For more information on how to have a successful Expo, please come to our Vendor Booth Camp just before the Vendor Meeting. There trade-show expert DJ Heckes, from Exhib-it, will be giving you all sorts of pointers as to how to size up the potential in a client and how to approach people to the setup of your booth and marketing the show after it's over. Be sure to come so you can make the most of your booth at the Wedding Expo.

 

I NEED TO BE UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

Every vendor I have ever talked to about doing a bridal event has told me that. What that really means is that most vendors don’t want to be buried in a corner somewhere at the event where their exposure to potential consumers is limited. They want to be in areas where the action is. Every bridal event I’ve been involved with has certain aisles, spaces or places that really lend themselves to this action. What’s crucial is getting to those areas before your competition does and that means securing your contracts as soon as possible with the bridal event producers.

On the other hand, if you can't handle a huge traffic volume or need to talk more one-on-one to sell yourself, don't head for the high volume spots.

Being there before the competition is especially crucial if there are going to limitations on the number of participating vendors in certain categories. Last-minute vendors usually pay a premium. Many times if the product category is one where there is a lot of competition as a vendor, you could end up missing the event all together because the limit has been met for that category. Sign up early, get the discounts, get a great location where the action will be and keep your competition to a minimum whenever you can.

At the Expo, with the incredible number of brides there isn't a bad spot. Where else could you talk to that many potential customers - ones who are interested in buying your service or product now - in an afternoon.

 

I COULDN’T TALK TO EVERYBODY.

I MIGHT HAVE MISSED SOME OPPORTUNITIES TO SELL MYSELF AND MY SERVICES.

It can and does happen. This Expo is so well attended that there is no possible way you could talk to everyone who may need what you have to sell. So you need to get the leads list that the Expo will give you after the event and have a strategy in place for how to use it and contact the brides. The list includes as much information we could get from the brides, including name, address, telephone, email, date of wedding. Figure out what strategy to use for following up with brides after the Expo.

 

ASK SOMEONE YOU TRUST

Get the opinion of those vendors who have attended these bridal events, asking them what they’d do to be successful. It’s the easiest thing to do and it never costs a dime. Most of them will probably give you some kind of feedback that can help you make it a better event. They’re more than likely interested in sharing with someone their experience and will give you all the good stuff and what to watch out for.  It’s the best information for the price!

 

IF I DO A BRIDAL EVENT, I’M NOT SURE WHAT I NEED TO DO TO BE SUCCESSFUL.

Come to the Vendor Booth Camp where we'll help you get off to the right start. If you can't make it, let us know and we'll make sure you get the help you need. It's in our best interest to make sure you’re going to be successful. We want you to come back in the future, so ask and let us help. Check into all the support services being offered by this bridal show.

 

 

Submitted by Bud Healey, a marketing consultant with more than 40 years experience in event marketing.