new people. We will explore tactics and strategies for becoming comfortable with networking, whether you are an extrovert or an introvert, including rehearsing, relaxing, relating, and recovering.

You are encouraged to attend our annual showcase networking event, Celebrating Dreams, on Thursday, April 24th, 2025, to practice and build your skills in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Presenter: Kristen Rask – President, Urban Craft Uprising

Kristen Rask opened a store called Schmancy in downtown Seattle in 2004. She started curating an annual show titled Plush You! at the shop that soon got international recognition. In its second year she received a book deal with f+w publishing to publish Plush You!: Loveable Misfits to Sew and Stuff. Since then she has come out with 7 more books; Creature Crochet, Button and Stitch: super cute ways to use your button stash (f+w publishing), Yummy Crochet, Teeny Tiny Animal Crochet, Woodland Crochet, Wizard of Oz Crochet and Peanuts Crochet which was written up about on Martha Stewart. She closed Schmancy after 11 years to focus on the growth of UCU. She joined UCU in 2008 and still says it’s her dream job. When she is not organizing events you can find her crocheting, baking, or reading. Craft organizing can be challenging but being able to work in the craft community is a dream come true.

Networking Events: Best Practices

We will explore tactics and strategies for becoming comfortable with networking, whether you are an extrovert or an introvert, including rehearsing, relaxing, relating, and recovering.

Presenter: Tiernan Madorno – The StageCoach & Professional Emcee, Stage Savvy

Last year Tiernan left big tech to do big community. Now as a professional emcee and event host armed with 20 years of cross industry magic from the likes of Microsoft, Discovery Channel LLC, the Kennedy Center and more, she unites audiences and crafts moments that spark growth, fuel learning, and leave lasting inspiration. Tiernan is also known as The StageCoach, helping folx deliver their messages with clarity, confidence, and charisma on any stage.

Hailing from the picturesque PNW, Tiernan’s heart beats for social equity and community upliftment. She’s not just an emcee — she’s a passionate advocate, leveraging her platform to champion underrepresented groups. Her mission? To create more room at the table and empower others to boldly pursue their purpose.

Presenters: Tanise and Derrick Love, Sync Seattle

The mission of Sync Seattle is to intentionally build community through supporting Black Owned Businesses and Black Led Nonprofits. Founded by Derrick and Tanise Love, we host networking events and experiences across the area to highlight amazing products and services offered by black entrepreneurs. We also champion causes and organizations that are led by Black Leaders. We host a monthly networking mixer called Vibes After 5, which is our staple event. Vibes After 5 takes place on the 3rd Thursday of each month, from 6p – 9p. Some other types of events that we have hosted are Karaoke Brunch, Candle Making Rooftop Party, Kayak Kick Back, Spades and Uno Tournament, Yoga and Brunch. We have supported Big Brother Big Sister of the Puget Sound, Byrd Barr Place, The Chyah Movement, Acts on Stage, Tubman Foundation for Health and Freedom and many more. Since our inception on May 12, 2022, we have hosted or collaborated for over 90 events impacting thousands.

Website: syncseattle.com | IG: sync.seattle | TikTok: sync.seattle

This session was recorded on 4.10.2025