The Craftsman Experience showroom sits just beneath the “L” train in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Its urban-industrial setting provides the perfect backdrop for hands-on demonstrations and product showcases. During our visit we attended a pair of special events that highlighted how the space works as both a live venue and a broadcast studio.
On the first night Mike Senese, host of Catch It Keep It and Punkin Chunkin and author of the DO IT blog, introduced Chevrolet’s new hybrid, the VOLT. Mike spoke about the vehicle to the in-person audience while the Craftsman Experience streamed the presentation live from their on-site studio through their Facebook presence.
The next evening we ran into friends Mark and Theresa Clement from MyFixItUpLife. They were filming a webisode focused on building an interior wall, and that demo was also broadcast live. The dual role of the space—serving both a live audience and an online viewership—was on clear display throughout both events.
Beyond special events, the Craftsman Experience presents the full Craftsman brand: tools, woodworking, garage storage, home décor ideas and more. Visitors can test the newest tools, from a right-angle impact driver to an auto-hammer, and try the entire C3 cordless tool lineup hands-on. The showroom makes it easy to explore tool ergonomics, features, and storage solutions in a real-world, workshop-like environment.
We also enjoyed small touches around the space, like an enormous display of screwdrivers and a playful “Craftswoman” sign over the women’s restroom that highlights the brand’s inclusive approach to makers and DIY enthusiasts.
If you want to see more photos from our visit, check our Flickr photoset for additional images from the event. For the latest information about upcoming demonstrations, product announcements, and live streams, follow the Craftsman Experience on Facebook where they regularly post event updates and streaming schedules.
