Ideas needed

[katt]

Hi-
I am in the process of signing up for my first wedding show. I just found out about it and since it is somewhat affordable, i'm going to throw my hat in the ring.

It is next Sat. So, I don't have a lot of time.
I have a 5x10 space, I'll probably have a projector or somesort of slideshow going on, i've got my books

I need to get together some lituerature, get some samples made etc...

I need a catch I think... A drawing is a great idea, good way to get names and such. Free sitting i'm thinking, is there something else that would be pretty cool?

All ideas are welcomed!!!!

[DownByFive]

Set out a couple of boxes of Krispy Kremes...That'll draw a nice crowd...

[natatbeach]

how bout a A CD or video storybook of limited and non reproducible imagesimages for sharing with family online with every booking -----and have them list that it's a specific promotion for this show only(with a limited time to book)

Like something that you could offer with a confirmed booking. and they still feel like they will get a "freebie" out of it.

That way you get definite business and they feel like they got a value...

hope that helps a little.

[adina]

I read about this somewhere else. Instead of just giving them literature and business cards and papers that will get put in a stack, give them a cd slideshow as well. I mean, cd's are like what, 10 cents apiece? And they'll show their family when they get home, or share it with friends.

Good luck

adina

[another view]

One thing that annoys me is when I walk into a store (or up to a booth) and the people working don't acknowledge the customers. Even WalMart does it!

If you're busy talking to someone already, just look over and say Hi. It's the small things... A slideshow could be a good thing to do - but make sure you've got electricity at the booth!

[katt]

Nat-
That is a fabulous idea.
I'll have to remember it.

Adina-
Very good. I am planning on showing a slideshow, but now i'll also give 'em away. Easy to do.

Another View-
Thanks for the reminder. Sometimes it is the simple things that people forget that makes the biggest impression.

Krispy Kreme would be a great idea, but I don't think I want sticky donuts around my books.

[Cowgirl]

Greetings!

I just had my first photo booth at my local wedding expo last sunday. It went great! Remember I live in a small town -

I had:

1- 4x5 Simulated Leather Black Folio Folder with 8 4x5 prints - color, black & white, sepia... I had my laptop continuesly playing my own dvd slideshow. Yes, the customers seemed to enjoy it... I had one 11x14 framed print on an iron easel. It caught a lot of attention. I had a Pratt 11x14 Portfolio in which they could browse through my work. A simple sign-up sheet on a clipboard, with wedding date, names, address, emails, phone... - Yes many brides & grooms signed up for more info. A 2x4 ft sign behind me on the wall, displaying my name and website. My business cards were displayed. I think that I handed out about 150 cards. The show had approx. 100 brides registered. Other wedding vendors took some cards as well.

My (2) competitors had-
1> DVD slideshow playing on a larger TV - perhaps a 27 inch?
2.>About 3, 20x30 Framed Prints on Easels with nicer attached lighting.
3> Backdrop with outdoor fall background behind their booth.

My competitors were somewhat disappointed because they did not book anyone on that day.

I have already booked one, and will get another one as soon as we meet next Tuesday.

My 2 competitors prices greatly vary - My local competitor starts at ONLY $210.00 for 30 images at a wedding! UUUUGGGHHHH! Oh well - she can have the tight budget customers!

The other (out of town competitor) starts at $1595.00 for weddings.


What I realized - The brides are just looking and getting ideas. With all of the noise and activities, it is difficult to really have a long conversation with a potential client, as others are also walking up and looking at your work, and wanting to ask you questions. Get their contact info, and make an appointment some other time for serious conversations.

I greeted all of them, even if I was in conversation with another! I plugged my website, in which my hits have spiked well.

Best of all, I received tons of compliments from complete strangers. Thats a great feeling! I was on cloud 9 when I went home!

Best wishes! I hope this helps!
Kathy