Boost Your Booth: Creative Ideas for Small Expo Success

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various ideas and personal experiences related to setting up booths at small expos, particularly in family-oriented environments. Participants share their strategies for attracting leads, engaging attendees, and creating interactive experiences for children.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions the importance of focusing on leads rather than immediate sales, suggesting the use of surveys and drawings to engage attendees.
  • Another participant shares their experience of setting up an interactive table with activities for children, which helped keep kids occupied while parents browsed.
  • Several users discuss the idea of offering prizes for bookings, such as gift certificates or free cooking shows, to incentivize participation.
  • One participant expresses concern about food samples due to liability issues, suggesting alternatives like wrapped candies.
  • Another participant highlights the value of standing in front of the booth to interact with attendees rather than sitting behind a table.
  • One participant shares their experience of successfully securing a spot at a baby fair by contacting the local hospital's marketing department.
  • Several participants express enthusiasm for creative ideas shared in the thread, including interactive elements and promotional strategies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the inclusion of food samples at booths, with some participants advocating for caution due to potential liability, while others suggest engaging activities for children as a key focus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion centers around experiences at family-oriented expos, with a focus on engaging children and parents alike. Participants share practical ideas based on their own booth experiences.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for creative strategies to enhance their booth presence at family-focused events may find the shared experiences and ideas beneficial.

J
jodistrauss
Messages
202
What is the best way to "do" a booth at a small expo? It is at a local "indoor inflatables" place. I approached the owner yesterday about leaving a few catalogs and he mentioned that he wanted to have an expo of sorts with several different companies that have products for families with kids. (PC, Heritage Makers, Arbonne, etc.) It is in the VERY beginning stages and I don't want to mess it uP.
 
My experience with booths is to always go for the leads, not so much the sales. You need to have a way to get survey slips filled out, such as having a drawing for a cookbook or another extra product you may have on hand. Another idea to really boost bookings is to have a sign offering an additional $25 free products if the show is booked at the event- I would definitely do that. Good luck!
 
The the CD about booths and events that is on the paperwork order form. I was going to get the name of the CD but the PC main website seems to be down. Lots of info to make it successful. The more events I do the better I get at it. Since you will working to get leads and not so much sales you have to be willing to call these people to follow up.
 
I set up the starter kit and a few of the newest products and something bridal. I also do a drawing. My prize is a $10 gift certificate worth $25 if they book a show. I also have follow-up winners of free cooking shows (I bring the ingredients).

At bridal shows I decorate the table as appropriate and arrange products as though they were wedding gifts. I also do a drawing at those. ...always a drawing.
 
Since it's geared towards kids, have a drawing for the Let's Eat! cookbook. If it's soon, definitely make a sign that the kids apron/hat sets and cookie sets will be available only through February. You may be able to get enough sales to submit it as a show. Have something to attract the kids, too: the QSP with water and glitter is easy and will definitely draw them in to play with it.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
WOW!!! These are ALL fabulous ideas!! Does anyone have a flyer or a poster idea? (I have a serious case of CD-Creative Deficiency)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
Do you make any food samples or just have the products and something for the kids to do?
 
Personally, I wouldn't take food because of liability issues and allergies. Maybe some wrapped candy (like kisses), but nothing homemade.
 
I did a Baby Fair last fall and I had an "Interactive" table set up. It included glitter in the QSP; homemade playdough with assorted tools - bakers roller, cookie cutters from kids set, creative cutters; and a couple bowls with split peas with the measure-all, measuring spoons and funnels (this one did get messy). It was good because it kept the kids occupied while Mom (or Dad) looked around. It was funny to hear parents say after showing their kids the table "Oh this is PC".

Linda
 
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  • #10
Yikes!! Great point.
 
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  • #11
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! the interactive table idea.
 
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  • #12
Do y'all just call a place like Babies R Us to get in a baby fair?
 
I think Toy'r'us & Babies'r'us does fairs or has venders at their store - you'll have to check.

The Baby Fair I was at was run by a local woman who operates a fitness/yoga studio specializing in new moms, pre-natal, post-natal and kid's yoga. There were other direct selling people there as well as small companies that specialized in baby/kid's clothes, homemade signs, photography, etc. It was a real community affair.

One thing I was told was not to sit behind a table. Stand out in front and interact with the crowd - I was out front a lot with a broom sweeping up the split peas!

Linda
 
Here is a file that Cat made from her notes at conference. The first page is a workshop on booths that happened to be taught by my director!:D
 

Attachments

I forgot to add that I just got a baby fair at our local hospital. I knew it was coming up but I just called the marketing department at the hospital to get more info.
 
BethCooks4U said:
I set up the starter kit and a few of the newest products and something bridal. I also do a drawing. My prize is a $10 gift certificate worth $25 if they book a show. I also have follow-up winners of free cooking shows (I bring the ingredients).

At bridal shows I decorate the table as appropriate and arrange products as though they were wedding gifts. I also do a drawing at those. ...always a drawing.
Click to expand...

Great idea with the Free cooking show- with ingredients- prize! I like it!
 
gilliandanielle said:
Here is a file that Cat made from her notes at conference. The first page is a workshop on booths that happened to be taught by my director!:D
Click to expand...

Thanks for posting! That's great info!
 
to get bookingsSomewhere on here is the "Book to Look" Box. Basically it's just a shoe box (I use a gift bag) and it says "Book to Look" on it. If someone is interested in booking a show and they set a date (actually put a date on your calendar) they get to draw out of the box and will recieve that item free at their show (it goes on their host order). They items are around $10. You could do whatever though.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "Boost Your Booth: Creative Ideas for Small Expo Success"?

"Boost Your Booth" is a resource designed to help vendors, particularly those in direct sales like Pampered Chef, enhance their presence at small expos and trade shows. It offers creative strategies and practical tips to attract more visitors, engage potential customers, and ultimately increase sales during these events.

How can I make my booth more visually appealing?

What types of promotional materials should I bring to an expo?

It's essential to have a variety of promotional materials on hand, such as business cards, brochures, flyers, and product catalogs. Offering samples or small giveaways can also entice visitors to engage with your booth. Ensure that all materials clearly communicate your brand and the benefits of your products.

How can I effectively engage with expo attendees?

Engaging with attendees can be achieved through friendly conversation, asking open-ended questions, and actively listening to their needs. Demonstrating your products live or offering hands-on experiences can also create a memorable interaction. Additionally, consider hosting mini demonstrations or workshops to showcase your products in action.

What are some follow-up strategies after the expo?

After the expo, it's crucial to follow up with the contacts you made. Send personalized thank-you emails or messages to those who visited your booth, and include any special offers or additional information about your products. You can also connect with them on social media to keep the relationship going and encourage future engagement.

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