On today’s Fox 7 TV Segment with anchor person Sarah Brownlee we talked about how to work a bridal trade show. Locally, this is timely advice as this weekend is (drum roll)…………..

Super Bride Sunday! Details: February 3rd, at The Centre in Evansville, Indiana. 9am-4pm. This year is bigger than ever before…so be sure to get there early and allot enough time to make your way through the whole event. Lots of exciting giveaways, promotions and vendors that might not advertise in a traditional way.

Nationwide there are many bridal expo’s and trade shows, so hopefully some of you may find this info timely. Every year I try to give some tips on how to work a show, you can find last year’s tips here. Let’s see if I can come up with some new ones…

Tip 1: Dress appropriately. Let’s face it, we live in a world of first impressions. I have seen brides come through that look like, and I kid you not, they just rolled out of bed. Wrinkled sweats, hair all messed up, and dirty shoes. Trust me, vendors are sizing you up just as much as you are sizing them up. If you want the proper attention and to be taken seriously; then dress nice. But definitely wear some comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking a lot.

Tip 2: Bring two bags. You will get a lot of information at the show. Business cards, fliers, marketing material, etc. One bag will hold all the info your receive from vendors that you definitely want to follow up on. The second bag will hold everything else. It’s not to suggest that the second bag will go in the trash when you get home…you definitely want to sift through it. But at least you will have separated out what you really need to follow up on.

Tip 3: Shows are like a “first date”. As a vendor, we spend a lot of money to be in these shows. First of all there is a fee to enter, decor/design expense (well at least for me), signage, giveaways, candy, brochures, business cards, etc. We invest this money to get a return on our investment…..selling our services to you, the bride. So expect that. BUT, you should never feel pressured to sign someone’s services on the day of the show. That’s why I say shows are like a first date. You meet us, get our information and think about if you’d like to continue the relationship.

Tip 4: Labels and writer’s cramp. Last year I mentioned making the labels that have your name, address, email address, phone number and wedding date. If you wanted to do something different and stand out a bit, make business cards! You can get them at any office supply store and they are relatively inexpensive. Or just simply print out on a thicker stock of paper and cut them up. When you go by a vendor’s booth, whip out your custom business card and drop it in their bowl for their give away!

Hope you find these tips helpful…. and we’ll see all you locals at Super Bride Sunday!!!

Plan on! -saundra

Media Note: You can hear more tips and information about Super Bride Sunday from Saundra on the 6:30pm Fox 7 News, Wednesday and Thursday this week.

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