This past weekend was the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo. This is shockingly my 8th time attending this show (we missed the covid year obviously). and I am still learning about what makes a good show and what doesn’t.
Because up until now I have only done the Calgary Expo my learning curve has been slow (also I could just be slow). But here are 8 things that I know about showing at these events. And, as always, your mileage may vary.
1. Start Early
Don’t be like me and have a minor mental crisis and start prepping for the expo in February when the show is in April. This was a nice bit of self-sabotage that gave me some significant stress. Also, I made 16 sticker designs and 3 new print designs in that time so obviously I can get the work done, I just shot myself in the foot to make things exciting.
2. Read the Terms Before the Show Starts
This year several folks didn’t know that backdrops weren’t provided, or that free parking wasn’t provided, or that free power wasn’t provided at the show. All of that was listed in the exhibitor guide and those terms change year to year so it’s always good to read all the documents
3. Pay Attention to Show Times
This particular show had advance entry for certain classes of tickets. Vendors were expected to be at their booth and ready for business during those hours. The show takes this seriously and folks who were not set up could be blacklisted from the event.
4. The Show is What You Make It
Engage with folks who are coming by your booth. Say “Hi!” ask how it’s going, and ask what their favourite thing they have seen so far is. Engaging helps sales. Don’t yell at them to come over, or force your stuff on them, but a friendly demeanour and sense of humour will net you more sales. You are an active participant in your own success.
5. Make a Community of Your Neighbours
Several times this year customers commented about how our section of the expo seemed like we were having a lot of fun. We chatted with our neighbours and laughed a lot. That camaraderie is infectious and attractive. People want to see what is so much fun and will be attracted to your booth.
6. Reduce Clutter
While I know my booth is a bit chaotic I have, over the years, reduced the visual clutter. Most of my signage is plain black and white to be easy to read. I have my most popular work at the key sighting points to encourage people to stop. I give space between my prints on the backdrop so people can rest their eyes on each piece.
7. Think of Your Own Comfort
The Calgary Expo is a long show spanning 4 days. The space has cement floors and you are provided with folding chairs. Do yourself a favour, bring your own comfy chair, and get an anti-fatigue mat to stand on. Also, even though it sounds weird, compression socks help so much. If you are comfortable and happy you will make more sales.
8. Enjoy the Experience
I have a great booth neighbour and every year we book together. We laugh a lot and just enjoy being there. I have customers that come back every year for me to draw them and we have developed a relationship. I look forward to seeing them every year. If you don’t like this kind of show then don’t torture yourself, there are lots of ways to sell your stuff and making yourself miserable shouldn’t be one of them.
This year was my second most successful year. I am growing every year and learning new things all the time. This year because I took better care of myself I was far less tired at the end of the expo and felt motivated to continue the momentum. This is great because I don’t want to desperately try to create a bunch of new things in 8 weeks like this year.
Follow along here and on my social media to see what is coming up next.
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