How to Handle a Disruptive Guest at a Culinary Show?

[quiverfull7]

Okay... I think some of you more experienced Cheffers have discussed this somewhere here but last night at my show, the MIL of the host attended. Firstly... despite major host coaching, I dont' think the host sent out the invitations I printed for her... maybe she sent a few ... she didn't try very hard... she had 3 people, one of whom was her MIL... who walked in very late. The MIL, upon opening the catalog, stated very loudly that this stiff is "pretty steep". The saving grace to her mouthy ways was that all of them there know exactly how she is. She kept hijacking me so I could talk much... I just kept doing my thing. Then, upon tasting the Chicken Enchilada Ring... she raved about how good it was and got a 2nd and 3rd helping and complimented me again. She also loved the Creamy Caramel Skor Dip. She siad the things she picked out were too expensive so she'd have to wait and her daughter told her she better have her own show but she wouldn't go for that either. After she left, her DIL.. the host, grabbed my sholder and told me that in 19 years of marriage she has NEVER gotten a complment on anything she has cooked or baked so I should pat myself on the back. Well... I was embarrassed... for her and me. He husband said the same thing and said I was one the few in life he had heard her compliment. I'm still embarrassed and sad for the host. I left there with @ $50 in 2 orders and the assurace of the host that she'd for sure have the minimum of $150 and one pretty sure, kinda sure booking. SO>>>> Cheffers... is there a way I could have quieted her or faced with someone like this.. do you just finsh up and feed them?

 

[dannyzmom]

When I have a guest who wont shut up, I invite them up to help me...I say "Susie, why dont you come on up & stire this for me"...if they refuse and keep chatting, I will again ask "Hey Susie, I really need your help - come chop this" - after a few times she gets the point that if she doesnt shut up i will keep calling her out.

 

[Admin Greg]

It sounds like you handled the situation very well, considering the difficult circumstances. It can be tough when there is a difficult guest at a show, especially when they are related to the host. In my experience, the best way to handle these types of situations is to just continue with your presentation and not engage with the difficult person. It sounds like you did exactly that, and it paid off in the end with the positive feedback from the host and her husband. It's also great that you were able to secure a few orders and potential bookings despite the challenging guest. In the future, you could also try to redirect the conversation or politely remind the guest that your products are high-quality and worth the investment. Overall, it sounds like you handled the situation gracefully and professionally.