Are you bringing someone to help in your trade show booth?
If so, it’s important to get them up to speed so they are ready to help you build your business. For example, they need to understand that they aren’t going to SURTEX to play tourist in NYC every day. They also aren’t going to be at the Black Jack table all afternoon if they are helping you at the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas. You know – little things like that need to be explained to anyone you will bring with you.
I did a teleseminar called “Trade Show Tactics” and it’s all about the show! There are a few points about getting ready but the meat of the audio is about what to expect, what to say and what to do while you are in your booth. Last year an artist told me they had their spouse listen to it to make sure he understood what to do. He had been to the show and gave me a hard time later – telling me he was no longer allowed to slack off but expected to work harder now that he had some directions! He was joking and then thanked me, saying it was very helping and made it easier for him to support his wife.
SO… if you will have help that isn’t a part of your business on a daily basis – you might want to consider the Trade Show Tactics teleseminar replay as a training tool as well.
Here is what is covered in the 90 minute audio:
- How to make your booth a manufacturer – magnet
- Why including licensed products or mock-ups can get you new business
- 5 tips for a low-stress setup
- How to make yourself stand out from all the other artists in the room
- How to look and sound confident, even if you are shaking in your boots!
- 3 key questions to ask anyone who stops at your booth
- 3 ways to keep track of leads during the show
- Why follow-up is 90% of the work and strategies to not let your leads slip through the cracks
- 5 trade show pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Tara’s “3 P’s of Success”
Learn more about both the eBook and the teleseminar replay at www.ArtLicensingInfo.com/tradeshows.html – you can buy one or save when you buy them both together.
Here’s to your trade show success!
– Tara Reed
If only David Tutera could design my trade show booth…
Well, it’s “We Wedding Sunday” and one of my favorite reality shows is on – My Fair Wedding with David Tutera. It’s a visual paradise to watch him take a theme (usually gone wrong) and turn it into an over-the-top-amazing event… oh. Did I mention that this is done in 3 weeks?
The premise of the show – David Tutera shows up at a bride’s door, 3 weeks before her wedding. He sees what her plan is – they always have a theme, from safari weddings to Alice in Wonderland to Diva bride and more. He gets to know them and then he takes over. He changes everything and the bride (and groom) have no idea what will happen until their wedding day. It’s a truly feel-good show – unlike Bridezillas that is watched for the train-wreck factor. (I recently did a video and blog post – There is little room for Art-zilla behavior in art licensing – not to be missed!)
David Tutera is a wedding and event planner, author, speaker and adding new wedding related licensing deals to his portfolio by the day it seems. He has bridal jewelry at Sears, Bridal Collection of wedding accessories and craft supplies at JoAnn Fabric and Crafts, bridal gowns by Faviana to name a few…
As I start to plan my booth for SURTEX, I realized it is very much like planning a wedding or other big event – every year. (Ditto if you are getting ready for the Licensing Expo in June.) Just like David does with his brides, artists have to decide what feeling they want to convey in their booth, how to attract the attention of manufacturers and really show who they are.
We have budgets to stick to so the over-the-top-amazing booths are pretty few and far between for individual artists. Which is fine… but wouldn’t it be cool? I’d LOVE for David Tutera to show up at my house 3 weeks before SURTEX, see what I have planned and transform my 10×10 piece of real estate on the show floor. Who knows? Maybe he’d even upgrade me to a 10×20!
But alas, I will probably be planning my booth myself with my own check book, as I do every year.
However, there is some advice in this video interview with David about what to focus on when it comes to allocating your budget that I think is great food for thought for anyone exhibiting at SURTEX or the Licensing Expo. It’s under 3 minutes so humor me – you might get some ideas!
If you are exhibiting at one of the two upcoming art licensing shows, here are a few tips:
- Think of it as an event and don’t try to plan everything the week before. It’s an investment so give it the time and attention it deserves.
- Think about the overall impression you want to give to manufacturers – and decide how you can achieve that within your budget.
- Add your participation – including booth # – to your email signatures now, so manufacturers know you will be there.
- Bring lots of business cards – they are inexpensive, easy to pack and the most frequent thing someone will walk away with.
Want more help?
We’ve got lots of resources at www.ArtLicensingInfo.com/shows.html to help you feel prepared, confident and ready to maximize your investment of both time and money!
