How Do I Find Trade Shows, Etc. for Booths?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread explores various methods for finding trade shows and events where participants can rent booths to promote their businesses. Participants share personal experiences and resources they have used to locate these opportunities.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, suggests using Google with the terms "trade shows" and the local city or county name to find events.
  • Another participant mentions the website craftlister.com as a helpful resource for finding craft shows.
  • Several users note that local newspapers often list trade shows and expos, with some recommending checking under "Bazaars" or "Craft Sales."
  • One participant shares their experience of finding leads through Bridal Expos.
  • Another participant discusses the importance of having a state sales tax license for participating in certain shows, sharing their own experience of obtaining one.
  • Some participants express that larger, juried shows may have restrictions on the types of products sold, particularly regarding handmade items versus direct sales products.
  • One participant shares their success in securing a permanent booth at Home Improvement Shows, emphasizing the importance of an attractive display and engaging with attendees.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the necessity of a sales tax license, with some participants stating they have not needed one while others emphasize its importance. There is no clear consensus on the best methods for finding trade shows, as various resources and strategies are mentioned.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and insights based on their local contexts, which may vary significantly. The discussion reflects a range of approaches to finding trade shows and the challenges faced in navigating requirements for participation.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for strategies to find trade shows and events to promote their businesses may find the shared experiences and resources helpful.

K
kjledford
Messages
39
Hi There!

How do I begin looking for different trade shows, etc, in my area so I can try renting a booth? I'm now sure where to start - what terms to search for...

Thanks!

Kristina
 
Good question! I participated in a "how to run a booth" tele-class with my cluster a couple of nights ago, and that's one question I didn't think to ask!
 
You could google "trade shows" and the name of your city or county
 
Thank you, dannyzmom! I google EVERYTHING and for some reason, THIS time never even thought of it. Oops!And Debbie, I found a couple of good ones to look into through there - THANKS!
 
I googled Bridal Expos and found some great leads.
 
Craftlister is very good. Also your local newspaper. I always look under Boutiques / craft sales. The smaller local free papers we have arround here seem to be the best. Also Call your local Chamber of Comerce. See if your town has a "Women Of Today" group. They do alot of craftshow/fundraisers. Call your local churches and all civic organizations (Lions, VFW, Moose club) lots of these do fall festivals.

In my experience if you want to find these events bad enough you will!

HTH
 
Sales tax license?I was looking up a few fairs at craftlister and noticed that some say "vendors must have a state sales tax license." Anyone know if this is something PC provides?
 
Non-Juried CraftsOk, I was looking at some of the craft show's too and what does "Non-Juried Crafts" mean? anyone?:rolleyes:
 
Trade ShowsI don't know if pampered chef has a license or not. But I have my own which I got from the state and it didn't cost me anything.
Be aware that if you don't have one they may not let you in that show. I've been doing these type of shows for over 11 years.
If you don't have one and the tax guy comes to check and they do they will give you a number to get one and believe me once they have your name they will be checking on you if they see you at a show. We had someone next to us at a show who was retired and didn't do it and they lost almost everything they had. :)
 
Go to the website of your local radio stations - lots of times they have trade shows & expos listed. Also your local newspaper - they usually sponsor expos in your area. Call you chamber of commerce too. I have all of those bookmarked and check them weekly.

Thanks for the craftlister website - thats awesome!
 
Last edited:
mary k said:
I don't know if pampered chef has a license or not. But I have my own which I got from the state and it didn't cost me anything.
Be aware that if you don't have one they may not let you in that show. I've been doing these type of shows for over 11 years.
If you don't have one and the tax guy comes to check and they do they will give you a number to get one and believe me once they have your name they will be checking on you if they see you at a show. We had someone next to us at a show who was retired and didn't do it and they lost almost everything they had. :)
Click to expand...

I didn't get a tax liscense & did a craft show last fall. A few months later I got a letter from the state asking if I'd sold things, the amount, & to pay in if I did. Or there was a box to mark if it was just an informational booth; which I marked. I only took a few orders, & the tax was collected & sent to PC.
 
I have done many types of Shows. All sizes I have never gotten my own Tax liscense. It is taken care of thru PC. I have never gotten anything from the state.....
Some of the larger more professional shows will ask you right on the Application if you are a direct sales co. Or just write it in. I always include a copy of the Insurance info form PC puts in the Con. News in the summer. That will take care of alot of issues as well.

