I recently returned from the Atlanta Gift Show. In my 13 years in the business, and 10 going to Atlanta this summer show was by far the most poorly attended in my experience. Who can blame our independent retailers as they ride this middle ground before the big Christmas push and the all of the negativity in the media? Couple that with real life issues in increasing energy costs, inflation, and of course gas prices-- doesn't make for a well attended show.

BUT, with down turns comes opportunities and there certainly were retailers there and retailers writing business. In my view, the key to any successful show is how many appointments you can realistically book. A customer who says "I will stop by" does not count. A confirmed appointment with a date and time counts!

This is only a numbers game...the more you can book as a vendor the more business you are going to write- plain and simple. You have to give a reason for your customers to come and visit you as they ARE visiting other vendors. Why them and not you? Probably because you are not giving them a good enough reason to spend their time in your showroom.

It is more difficult to book appointments these days, that I agree. But if in the past you could have a successful show with only 7 appointments well now you have to book 14 appointments to realize those same dollars. My show was great, with lots of orders and lots of projects in the cooker.

Speak soon.
JM