Keir Whitaker
What is Craft+Work?The Story So Far
What is CraftWork ?
Events for Soloists, Founders and Leaders in the Shopify Partner Ecosystem
Craft+Work is an event series I started in June 2023. It brings together soloists, founders, and leaders in the Shopify Partner ecosystem to share real stories, hear honest reflections, and gain fresh perspectives. Over the last two years we've hosted events in London (twice), New York City and Toronto. Find out what you missed (or take a trip down memory lane if you were there).
- Upcoming Events
- Why We Need Craft+Work
- Open & Honest Conversations
- Who is it For?
- A Little Different
- Testimonials
- FAQ
- Get in Touch
Upcoming Events
Planning for Craft+Work events in 2025 is already underway. To be the first to hear about new dates, locations, and topics, the best way to stay updated is by subscribing to my newsletter.
Subscribe for Craft+Work Updates →Why We Need Craft+Work
If we've learned one thing, it's that there's no magic formula for business success. Everywhere you turn, there's a new article, online course, or podcast promising a foolproof way to win. If it worked for them, it must work for me, right? With so many incoming messages, it's easy to get stuck and start second-guessing your own path.
Craft+Work is the antidote to the noise. Our events create space for open conversations between people who've been there — entrepreneurs who understand the ups, the downs, and the in-between. It's about learning from each other, and realising that there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to building and growing a business.
Toronto 2024
Toronto 2024
Toronto 2024
New York City 2024
New York City 2024
New York City 2024
London 2024
London 2024
London 2024
London 2023
London 2023
London 2023
With a maximum of 40 participants, you'll connect with others facing similar challenges, hear what's worked for them, and leave feeling inspired and ready to take action. And yes, you might even have some fun in the process.
If you're into meeting fellow entrepreneurs and discovering fresh ways to grow your business, come join us at a future Craft+Work event.
Open & Honest Conversations
It's often said that the best parts of a conference are the conversations you have waiting inline for a coffee. Imagine a whole day "Coffee Track" event. A day full of meeting new people, hearing their stories and sharing ideas — that's Craft+Work.
Whether you're new to your role, a seasoned pro, or are thinking about taking the leap on your first solo adventure, our events offer a supportive and engaging environment for individuals to learn, get inspired, and meet new people who are striving to build better businesses.
Here's what you can expect at a Craft+Work event:
Conversations
Enjoy a pre or post event conversation, exchange a business card, or ink a deal with fellow attendees, all whilst enjoying some food and drink.
Guest Presentations
Consider these conversation starters. Short, focused, and personal insights from invited experts followed by a group Q & A session.
Group Discussions
We'll dig into the topics that are affecting your business and professional development and see where it takes us.
As we grow and develop the series, we'll iterate based on what works and what doesn't.
Who is it For?
Craft+Work was created for soloists, founders and leaders working in the Shopify Partner ecosystem. Not sure if that's you? Here's our take on each of these jargony terms:
- Soloist — You are your business. Whilst you might contract out some aspects of your day-to-day work (e.g. accounting), it's really just you and your wits. You probably wouldn't have it any other way, but you want, no need, to find ways to balance out sales, marketing, networking and doing the work.
- Founder — You founded, or co-founded, a business that now has a team of people doing the work. Maybe that was the intention; maybe it was by accident. You likely find your days filled with 1-1s, sales calls, proposals and building relationships. You're constantly challenged by new problems and would value external insight and support.
- Leader — You're a decision maker in a business. You occasionally get your hands dirty on a project but likely spend most of your days leading a team and helping the founders think bigger and more strategically. You would love to learn how other people operate and how you can develop your own leadership toolkit.
- Shopify Partner Ecosytem — Businesses that exist due to the existence of the Shopify ecommerce platform. This includes individuals and agencies specialising in designing and building online stores, app developers, system integrators, ecommerce focused B2B and B2C marketers, SEO specialists, solutions architects, ecommerce strategists, copywriters, coaches, event organisers, and many more.
Not sure if you fit the bill then why not get in touch and let's find out.
Themes
Events will be curated around themes highly relevant to anyone running or considering starting a Shopify-focused business. We'll cover many of the following areas but may venture into unknown territories, but that's part of the fun.
Branding
How can we leverage the power of branding to differentiate our businesses and leave a lasting impression on our clients and customers?
Customer Experience
What can we do to make sure our customers feel valued and keep coming back? Let's discuss which customer interactions make a real difference.
Leadership
How can we become better leaders and help nurture creativity, foster innovation, and guide our teams to unprecedented success?
Marketing
How do we make sense of competing marketing strategies and tactics to produce campaigns that really resonate with our clients and customers?
Mindset & Resilience
How can we cultivate a positive mindset and build resilience in ourselves and our teams to overcome challenges and stay motivated?
Positioning
How do we position our businesses to gain a competitive edge and connect with our ideal clients and customers?
Pricing
From double your rate Fridays to goldilocks pricing and beyond. There are so many ways to price your products and services, but what really works? Let's find out together.
Remote Work
Is remote work a threat to team culture, is it a fad, will we prosper or suffer from a lack of in-person connections? Remote work appears to be here to stay so how do we make it work?
Sales
How can we find new leads, close more deals, and build strong, lasting relationships that help our businesses thrive for the long term?
Scaling
As our businesses grow, how do we handle the challenges that come with it without losing sight of what makes our work great?
Team Building
How can we empower teams to drive creativity, collaborate effectively, and create impactful and profitable work?
Technology
How can we effectively use technology, such as AI, to enhance our businesses and streamline our processes, rather than let them create obstacles?