Jurried shows are more for crafters. They have to send in samples or pictures of their crafts to see if they are nice enough to be included. Many larger "high end" shows do this so it doesn't look like the same old church bazzar stuff.
 
Last edited:
etteluap70PC said:
I have done many types of Shows. All sizes I have never gotten my own Tax liscense. It is taken care of thru PC. I have never gotten anything from the state.....
Some of the larger more professional shows will ask you right on the Application if you are a direct sales co. Or just write it in. I always include a copy of the Insurance info form PC puts in the Con. News in the summer. That will take care of alot of issues as well.

Jurried shows are more for crafters. They have to send in samples or pictures of their crafts to see if they are nice enough to be included. Many larger "high end" shows do this so it doesn't look like the same old church bazzar stuff.
Click to expand...

I just called someone and they asked what I will be selling and she was nasty to me "only crafts that are hand made" not kitchen stuff. Oh Well!:p

Thank You!!!!
 
Letscook04: You'll find that every now and then, but for the most part people are happy to have the vendor. I went to a flea market last weekend where there were nice craft tables, professional things, and there were the "cleaned out my basement, sorry it stinks" vendors.
 
letscook04 said:
I just called someone and they asked what I will be selling and she was nasty to me "only crafts that are hand made" not kitchen stuff. Oh Well!:p

Thank You!!!!
Click to expand...


Most craft artists do not want to compete with Buy and Resell that is why they have those restrictions. They are worried about competing with the cheap made in Taiwan products. When looking for shows ask if they accept direct sales companies or in their terms "buy and re-sell" products. We do not really fit this category but it is the closest to what we are.

In addition to what had been suggested, try your local chamber of commerce and any business associations you might have in your area. These types of organizations usually promote shows to let the community know what type of business's are out there.

Good Luck!
Lori
 
  • Thread starter
  • #17
Thank you all for the suggestions... I'm actually meeting with a local business group Wednesday morning and am quite terrified! I don't even have my starter kit yet! :eek:
 
YOU'LL BE FINE! Your enthusiasm is contageous!
 
I look in the local newspaper under Bazzars and I have landed a great lead for Home Improvement Shows. Thye have welcomed Me as their permanant PC Consultant as they really love my booth. I get a ton of leads and shows and recruit a few here and there. I find them rewarding but you have to pull them in with a drawing of some sort and have a nice display of cookware, stoneware and I kill them with the Wedding Registry and kindness and do not forget Simple Additions and the New Fall products they are to Scream for!!!
 
carrdinal said:
I look in the local newspaper under Bazzars and I have landed a great lead for Home Improvement Shows. Thye have welcomed Me as their permanant PC Consultant as they really love my booth. I get a ton of leads and shows and recruit a few here and there. I find them rewarding but you have to pull them in with a drawing of some sort and have a nice display of cookware, stoneware and I kill them with the Wedding Registry and kindness and do not forget Simple Additions and the New Fall products they are to Scream for!!!
Click to expand...
If you set out to succeed then you WILL!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find local trade shows to participate in?

You can find local trade shows by checking community event calendars, local business associations, and online platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup. Additionally, consider joining local Facebook groups or forums related to direct sales or your specific industry, where members often share information about upcoming events.

Are there specific websites that list trade shows?

Yes, there are several websites that specialize in listing trade shows, such as 10times, Trade Show News Network (TSNN), and Events in America. These platforms allow you to search by location, industry, and date to find relevant events.

How can I network with other vendors to find out about trade shows?

Networking with other vendors can be done through local business meetups, online forums, and social media groups. Attend local events, join direct sales associations, and participate in workshops to build relationships with other vendors who may share information about upcoming trade shows.

What types of events should I consider for setting up a booth?

In addition to traditional trade shows, consider craft fairs, farmers' markets, community festivals, and holiday bazaars. These events often attract a diverse audience and can be great opportunities to showcase your products and connect with potential customers.

How do I determine if a trade show is worth attending?

To determine if a trade show is worth attending, research the event's history, expected attendance, and target audience. Look for testimonials from previous vendors and assess the event's marketing efforts. If possible, attend the event as a visitor first to gauge the atmosphere and potential customer engagement.

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