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
P.S. Learn all about David Tutera at www.DavidTutera.com
P.P. S. If you, David Tutera, read this post – please leave a comment – it would make my day! LOVE your show! Better yet - email me! Would love to interview you about your show and licensing deals with Sears, Joann Fabric and Crafts and more…
If you’re heading to Atlanta, CHA, SURTEX or the Licensing Expo – it’s time to book your hotels
Some big Art Licensing Trade Shows are coming up – are you ready to get there and do you have a place to stay? All the shows negotiate some pretty sweet rates on hotels during the show as well so be sure to hop over and make your reservations now before your choices dwindle. Here is the run-down:
AmericasMart – Atlanta – January 12 – 19, 2011
- The whole show isn’t that long but those are the beginning and end dates for both the temporary and permanent showrooms for the Home Furnishings Market.
- Show website: http://AmericasMart.com/markets/gift
- Book travel: http://AmericasMart.com/travel/reservation
Craft & Hobby Association – Los Angeles – January 29 – February 1, 2011
- Show website: http://hobby.org/
- Book travel: https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=2588346 (if that doesn’t work, look for the Hotel Reservations link on the main website)
SURTEX – New York City – May 16 – 18, 2011
- Show website: www.SURTEX.com
- Book travel: www.myglmtravel.com
Licensing Expo – Las Vegas – June 14 – 16, 2011
- Show website: www.LicensingExpo.com
- Book travel: http://exhibitor.licensingexpo.com/index.php/travel-housing/book-my-travel-2/
Now that your bags are packed…
Are you ready? Do you need tools to help you get your booth, your game plan, your game face, every ready? Don’t forget we have lots of options – eBooks, audios, coaching special from Paul Brent through December 23, 2010 and more at www.ArtLicensingInfo.com/shows.html Click on over and see what might help you put your best art-foot forward!
Here’s to a great show season!
– Tara Reed
Paul Brent to offer Trade Show Preparation Coaching for a Special Price
… and for a limited time!
I was excited to get an email from Paul Brent this week with this special offer. During the October Ask Call, Paul focused on getting ready for art licensing trade shows – preparing your art, focusing your time and efforts and more. He’s offering to take it a step further with artists interested in personalized help – at a special rate for a limited time.
I’m calling it the Paul Brent Trade Show Special Coaching Offer!
HERE ARE THE DETAILS:
WHEN: for hour-long coaching sessions between now and Christmas (2010)
WHAT: Paul will review an artists portfolio, talk with them about what they have, what has been successful and help them create a strategy for their upcoming trade show. So whether you are signed up to exhibit in Altanta, at CHA, SURTEX or the Licensing Expo – Paul’s years of experience and keen eye can help you make it an even better show.
COST: $175/hour – normally, Paul charges $225 / hour for coaching but has decided he really wants to make this Trade Show preparation session affordable and has cut his rate. But only for this topic and only for this limited time!
Paul Brent knows trade shows. He’s been licensing his art for over 20 years and has been a part of SURTEX from the beginning of the show. He’s also been a regular exhibitor at the Licensing Expo. If you are serious about your time at the show, seriously consider this amazing offer.
SIGN ME UP!
Here’s to your trade show success!
– Tara Reed
P.S. For other great trade show prep resources – CLICK HERE
NOW is the time to start preparing for the 2011 art licensing trade shows…
Yes, the kids are just getting back in the groove at school and 2011 might seem far away. But this morning at breakfast my son reviewed the calendar and made it seem pretty quick to winter break… “3 full weeks, then a 4 day week, oh yeah! a 3 day week… etc.”
If you are planning to exhibit at any of the 2011 art licensing shows, there is no time like the present to begin planning your art, your booth, your strategies and more.
During the October 20, 2010 Art Licensing Info Monthly Ask Call, Paul Brent will be talking about how to plan your art collections for a trade show, as well as answering questions submitted by artists. To submit your question for consideration, about trade show prep or any other art licensing related topic, visit www.AskPaulBrent.com.
I just discovered this great video that SURTEX did during the 2010 show last May – it gives a great feel for what the show looks like as well as opinions from many exhibitors. (Including yours truly – although they spelled my name wrong, ooops!)
Here are dates and links for the 2011 shows (in date order) if you want to look at your options:
AmericasMart License & Design – January 14 – 16, 2011 – Atlanta, GA
CHA (Craft & Hobby Association) License & Design – January 29 – February 1, 2011 – Los Angeles, CA
SURTEX – May 15 -17, 2011 – New York, NY
Licensing Expo – June 14 – 16, 2011 – Las Vegas, NV
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
P.S. Don’t forget! We have two great products to help you put your best show foot forward – “How to Maximize Your Time and Investment in Trade Shows” eBook or the “Trade Show Tactics” teleseminar – buy both and save. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DETAILS.
