Spice Up Your Shows: Fun Ideas for Interactive Pastry-Making Events
- Thread starter sarahmarie
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Discussion Overview
This thread explores various ideas and experiences related to making pastry-making events at shows more interactive and enjoyable for guests. Participants share their personal experiences, suggestions, and reflections on audience engagement during cooking demonstrations.
Discussion Character
- Anecdotal
- Opinion-based
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- One participant, identifying as a consultant, expressed that a hands-on approach at a show did not go well, as guests were overwhelmed and did not engage as expected.
- Another participant suggested limiting audience participation and incorporating games or themes to enhance engagement.
- Several users mentioned that despite challenges, the show resulted in good sales and bookings, indicating that audience engagement can vary.
- One participant emphasized the importance of focusing on guest experience, suggesting that shows should be entertaining and informative rather than solely focused on cooking.
- Another participant shared their experience of having guests handle tools and products, which they felt was sufficient for participation.
- Several participants noted that humor and a relaxed atmosphere contribute to a fun experience for guests.
- One participant mentioned the effectiveness of asking questions to involve the audience and create a lively environment.
- Another participant highlighted the importance of adapting to different audiences, suggesting that some groups may prefer simpler, less hands-on approaches.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Views differ on the level of audience participation that works best, with some participants advocating for more hands-on involvement while others suggest a more passive approach may be preferable depending on the audience.
Contextual Notes
Participants shared varied experiences from different shows, indicating that audience dynamics can significantly influence the success of interactive elements in cooking demonstrations.
Who May Find This Useful
Consultants looking for ideas on enhancing audience engagement during cooking shows may find the shared experiences and suggestions helpful.
pamperedgirl3
- 2,084
My shows were boring, too. I had everything on cards and looked at them to remind myself about tips, etc. Now, I try to do interactive shows. I demo a technique and/or model behavior and then ask for volunteers to finish that step of the recipe (I always get them because I ask for novice cooks, stressed people, laid-back people, etc.) Stressed use the Food Chopper! These suggestions for who to ask for volunteers came from a director. Although not everyone gathers around the table to cook or watch, those that do ask a lot of questions and get to handle all the tools. IT INCREASES SALES!! The rest of the group might be talking individually away from the demo but, I don't really mind. After all, this is a PARTY (and may be the only social outlet for some people). Besides, if they have a good time, they BUY MORE!!!
Anyway, I try to spatter it with jokes. I'm also really laiid-back and talk about products as there is a lull in the action. I mention multiple uses for products, too. I had everyone ROUNDUP from the HEART when I talked about the fact that $1 donation makes 16 meals! That's 16 people who get to eat a warm meal in our area!
And, when people ask if something will be on sale, I always say, "Host a show and get it for FREE!" So, I got three bookings from about 10 attendees. Plus, two recruit leads!!
Trish
Working on recruit 2 and 3
Anyway, I try to spatter it with jokes. I'm also really laiid-back and talk about products as there is a lull in the action. I mention multiple uses for products, too. I had everyone ROUNDUP from the HEART when I talked about the fact that $1 donation makes 16 meals! That's 16 people who get to eat a warm meal in our area!
And, when people ask if something will be on sale, I always say, "Host a show and get it for FREE!" So, I got three bookings from about 10 attendees. Plus, two recruit leads!!
Trish
Working on recruit 2 and 3
pamperedgirl3
- 2,084
Thanks, Trish, for the idea! I want to start doing more interactive shows, but I think I was going about it wrong. I was thinking of having the guests do the entire recipe with my help, but perhaps I should just ask for volunteers to help. Then those that don't want to can just sit back & watch or chat.
Now, how do you do the hand-washing thing so it doesn't slow the pace of the show? Do you get all volunteers at the beginning, have everyone wash hands, or call another volunteer up while the previous one is doing her thing? I have a show tomorrow night for my SIL & I'm doing the crisscross apple crowns from All the Best. I was thinking of asking for volunteers for the APCS, FC, Baker's Roller & anyone else I can think of. Maybe just someone to stir the stuff together & microwave it for me. Does that sound like what you do? Any other ideas? I feel like everyone just sits at my show, waiting to eat & run. I'd like them to have FUN!
