I am looking to participate in my first show, but I’m not really sure what shows to apply for. How can I find a show that will be successful for me? What kinds of questions should I ask the show promoters, or should I just go by the information on their website and brochures? There are a number of shows in my area, so I’m not too worried about location. Is it better to start off with a small show or jump head-first in with the big guys?
Think about the acorn and the mighty Oak. How small at the beginning and how proud and powerful at maturity. I would choose to participate in a smaller show first. This will allow you to get your act together as a booth designer, set up person, salesperson and most importantly as a product designer. We work in the protection of our studios, produce items we think are great, the best we’ve ever produced, but the real test is when we present them to the buying public. I think it’s always best to start small, have a positive experience and grow a business based on the markets response.
A thorough read of the show brochure will probably answer most of your questions, if not get on the phone with the show producers. You would want to know attendance information especially where the attendees come from, is this a local show or do people interested in buying crafts travel to see this show. It would be good to know the promotion plans, how much is being budgeted for paid ads and where they will run, especially on line. You might also ask about special events that will bring people to the show. You may also have questions about the number of artists working in your media. While it is always appropriate to contact the show producers with your questions I think the people you really want to talk to are the crafts people who have been in the show. They’re the ones who can give you the clearest information about the show and their success there. You can ask an exhibitor if they are returning, why or why not. They should be able to provide information about the best price points and the type of items they sold well. Then you need to weigh this information carefully, the show that was good for the jeweler may not be good for you, the potter, for instance.
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