Bridal Shows

[ChipThome]

Another honest and legitimate newb question for y'all.

Bridal Shows...worth it, or a waste of time ???

There appear to be several in the first months of the New Year here. I checked out one, and out of about 90 vendors, there were 3 videographers listed. One is local and two are from the "extended market area".

Also, if you do, do shows, what does your booth look like, banners, displays etc ???

[Earl]

They absolutely are "worth it" IF the particular bridal fair organizers can generate traffic (see if you can get references to vendors who have used them previously - call, don't go JUST on the organizer's word, sad to say).

They're also absolutely worth it if you REALLY WORK IT! and are prepared with support materials. I go along with a couple of heavy rollers in the Southern California area (Steve & Laura Moses) who specifically advocate handing out hundreds of demo DVDs in cases with all the contact information a potential bride might need. This is what we always do.

Here's a few booth shots we've set up. Also, some links to my video marketing blog page where I think you'll find useful info.

http://eccomeecgo.blogspot.com/2008/...follow-up.html

http://eccomeecgo.blogspot.com/2007/04/marketing-bridal-lists.html

http://eccomeecgo.blogspot.com/2006/...marketing.html

[ChipThome]

Thanks Earl.... I'll be looking forward to seeing what you do with your booth.

Attendance isn't going to be what you get, just from the shear differences in populations. So.... if you could give me some idea of how many promotional packs you put together, compared to the attendances for the shows you do, I should be able to get some idea of what I would need to prepare.

Of the three that I saw, one for sure has an admission charge, one is in a mall, so that would have no admission costs, and one I am not sure. Do you have a preference between an open show as the one in the mall, or one where admission is charged, and if so, why ???

[Earl]

I usually attend with a minimum of 200 demo DVDs. I like events where they can vouch for 250 or more registered visitors. I don't bother with brochures, preferring the potential brides call or contact me later instead.

We nearly always have business cards, sharp looking promo pens with our name & contact info, that bowl of chocolate candies - Kisses & Hugs.

Our video displays vary - usually a larger screen in the background, and a smaller screen on the front booth table.

Most of these folks (as you probably know) are just getting information, and their dates could be one, two, three or more years down the road. But, on occasion we have signed up AT the show using some special pricing or promises, etc. We bring agreements and our production calendar with us just in case. It is always gratifying when a client signs on at the show, but it isn't going to happen that often. Just work that bridal list (see my article) because that is where the majority of your business will come from.

I like to work all kinds of shows, but my favorite is a special closed admission event at the Queen Mary in Longbeach, Calif. A unique location.

I have had a couple in area venues, and a couple in malls - the malls, IMHO, can really REALLY generate a LOT of traffic due to its openess and the curiosity factor. But so long as you find a way to support the numbers claims by the organizers, and it is 200 or better, you should be able to get something out of it.

Also good to know how many videographers there will be.

[ChipThome]

Originally Posted by Earl

......Just work that bridal list (see my article) because that is where the majority of your business will come from.

I am not sure I saw that Earl, could you point me in the right direction to find it, please ???

[Earl]

I went back to my first and original response here and edited it to include the booth images AND three or so links to the articles. Hope you find them. Thanks for the PM. Got it.

Thanks also for the PROPS, always appreciated.

[ChipThome]

As always Earl...... thank you for the input !!!!!

[video 101]

Originally Posted by ChipThome

Another honest and legitimate newb question for y'all.

Bridal Shows...worth it, or a waste of time ???

There appear to be several in the first months of the New Year here. I checked out one, and out of about 90 vendors, there were 3 videographers listed. One is local and two are from the "extended market area".

Also, if you do, do shows, what does your booth look like, banners, displays etc ???

FIRST OFF...GO PACKERS!!!!!
I just did our first bridal show yesterday and it was really fun, got to meet some really nice people and we booked a job We also have 7 really solid leads and about 10 more, we hope will call us for an appointment. We did this show, because it was only $200.00 We had both our DJ and Video service there which was a huge plus for us. The gave us a great location.
There we're only 2 other DJ companies and I was the only video company there. Mostly photographers, and specialty vendors.

We had our full DJ setup there and 2 monitors playing our video demos. We handed out DVD demos, cards, special pricing for the bridal show and candy. What really amazed me is that after the fashion show, there was still a half hour left and the 2 other Dj's already started taring down. Tim, my business partner and DJ started jamming the music and people started dancing which was great. The bridal show director, came over and thanked us for doing that. Once we started that, more brides came to our booth and you can just see the bad looks we got from the other 2 DJ's. It was cool adn funny

[ChipThome]

Yes... Go Pack !!!!!

So, how many walked through the doors for your $200, any clue ???

How many $$$$ worth of handouts did you do, do you have a close guess ???

One gig and 7 solid leads for $200. plus handouts sounds like a steal, wouldn't you agree Earl ???

Anyone else have some opinions too ????

[video 101]

Originally Posted by ChipThome

Yes... Go Pack !!!!!

So, how many walked through the doors for your $200, any clue ???

How many $$$$ worth of handouts did you do, do you have a close guess ???

One gig and 7 solid leads for $200. plus handouts sounds like a steal, wouldn't you agree Earl ???

Anyone else have some opinions too ????

There we're 210 brides that came. The demos only cost me about $50
Business cards are next to nothing. Same with the flyers. The gig we booked was worth $2,200 so that was good, plus the other leads that hopefully will land more business.

[ChipThome]

210 exposures to possible clients for $250. + time.

That doesn't sound bad.... around $1.25 each.

So far I have heard form Earl and Vid..... anyone else have any experiences they care to share.... please ???

[video 101]

One thing I will add....If you shows are after the New Year, that is a good time, because many brides get engaged over the Christmas Holiday. You will have freash new leads We are doing another show in a few weeks and I will post photos of that for you. Jerome here on the board had an awesome setup.