P.P.S. I also recommend Khristian Howell’s “Confessions of a First Timer” – her insightful eBook about her very first trade show experience. I got some great tips too! THIS IS MY AFFILIATE LINK.
Countdown to SURTEX and the Licensing Expo…
“The Trade Shows are Coming! The Trade Shows are Coming!” This time of year I feel like part chicken-with-my-head-cut-off running about the studio and part Paul Revere – making sure I remember to get all the bits and pieces ready for the show. If you are or have ever exhibited at a trade show, I’m sure you know what I’m talking about and are nodding your head in agreement as you read this!
My final check has been mailed and cashed. So my bank account will recover from that before the NYC hotel and food bills are added to the credit card.
Here’s what is next on my list to get ready to exhibit:
- confirm hotel and flight reservations.
- Evaluate portfolio and decide what, if any, new art I want to create between now and the show.
- Start to plan the art for my booth walls.
- Order any promotional supplies, banners, etc. Always leave time in case of error, loss in shipping, etc.
- Review and update my website so I am putting my best virtual foot forward.
- Be nice to my sister so she continues to help me each year in my booth… (I really do that but I added it to the list to see if you were still paying attention… )
I keep a calendar handy with due dates for different activities so I don’t forget important pieces of the plan. The day before I travel is a “me” day… I plan to do whatever I want and not spend it frantically finishing art and packing. I like to leave rested and rejuvenated – ready for some of the most important days for my business and certainly the biggest investment days of the year!
Each year gets easier. Less frantic, less angst, less stress. I have it down to a system that is modified if need be or worked if nothing is broken or in need of improvement.
Wishing you productive planning months if you are exhibiting at a show.
– Tara Reed
P
.S. If you are and want some help - don’t forget about the eBook & Teleseminar replay available – at www.ArtLicensingInfo.com/tradeshows.html. Since I wrote and spoke them, I’ll let Karen and Gina’s testimonials speak to the value:
“How to Maximize Your Time and Investment in Trade Shows” is another wonderful & informative new e-book written by licensed artist, Tara Reed.
This is the perfect book if you’re an artist, illustrator, photographer or designer and are seeking the knowledge and practical steps in how to best utilize your time and money exhibiting in trade shows for the purpose of licensing your work. It’s also one of the most useful guides I’ve found in providing some of the best knowledge in step-by-step techniques in setting up at the trade shows, exhibiting and following up with manufacturers after the shows.
Tara’s hands on experience exhibiting for years at many of these trade shows, her marketing savvy and her proven track record with numerous licensing deals gives her the insight necessary to share her methods of success with those of us seeking the same and how to make the most of our investment.
A sample of the variety of topics included in Tara’s e-book include everything from deciding where to exhibit, information on the specific trade shows, portfolio basics – to one of my favorite topics – the “Elevator Speech”. Once you learn about this so called “Elevator Speech”, you’ll find you will absolutely need one too…especially if you plan to exhibit at any trade show and sell yourself as well as your work! In addition, you’ll discover informative quotes and tips from other successful licensed artists included throughout the book.
Tara’s clarity and straightforward approach, including a little humor, presents all of this in a way that makes it an interesting and enjoyable read.
With sincerity I believe this book will benefit anyone attempting success in the licensing industry using Tara’s practical strategies, as she shares the honest truth of all of the “ins and outs” of how to truly “MAXIMIZE YOUR TIME AND INVESTMENT IN TRADE SHOWS”.
Karen Embry, Artist,Designer & Author
KarenEmbry.com
“Tara, I can’t tell you this enough, but I REALLY think you have found your true calling!
Yes, you are a very talented artist first of all, BUT….I just think that it’s even more of a perfect fit for you in the coaching arena! Your personality, professionalism and social skills combine so well for this. And I really appreciate that you are speaking as a “down to earth” creative/marketing person, ….not just another unrelated, stuffy, professional as some coaches can be.
You are perfect for this and I thoroughly enjoyed the teleseminar last evening. You also have a great relationship with your sister and she’s obviously a very valuable asset to your business. ( I am envious! )
With all of the in house experience that I have working with freelancers and the business, I wasn’t sure that I would really get any new information from this seminar,…but sure enough, I did!!!! I am fairly new as a full-time freelancer, so all of your tactics and extra information that you gave was very, very helpful for me.”
THANK YOU SO MUCH TARA, AND CHRISTINE!