Now, how do you do the hand-washing thing so it doesn't slow the pace of the show? Do you get all volunteers at the beginning, have everyone wash hands, or call another volunteer up while the previous one is doing her thing? I have a show tomorrow night for my SIL & I'm doing the crisscross apple crowns from All the Best. I was thinking of asking for volunteers for the APCS, FC, Baker's Roller & anyone else I can think of. Maybe just someone to stir the stuff together & microwave it for me. Does that sound like what you do? Any other ideas? I feel like everyone just sits at my show, waiting to eat & run. I'd like them to have FUN!
Either have the Suds Pump available for the "Guest" or "Sous" Chefs ("sous" just means assistant) with wetted paper towels to wipe off excess, then dry with another paper towel or MicroFiber Towel. Or, have everyone wash their hands prior to their part of the demo. Or, use plastic gloves for each "Chef." Lately, we've been gathering in the kitchen (like Nancy Ryan's demo discusssed on another thread) so there is a sink nearby.
I try to let them do parts of the recipe that utilize the more highly-priced items (although that isn't necessary). But, it frequently follows that they buy that which they demo'd. So, since I want my Show Totals to go UP, I do it that way. (Three people wanted the Grill Pan as a result) at my last show.
Even the harder parts of a recipe that a "celebrity" chef might mess up, are fun because everybody gets a good laugh and they see that anyone can do this job, which is a good recruiting tool.
Since my newsletter is called "Trish's Tool Tips," I also "don" a tool belt I got at Lowe's. I put various tools in it (especially ones I might like to show or talk about). Then, when I do my intro, I tell them that I don't cook much (I have a chef husband who cooks most of the time); because I was right-handed and my Mom is left-handed so she could never tell me how to use kitchen equipment. But, if I have the right tool (and I'm a gadget person), I can turn out chef-quality meals in 30 minutes or less. And, of course, PC has the best tools! My husband helps cook at shows since cooking for him is FUN. (both perspectives for audience members). He started cooking because his mom got a full-time job and his sister got married; so he had to learn to cook out of self-defense. Later on, he went for chef-training.
As an aside, for those who have trouble at shows, I also have cerebral palsy (like having blonde hair and blue eyes
; it's just a fact of life so don't feel sorry for me) so I have restricted use of left hand. However, there are no limitations to Pampered Chef. (They'll let anyone do this job --and when I goof up at shows -- I point this out). The only limitations we have are those we place on ourselves. Open yourself to the universe and the univerrse will come to your door.
I hope this isn't too long and that it answered your questions. Enjoy "Trish's Tips"!!
Trish
I try to let them do parts of the recipe that utilize the more highly-priced items (although that isn't necessary). But, it frequently follows that they buy that which they demo'd. So, since I want my Show Totals to go UP, I do it that way. (Three people wanted the Grill Pan as a result) at my last show.
Even the harder parts of a recipe that a "celebrity" chef might mess up, are fun because everybody gets a good laugh and they see that anyone can do this job, which is a good recruiting tool.
Since my newsletter is called "Trish's Tool Tips," I also "don" a tool belt I got at Lowe's. I put various tools in it (especially ones I might like to show or talk about). Then, when I do my intro, I tell them that I don't cook much (I have a chef husband who cooks most of the time); because I was right-handed and my Mom is left-handed so she could never tell me how to use kitchen equipment. But, if I have the right tool (and I'm a gadget person), I can turn out chef-quality meals in 30 minutes or less. And, of course, PC has the best tools! My husband helps cook at shows since cooking for him is FUN. (both perspectives for audience members). He started cooking because his mom got a full-time job and his sister got married; so he had to learn to cook out of self-defense. Later on, he went for chef-training.
As an aside, for those who have trouble at shows, I also have cerebral palsy (like having blonde hair and blue eyes
; it's just a fact of life so don't feel sorry for me) so I have restricted use of left hand. However, there are no limitations to Pampered Chef. (They'll let anyone do this job --and when I goof up at shows -- I point this out). The only limitations we have are those we place on ourselves. Open yourself to the universe and the univerrse will come to your door.I hope this isn't too long and that it answered your questions. Enjoy "Trish's Tips"!!
Trish
pamperedgirl3
- 2,084
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