Raleigh, N.C. (March 11, 2025) – This week, the Raleigh Convention Center is poised to welcome Stampin’ Up! Onstage Live, a paper craft business convention that packs a solid economic boost. The event is expected to bring $1.7 million in direct economic impact to the area.

Raleigh is an ideal destination for makers, doers and creatives alike, with world-class art museums and galleries like the North Carolina Museum of Art and CAM Raleigh, plus a thriving performing arts scene with organizations like the North Carolina Symphony and North Carolina Opera. Downtown Raleigh is a hub for creatives and entrepreneurial spirit, where more than 90% of storefronts are locally owned and operated and over 170 pieces of public art line the streets and alleyways.

Stampin’ Up! Onstage Live is expected to bring an inspirational and friendly energy to downtown Raleigh, with attendees ranging from artisans by trade to hobbyists, bloggers and influencers. Conference attendees will have no shortage of extracurricular activities to indulge in while visiting Raleigh, from shopping and events to exploring the local food scene. Downtown Raleigh is full of unique boutiques and stores offering everything from greeting cards and souvenirs to timeless clothing and fabulous gifts. This year, four Raleigh restaurants and chefs have garnered James Beard Award nominations, so meeting attendees won’t have to search very far for a delicious meal.

Raleigh has long been a hub for artists, artisans and crafters. Artsplosure, a festival named for its “explosion” and “exposure” to art, has taken place downtown for over 45 years. The festival holds a weekend-long art market, live music, artistic performances and more throughout the heart of Raleigh. In neighboring Cary, the town shuts down its Town Hall Campus and main street each August for Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival to showcase over 250 artists from across the U.S. with live entertainment, culinary artists, food vendors and plenty of activities.

In 2026, the Modern Quilt Guild will bring the beloved QuiltCon back to Raleigh, after its tremendous success and warm welcome in 2024. QuiltCon is the largest quilting event in the world, with stunning displays of artwork, competitions, workshops and more. Raleigh and North Carolina have a rich history in textile arts and education, making it a homecoming destination for textile art conventions such as QuiltCon.

With its rich artistic offerings and vibrant creative community, Raleigh shines as a premier destination for makers and artisans. Events like Stampin’ Up! Onstage Live and QuiltCon not only bring economic benefits but reinforce the city’s reputation as a hub for creativity and craftsmanship. Meeting attendees can find inspiration around every corner – from world-class museums and performing arts to dynamic local shops and dining experiences. As Raleigh welcomes Stampin’ Up! Onstage Live and looks ahead to QuiltCon in 2026, the city is a thriving center where artistry and innovation flourish.

About the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh):
As the official destination marketing organization for Wake County, Visit Raleigh is responsible for promoting Wake County as an attractive travel destination and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Through the impact of travel, the organization strengthens the industry and community's economic position and provides opportunities for people throughout Wake County. Raleigh, N.C./Wake County welcomes 18.5 million visitors annually, whose spending tops $3.2 billion. The visitor economy supports nearly 26,000 local jobs in Wake County and generates $307 million in state and local tax revenues, saving each Wake County household $712 in taxes annually. visitRaleigh.com

 

Media Contact:
Visit Raleigh
Veronica Clark
Public Relations Manager
919.819.8292
vclark@visitraleigh.com

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