- Gina L. Wilder (from an in-house Sr.Designer / Asst. Design Manager turned Freelance Artist )
Gina Linn Designs
www.simplylicensed.com
P.P.S. If you are unfamiliar with the shows, here are the links to learn more: www.SURTEX.com, www.LicensingExpo.com
The Art Licensing Trade Show Season is about to begin…
It’s that time of year again folks! I want to mount my virtual horse and ride through the cyber-streets shouting like Paul Revere, “The art licensing trade shows are coming! The art licensing trade shows are coming!”
SO… are you going?
Here’s what is coming up and links to the sites:
Atlanta Gift Show – License & Design Section Jan. 8 – 12, 2010 Atlanta, GA
CHA – License & Design January 24 – 27, 2010 Anaheim, CA
SURTEX May 16 – 18, 2010 New York, NY
Licensing Expo June 8-10, 2010 Las Vegas, NV
All four of these shows are catering to artists who license their art, at different times, in different ways and different locations. Only you can decide which will be the best fit for you and your business.
I am sticking with SURTEX again this year (this will be my 6th year here, 7th year exhibiting anywhere) and as I sent off my second payment installment this week I reflected on how scary year 1 was.
I had no idea if what I was doing was the right thing to do. There weren’t any blogs (that I’m aware of) to turn to for help. My friend and I just ponied up cash, took our best guess and jumped in.
Did I make back the money I spent from deals I got at that first show? Absolutely not. But I went into it with the intention to be committed to investing in exhibiting for at least 2-3 years before deciding if I’d continue or stop. (Obviously I’ve continued.)
I’ve learned a thing or two along the way…
Like, don’t put so much on the walls of your booth that a person can’t see the trees for the forest. Bigger is better. The goal of your walls is to get manufacturers to pause so you can strike up a conversation.
And don’t eat or talk on your cell phone in your booth if at all possible. And if you HAVE to, duck and hide and eat quickly!
If you are exhibiting at a show and want to learn more detailed information to make your investment in exhibiting pay off, check out my eBook and the Trade Show Tactics teleseminar replay from a live call I did last year. The cost is minimal compared to the cost of a booth and travel – I’m told it’s well worth every penny! But just like the shows, only you can decide if it is for you… CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Here’s to a successful and low-stress show season!
– Tara
Advertising… how do you get the word out that you have art for licensing?
I have had several questions recently about advertising and in a recent tele-seminar with Paul Brent the question was asked again. With January trade shows quickly approaching and the spring and summer not far behind, I decided today was a great day to do a little post about it.
Websites
Paul answered that he has his website, which he considers advertising, and you should too. We’ve talked about it before but it bears repeating: it is essential to have some sort of online presence. Blog platforms have evolved so much that at times you aren’t sure if you are on a website created from scratch or a well-designed blog. (And blogs are free or very low cost.)
A fellow artist recently made me aware of a site that is free for basic web design and then you can upgrade to a paid site if you want to add features like a private login area, video, audio, etc. I haven’t tried but after looking at their information it looks pretty interesting. www.Weebly.com
Print Magazines
Paul also talked about how and why he advertises in Total Art Licensing and License’s Art of Licensing magazines.
For beginners to the art licensing field he recommended the Artist Gallery section of Total Art Licensing in their Spring/Summer issue since that issue is distributed both at SURTEX and the Licensing Expo. They also have a Winter issue that is distributed at the Atlanta Gift Show and CHA, as well as the Spring Fair in Birmingham and a few other locations. (The Winter issue ad deadline is December 1st.)
I have done a Gallery ad every Spring since 2005 and do agree that it helps with art and brand awareness. I can’t say people come to my booth at SURTEX, ad in hand saying, “Because of this ad alone we want to license your art.” But they have mentioned seeing it and it creates an awareness of your name, logo, style, etc. The more people see it, the more ‘legitimate’ you will appear.
License magazine’s Art of Licensing has two issues that cover the same period, one for SURTEX and one for the Licensing Expo. So and artist would have to pay for ads in two issues of License magazine to get the same exposure as one ad in Total Art Licensing. Besides the Artists’ Gallery section, Paul recommends the front and back covers and the inside front cover as other preferable locations for an ad if your budget allowed for the expense. (Please note: you might have to fight Paul for these front and back cover spots since his art often graces those spots!)
If memory serves, I believe Art of Licensing started offering a lower cost gallery type ad last year but I can’t find the info this minute – I’ve put a call in and will keep you posted.
