Is an $800 bridal show booth worth it?
 

Hello,

I know in some sense the answer will always be "it depends." In our case, it would be our first bridal show (it's in Maryland, just out side Washington, DC). The organizer claims he's expecting about 500 brides to come through across two days in January. The $800 is for a 10x10 booth (corner booth extra) with piping, drapes, linens, chairs, and signage, an ad on the expo site for a year, and use of the lead list derived from the expo; the organizer claims no more than ten vendors per category.

So, if you've done these in the past, have they generated significant business? Or, are they a waste of time?

Thanks!

Todd

I have never done one, but can the organizer show you past event numbers to help back up his expectation of 500 brides or any info on what makes him expect this many?

I sure hope so, I have one in January.

My approach to shows has been, 'I'll give them a chance.' If you break even then the show could be worth it, but I did two shows last year and went in the hole.

This show in January is a different one, and I'll see how it goes. One thing you can do is call someone who has done the show before. Call an established business, and get their opinion about that show. Shows are different, bring in different types of brides, different numbers etc.

I'm about showed out, at least the expensive ones. We'll see how this next show goes and take another look. When brides call you and book with you, are they seeing you on google, lists, shows etc.

Things to think about. 10x10 for 800 isn't bad, it's about average around here, just south of you. Todd, I bet it's the same show I'm doing, but down here and not up there.

I'm doing a bridal show next month... it's a grand. YIKES!

Past numbers show about a 1,000+ attendees each time.

So if I can get just 1% to do a video, it's still a profit.

There's another bridal show the week before that one... it's $600.

I'll keep you updated to see how it goes.

Todd:

You are correct...it depends but that's business....there is always some risk. But if you go into with an attitude that you are getting exposure and a bit of face to face advertising then the risk is gone. We do a 1K show in January and typically the higher end brides are there. We did a show in September that was primarily "Lookers" but remember that Christmas and New Years are proposal times along with Valentines day in Feb so I think the January shows are better. For me, if I book one from the show it has easily paid for itself. But go into it with an 'Adverstising' mindset and an opportunity to network with other wedding professionals.

Bridal shows can be of benefit. But it depends on what your looking for. I go looking for developing my company name as a brand and get exposure. Yes i want to get bookings immediately, but if your patient you will see the results coming a long time after. I have noticed that i have been getting bookings from a show i did a year and a half ago. So i would suggest that anyone thinking of do a show to do it. If your effective in presenting your message you can have results for a long time.

My first this year too
 

I am going to do my first show as well this year. Lucky for me I am good friends with the shop that is organizing. I am getting to do the video projection of the fashion show and vendor ads. In return I get my spot free. I have high hopes on this show. This is like the first bout of good luck I have had in a while.

Last offer I got was 1500euro for 6x4 booth, visitors would be a few 1000 over a weekend. I didn"t accept it because I think it's too expensive, untill now I allways managed to get my year booked only through my website (I use a wordpress powered website and that gives me a better visibility on the net) and through people that heared about me from other couples that hired me before.
Every year the past years at least 60% of my bookings are made in Januari only, usually right after most bridal shows. Think that most couples first look and compare prizes at the bridal shows and then start looking on the internet.

I believe $800 is a reasonable price for a bridal show in Maryland, but what do you anticipate for booth design and travel costs? Generally, new vendors have high costs in this regard and experienced vendors have low costs (they have already paid for their both decor). 500 brides visiting the show is a bit thin for the booth fee, but if the organizer is referring to "registered brides", and has a history to prove that claim, then I feel the show will actually have over 1000 visitors ... a much more comfortable feeling number. The features of the booth appear standard, but I notice you didn't mention electrical service. Check on that. It may be an extra fee paid to the venue. Place the lead list in the hands of a marketing specialist. That is something I didn't do for a long time. Thought I could do marketing myself.

In my opinion, the great value of participating in a trade show is exposure. Everyone gets to know about you, and the other vendors are more important than the clients you contract. You should plan to attend as many of these shows as you can afford on an annual basis for about five years. That will get you recognized as someone with professinal stabiity. As long as you can prove the show generates enough business to cover your costs and pay for two days of lost work opportunities, do it. It can not at that point hurt you. It will teach you. At some point the trade shows can become a waste of time. However, deciding what exactly is a waste of time is completely and totally dependent upon your current business plan.