If you've got a hot topic you'd like to discuss Get in touch and let us know.
A Little Different
We believe Craft+Work events are just a little bit different than your average conference. You won't find big stages, multiple tracks, or a large exhibition hall. So what sets up apart?
- Exceedingly Niche — We're not for everyone and that's OK. But if you're a soloist, founder or leader working in the Shopify Partner ecosystem, we are 100% for you.
- Purposefully Small — We keep our events small and intimate as we believe beyond a certain number having open and inclusive conversations becomes almost impossible. For us, that number is 40.
- Focused on Conversations — Our events are based around open and honest dialogue that will enable us all to learn, be challenged, and get better at what we do. We ask that you come willing to contribute.
- Every Voice is Equal — We're a room of equals, and every idea, story or insight will be heard. Whether you're new to your role or a seasoned pro, your contribution is as valid as anyone else's.
- Intentionally Analog — We don't go in for beautifully designed presentations (we have a no slides policy), free wi-fi or fancy lighting. We encourage you to digitally switch off for the day and take notes the old-fashioned way with a nice pen and a great notebook.
We love our approach, but don't just take our word for it. Read what others thought about their experience at Craft+Work.
Testimonials
Here's what previous attendees had to say about their experience at Craft+Work.
Ellen DonnellyFounder of The Ask®
Keir has done an incredible job of bringing together the best and brightest in agency, e-commerce and Shopify worlds together to learn and connect. The energy of the room was unlike any conference I've ever been to.
Jenny McMillenProduct Manager at Eight
An amazing event as expected. I always come away from Craft+Work with personal insights from experts that will help me push our products forward. It's almost a cross between an informal dinner and a conference. Highly recommend!
Peter CorkeryFractional eCommerce Director
Keir collects interesting and engaging people the way some collect stamps and brings this eclectic group of humans together with an agenda that is thought-provoking and open, giving us all ample opportunities to contribute and make our own connections for our future benefit.
Steve JonesCo-Founder at Union Works
The variety of topics covered was what most impressed me. Hearing stories about success, failure, and pivoting is always a winner for me.
Tim RichardsonCo-Founder at Your Basket Is Empty
Contender for the best agency / tech partner event of the year — stoked to see you take it across the pond, mate.
Ian RabbidgeFounder at Alvio
Keir brought together a great mix of people who opened up about their experiences, their successes, and the challenges they face running their businesses.
Tom LockeFounder at Noughts and Ones
I found it really valuable to connect with a mix of people I did and didn't know, including people I'd met on LinkedIn but had not had the chance to meet.
Rosie HawkinsFounder at RedHawk Events
With a cap of 50 people, Keir beautifully cultivated a community of creativity, vulnerability and education that was a privilege to be a part of.
Sam HenningCo-Founder at Union Works
A brilliant event to meet other business owners, founders and directors all in a similar space. Honest discussions around whats going well, badly and what to expect from our industry in the future provides brilliant insight.
You can also read what Gian Maria, Ian, Kendra, Krissie and Rosie thought about the inaugural full-day event that took place in London in June 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you go, we'd like to share answers to common queries about our events, attendees, and what to expect when you join us.
Q: Will the sessions focus on the Shopify platform specifically?
No. While our group may be made up of Shopify-focused agency owners, consultants, and app developers, our themes don't focus on the platform itself (after all, there are plenty of resources on these topics). Rather, we bring soloists, founders, and leaders from the Shopify Partner ecosystem together to share experiences, learn from each other, and prove that there is no one right way to build a business.
Q: Do I have to work in the Shopify Partner ecosystem to attend?
Perhaps not. We like to say that the Shopify ecosystem is the glue that binds us together, but it's by no means a prerequisite to enjoy and get value from the day. Our themes and conversation topics are often relevant to anyone running an ecommerce agency, digital business (e.g., SaaS), or creative agency (e.g., design or content). That said, you'll probably get more value from the day if your business is related to Shopify.
Q: What types of people attend?
In no particular order, our events have been attended by Shopify agency founders, Shopify app developers, B2B marketing consultants, business advisors and coaches, creative directors, ecommerce strategists and consultants, marketing experts, operations directors, product managers, startup founders, and storytelling experts.
Q: Are your events catered?
Yes, our events include breakfast on arrival, lunch, snacks throughout the day, and tea, coffee, water, and juices to keep your thirst at bay. You will be able to share your dietary requirements when registering your ticket(s).
Q: What do I need to bring to an event?
Our approach is intentionally analogue. We don't record sessions or group conversations and operate a zero-slide policy for presentations. As such, you may wish to bring a notebook and pen to capture ideas. Other than that, you're good to go!
Q: Am I expected to contribute?
It's certainly not mandated or expected. However, we feel you'll get more from the event if you open up and share your experiences, ideas, and opinions. We create safe spaces to step outside your comfort zone and value every voice. If you have any concerns or questions, please get in touch and we'll share more about the format.
Q: Are there any sponsorship opportunities?
There are! To learn more about how becoming a Patron (we prefer Patron to sponsor!) will help you connect with our community please get in touch and let's have a conversation.
Q: Who's behind this?
Craft+Work was created and is hosted by me. The team also consists of the as yet to be titled Craig Cooper. Craig is a long standing Shopify Expert and founder of Archer Cooper. Keir and Craig met at a Shopify Theme workshop in a year neither of them can quite remember.
Get in Touch
If you have a question or we can help with anything relating to our events please get in touch. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours, Monday to Friday.
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