Get Ready for Your Show Promoter Shares Tips and Advice
When a director sends you information, especially if it is titled “Nine Important Things,” you should read all nine points. Some will be for your information; some will ask for information.
There is nothing more frustrating for a director who has taken the time to make sure you have what you need and then you do not respond to or care about it. And there is no time like the present then to just check off all items right away.
Add dates to your calendar and respond to requests for information. Yes, a good director will remember who must be contacted repeatedly. And please do not read it a few days before the event and expect your information to be seen. We are as busy preparing as you are.
Shows like our nonprofit only have one employee who relies on volunteers to make everything happen. We are struggling to get volunteers. Not all shows have multi-staff or city connections.
The Show Is Approaching
It is a wonderful thing now that we are all using social media tools. However, if you are going to post about an upcoming show you will be in, make sure all your information is correct.
When you use an incorrect date, time, or location, it causes the event to have to answer for your mistake. It makes us look bad.
It is your responsibility to bring what is necessary. A good director welcomes questions about what is needed, especially for new-to-the-show artists, if it is well before the start date.
Reading the Event Information page on Zapplication will provide most answers. For example, there you will find we offer a 10 x 10 or 10 x 20 space, electricity is not promised, and we offer prepaid lunches that we deliver right to your booth. I am sure all shows will provide lots of information on ZAPP or through email communication.
On Your Checklist
Your fellow artists can be extremely helpful. There are online groups that talk about these things. Check them out.
If this is your first time at an art show, your neighbors can be immensely helpful. Just do and learn what they suggest. They talk and if you become known as an annoying artist who does not bring their own necessary items, everyone will know.
Google is your friend when it comes to weather. Keep up with what is going to happen while you are in a city and bring appropriate items.
Additional Advice
Love what you do, and it will take care of you. The artist who shows up snarky and inattentive will not have as good of an experience as the artist with a smile and concern for those around them.
Is this always easy? Not at all. But I would rather buy from a friendly person than someone who is not even interested that I am there.
And if the executive director and the event staff are good to you and make life easier for you, let them know. There is nothing like a high spot on Sunshine Artist magazine’s top shows list!