Discovering Expos and Shows: Tips for Success and Collaboration

[tx_deputyswife]

How do you find them?
How do you decide which, if any, to set up a booth at? How successful are they? Do you do them by yourself or with a couple other consultants?

Thanks!

 

[chefann]

Look in your local paper or other community communications. There are also a couple of pay websites that track some.Some fairs will not allow reps from direct sales companies. Obviously, we can't set up at those. Other important factors are: type of fair, type of clientele, cost of booth. If people attending the event aren't likely to book or buy from PC, save your money. But ultimately their success is entirely in the follow up. You need to be prepared to call everyone who gives you their information, and do it in a timely manner.When I work a booth, I do it alone if it's a small, inexpensive event. If it's large or costly, then I share it with another consultant. Typically, we both go for the entire event, so there are 2 of us in the booth. If it's a really large or multi-day event, consider splitting it up into 1/2-day shifts, each with 2 consultants.

 

[Fluffy215]

You can also check out the website eventlister dot com. It is free but you can only look a month in advance. Unles you submit information about a fair then it gives you membership temporarily as a paid subscriber which you can look as far as you want. It allows you to search for fairs in your area using your zip code and however many miles you want to go.

 

[raebates]

Also, be sure to plan ahead. If you hear of a great event happening this weekend, search out the person in charge, and let them know you'd be interested in participating next year.

 

[Jules711]

Or set up your own. We do that here since we know consultants from a lot of companies. We find a place with a large room and not too expensive. Then contact those in other companies and get commitments and split the fee for the room and any advertising. I usually sell about $200-300 in those few hours which is nice. Not many bookings right then, but more contacts. I am sure to use door prize slips, which ask if they HAVE a current consultant and request their email address for my monthly newsletters.Ask other consultants from other companies. Let them know that you are interested in any upcoming booths that they hear about.

 

[DanaK]

I have done several expos and have found the large, expensive ones yield less results. The smaller, more local events have been great sources to find bookings, or to get orders. It is nice to have someone with you-especially if it is an all day event-so you can step away to get something to eat/use the bathroom, etc...but just make sure it is someone you enjoy being with! The consultant that I do expos with now is great-we alternate customers, so it is fair and not one person dominates. A lot of people are looking for cash and carry items-so bring what you have to sell-and send everyone away with a catalog with your contact info. I have found these expos and local events to be great business building opportunities-even with the other vendors! Sometimes you get a lead from them as well.

 

[tx_deputyswife]

Thanks to all!
Well after I posted, I check the website of our local event center, and found they did have some things that might be good to have a booth at, but no links on who to contact, etc.

I feel so green sometimes! So much of this is so new to me!

 

[chefann]

We were all there at some point or another. That's why we're here- to help each other out. Some day there'll be a question that you can answer and you'll get the warm fuzzy from helping someone.