Tips for a Great Show

Anticipate 450 brides and 1500 people to be at the show.

1. Bring enough promotional materials to last the show
2. You’ll need 2 or more people to handle the crowd
   (There are a couple reasons for this. The first reason is you will need another person to simply mark each person’s card that comes by your booth rather than you having to stop your presentation to do so yourself. Also, if you need to take a break, there will be someone there to speak with people as they come by your booth while you are gone. Finally, there will be an almost constant flow of people coming through and the more assistance you have the better.) 
3. Be productive in speaking with the brides
   Remember these are 450 potential bookings! The more active you are with communicating, the more results you will receive. 
   *If you are going to have competition there, you need to understand (and be able to explain) what you can do or have that your competition can not do or does not have.  
4. Treat everyone as if they are the bride
   Some of the brides are older, and you might be tempted to ask if she is the mother of the bride, but don’t. Every year someone will say that a few exhibitors asked if she was the MOTHER of the bride. Just don’t go there. Assume each lady is the bride until stated differently.
   
5. Be prepared to speak to a group  
   Have a short speech prepared--approximately 1 minute in length. You want to answer the following questions:
   1. Who are you?
   2. What do you do?
   3. What separates you from your competition?
   4. Why should they do business with YOU?
   *Again, there will be almost a constant flow of people. There will be times when several people are standing close to your booth. It is in your best interest at this time to invite them to your booth and tell them your speech. For example, “If everybody will move in closer so you can hear me. Let me tell you why YOU REALLY WANT…..”
   
6. Be prepared to Book, but don’t expect to Book that day
   Have your calendar ready to sign up any potential clients (that way you know if you are even available). Also have any forms you may need for the bride to sign up.
   
7. Ask the prospects to complete an inquiry
   This information is key in your follow-up immediately after the show. ( BE SURE TO FOLLOW UP WITH ALL SERIOUSLY INTERESTED CANDIDATES ASAP! )
   
8. Dress Appropriately
   If you have an outfit that is associated with your business, wear that. For example, if you are a chef, wear your chef’s hat and jacket. Look your part. Also, try to wear comfortable shoes. You will be on your feet for most of the day.
   
9. Don’t forget to smile
   A first impression is made within the first 7 seconds of meeting someone. You want to be inviting and a smile is an excellent way to invite someone to try your business!
   
10. Use the CD  
    You will receive your Bridal Encyclopedia a week after the show. People pay almost $500 for this information that do not even attend the show! Browse through the CD and pick out the people that are seeking your type of business. Then it is your choice if you want to call or send a direct mail piece or both. No matter what, use this resource!