CanGift and the Craft East Buyers’ Expo are Uniting to Launch Halifax’s Largest Gift and Craft Trade Show in 2026

The Canadian Gift Association (CanGift) and Craft East Buyers’ Expo are proud to announce a landmark partnership to produce one of the largest gift and craft trade shows ever held in the Maritimes, taking place March 8–10, 2026, at the Halifax Convention Centre.

This highly anticipated event will bring together nearly 200 Canadian exhibitors, showcasing the very best in giftware, home décor, and authentically Atlantic-made craft—all under one roof. Designed exclusively for qualified retail buyers, the show promises an unmatched opportunity to discover new products, source directly from makers and manufacturers, and forge valuable connections across multiple industries.

“This partnership represents an exciting step forward for the gift and craft industries in Atlantic Canada,” said Dwayne McKillop, President & CEO of the Canadian Gift Association. “We’re thrilled to work with Craft Alliance Atlantic to spotlight the extraordinary creativity and entrepreneurial spirit found in this region.”

“The Atlantic region is home to a vibrant community of skilled craftspeople and artisans,” added Bernard Burton, Executive Director of Craft Alliance Atlantic. “By collaborating with CanGift, we are creating a national platform in Halifax that connects these makers with retailers looking for distinct, high-quality products.”

The 2026 Atlantic Gift + Home Market co-located with the 2026 Craft East Buyers’ Expo will provide a dynamic, professional marketplace for buyers seeking a curated mix of commercial and handmade goods—from lifestyle products, souvenirs, food & fashion to fine craft, art, textiles, wellness, and more.

MEMBER SUPPORT FOR THE #ATLGIFTMKT IS STRONG!

“We are excited about this regional show announcement as it will provide us with much needed additional exposure for our products to buyers in a geographic area that we do not currently have full representation in. A very smart move by CanGift in a very cost-effective way.”

Michael Atkinson, CEO
A&F Souvenir

“This is a vey exciting move by CanGift bringing us closer to buyers in the Maritimes. We finally have an easy and affordable way to expand our business east.”

Ashley Tott, General Manager / VP Sales
Gourmet du Village

“An Atlantic regional buying show approach is a real smart move to bring more buyers and sellers together. After covid, travel changed, and business changed and so this grass roots approach out east is a dynamite idea for a Marketplace.”

Sophie Wilmer
Kitras Art Glass

“The Maritimes is such an untapped market for wholesalers and now this finally gives us an easy and affordable way to make more sales out east and expand our product reach by bringing the markets to the buyers. Buyers can drive to this show from almost everywhere in less than 90 minutes. Very excited to see the results of this show.”

Catherine Lilywhite
Catherine Lilywhite’s