Being Present Matters Promoter Talks to every Exhibitor at a Show
First impressions are paramount in most situations, and meeting a new artist for the first time is no exception.
When artists apply to our shows, what we have found is they want turn-around time to be fast on the status of their applications. We accomplish this by getting back to applicants within two weeks. But typically, it is within days.
After that, we believe it is important that artists feel safe and secure about what we do as promoters. So, we give them information about our processes and the implementations of said processes.
During, After the Show
During the show, we find that our exhibitors simply want to be a part of the family. You can do this in many ways, but the best way to do so is by talking to every single new exhibitor, as well as to previous ones. I try to make eye contact with each one of our exhibitors at least once a day during the run of our shows. We offer coffee at every show and sometimes snacks, etc.
After the show, we make sure everyone is prepared for load-out and that it goes smoothly. We let everyone know that if they would like to participate again, to please have their application into us early rather than later and wish them luck with the rest of their season.
In the end, though, what we think everyone wants is to have the show be a success and be part of it — not just a number that is never interacted with. I cannot tell you how many times I have been told by an artist that they simply never meet the promoters of the events they participate in.
I am not sure why that is. It is fun for us to be a part of it all and to interact with the exhibitors and customers.
Amenities Offered
We offer booth hostesses for those who are by themselves, so they can grab a quick bite to eat or use the restroom. They can also grab any of us on staff, as we are constantly walking through the show. I do not mind sitting in a booth and knocking out some sales!
We mostly offer free parking for artisans, building dependent. We also have porters who work on tips to help unload and load-in. Coffee is provided in the morning and may be the only crucial part of it all. Coffee just makes everything better.
Regarding our hostess program, artists sign up for it at registration the day before the show begins. In Savannah, Georgia, they get 50% off concessions and free coffee the entire run of the show. In Columbus, Georgia, the building will deliver food to their booth. All of this is hyper-localized to each city and event and gone over in detail at registration.
We have been offering these amenities since the start, but we do add some here and there depending on the situation and the buildings. You need to be aware of situations, as some will require you to add more amenities like trolleys to help folks get to the show if a building is under construction, etc.
There are costs associated with providing amenities, and Carolina Shows, Inc. absorbs them. But again, the most important amenity we have found is simply being present for everyone and that is free.