Direct Mail
I also send out promotional postcards each fall and spring to put my art, name and information in front of people in a different way. You just never know what will catch someones attention so I feel it’s good to ‘mix it up’ a bit.
That’s our recap on advertising for now. If you want to hear Paul talk about this and many other topics including trends, submitting art, keeping your art fresh and more, be sure to check out the audio replay available at www.ArtLicensingInfo.com/audio-archives.html
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara
P.S. If you will be exhibiting at the upcoming trade shows, don’t forget about the industry specific information available at www.ArtLicensingInfo.com/tradeshows.html
disclosure: Paul Brent and I have no vested interest in telling you about these advertising opportunities, Weebly.com or the licensing shows.
"The Trade Shows are coming!" "The Trade Shows are coming!"
This time of year often feels a bit like the famous ride of Paul Revere through the streets and countryside “The Red Coats are coming!” But for me, it’s this ever growing louder voice of “The Trade Shows are coming!”
On the plane home from Las Vegas on Sunday, I started making my plans for some upcoming trade shows. I’m committed and signed up for SURTEX in May so I’m starting to make my art target wish list. (What new art I want to have to bring to the show.)
AmericasMart is in January. (Really EARLY in January – we’ll practically still have New Year’s champagne in our hands!) I’m not exhibiting but will be attending so I started a target wish list for that as well.
CHA is in the end of January – still deciding if I will be attending. It has a + / – list. Figuring out where to spend your $ is serious business!
And don’t forget Licensing Expo in June – June may seem far, far away but I have a sneaky suspicion it will sneak right up on us! It will be in Las Vegas again this year…
Through Twitter, I found a blog post by “The Trade Show Guy” that had some good advice we could all consider. It’s called, “23 Pre-Show Marketing Promotions, Tactics and Ideas” – CLICK HERE to see what he has to say.
Of course don’t forget I created an eBook and there is a teleseminar replay available about “How to Maximize Your Time and Investment in Trade Shows” – specifically talking about how to do art licensing trade shows – which are a little different than your average show. You can get one or both of the products - CLICK HERE for all the details.
Regardless of whether you walk or exhibit at a show or how you prepare, I wish you much success in the coming year! It will be here before we know it!
– Tara
Do you need an "attitude adjustment"?
You’ve heard it before but I think this bears repeating – ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING! The way you look at the world and filter experiences can make all the difference between a happy life and a life full of complaints.
My mom is famous for saying, “You better CHANGE your ATTITUDE!” (At least in the minds of her children she is – who knows exactly how many times she actually uttered those words…) I believe it was said with much attitude when we were trying to get away with teenager bad attitudes with her – let me tell you, that didn’t fly.
Sometimes she would pull out an attitude speech when we were focusing on the negative side of things or having a little “poor-me party for one”. Of course when you are having such a poor-me party, sometimes the eternal optimist isn’t the most welcome guest but in the end, they are the best person to have around.
Over the weekend it really hit me that my mom truly does look at the positive side of things… no matter what. (This must be where I get my sunny disposition!) She spent Sunday in the ER (she’s fine but can’t eat strawberries anymore — poor mom!). My brother and I were talking to her on Monday to see how she was and doing the usual “I’m sorry that happened. Spending the day in the ER must have been a bummer.”
My mom said, “Oh no! It was a really nice facility. We were taken care of right away. I never got to have a CAT Scan before so that was really interesting. Everyone was great!” Her only complaint was that it was cold – apparently cool temps keep germs down and it is like an ice box so swine flu can’t sweep through the place.
Most people would have been upset, freaked out, unhappy or some other combination of negative emotions after what she went through. Her big regret is that she can no longer fill her smoothies and salads with strawberries but she was still quite upbeat. Go mom!
Are you wondering what my point is yet?
Yes, the economy could be better. Yes, SURTEX and the Stationery Shows were smaller than last year. Yes, Licensing Expo has moved to Las Vegas. Yes, there is competition to license your art.
BUT… there were lots of great companies looking for art at SURTEX. I’ll let you know about Licensing Expo – I’m going to check it out on the 2nd. There is always competition.
How are you going to choose to look at things? If you constantly worry and expect the worst, guess what, I believe that is what you will see. Focus on good things, you will find them.
Focus on what you want to accomplish and keep plugging away… you can do it! Consider this an attitude adjustment if you are in need. Otherwise, a friendly reminder to check you mood compass every so often.
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara
P.S. If you want some help with the “focus” side of things (aka – setting goals) – check out the teleseminar I’m holding on June 9th – The Goal Wheel for Artists.
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