Tradeshow Bootcamp is designed to give stationery manufacturers an open, honest and informative inside look at what goes into preparing for and exhibiting at large tradeshows.  Our workshops go beyond the basics of exhibiting, saving you hours of research time and giving you access to people who know what you can expect and who are anxious to see you suceed.

In addition to hearing candid feedback from stationery manufacturers about booth logistics, prepping products and marketing, we'll also hear from retailers, press and sales reps in the industry to understand what they look for when roaming the tradeshow floors.   Tradeshow Bootcamp speakers have experience exhibiting and attending the National Stationery Show, New York International Gift Fair, CA Gift Show and many others.

Each workshop consists of a one-hour seminar via conference call, immediately followed by a 15-20 minute Q&A session.  Space in each workshop is limited to ensure an intimate setting where everyone's questions can be answered.  In addition to the live seminars with industry veterans, Tradeshow Bootcamp teleconference attendees will receive:

·          Access to workshop recording(s) so that content can be revisited when needed

·          Resource guides for each workshop detailing best practices + vendor recommendations.

·          Access to the exclusive Tradeshow Bootcamp private Facebook Group, where alumni and speakers network, share resources and keep the conversation going.

SCHEDULE:

FIRST TIMER PERSPECTIVES WORKSHOP  | Wednesday, February 29 at 4pm PT / 7pm ET

Tradeshow Bootcamp alumni, Claudia Smith (Fig 2 Design), Nicole Block (NicStudio), Rich Sherman (J. Ames Art Parlor) and Robyn Wehab (Meant To Be Sent) will return to share their experiences preparing for and participating in their first tradeshows.  Discussion will include:

·          Lessons learned and what they plan to do differently in 2012

·          Best advice received before the show

·          Toughest challenges

·          Things they wish they had known ahead of time

·          Q&A

BOOTH WORKSHOP | Wednesday, March 7 at 4pm PT / 7pm ET

Amber Ellis Seguine (FlyWheel Press), Rachael Hetzel (Pistachio Press) and Katie Hunt (Kelp Designs) will share their experiences designing, setting-up and pre-planning booth logistics for the National Stationery Show and New York International Gift Show.  Topics will include:

·          Pros + cons of sharing a booth

·          Designing + building a booth

·          Shipping + schlepping

·          Booth walls, floors, lighting, signage + other vendor services

·          Q&A

PRODUCT  WORKSHOP | Wednesday, March 14 at 4pm PT / 7pm ET

Erika Firm (Delphine), Susan Kropp (Chirps & Cheers) and Katie Hunt (Kelp Designs) will give you lots to think about regarding prepping your products for the wholesale market from both the manufacturer and retailer side.  Discussion will include:

·          Industry standards for pricing + packaging your products for wholesale

·          Ins + outs of selling albums wholesale

·          Fielding orders, setting terms + payment process

·          Know your product + how to pitch it at the tradeshow

·          Q&A

MARKETING + PR  WORKSHOP | Wednesday, March 21 at 4pm PT / 7pm ET

Nole Garey (Oh So Beautiful Paper), Lisa Krowinski (Sapling Press) and Katie Hunt (Kelp Designs) will discuss strategies for building relationships within the industry and getting your marketing messages in front of the right audience.  Topics will include:

·          Social Media best practices

·          Media Outreach 101

·          Pre-show marketing ideas

·          Marketing give-aways at the tradeshow

·          What to include in a press kit

·          Q&A

NETWORKING WORKSHOP | Wednesday, March 28 at 4pm PT / 7pm ET

Chandra Greer (Greer) and Carina Murray (Crow & Canary) will give us an inside look at what retailers and sales reps look for when roaming the tradeshow floor and deciding to work with new manufacturers.  Discussion will include:

·          Top questions asked by retailers + reps at a tradeshow

·          What do retailers expect of manufacturers they work with?

·          What do sales reps look for when scouting new lines? How to know if you’re rep ready?

·          Q&A

FOLLOW-UP STRATEGIES WORKSHOP | Wednesday, April 4 at 4pm PT / 7pm ET

Meryl Hooker and Rob Fortier (Center Aisle Group) will help map out an action plan to maximize your tradeshow experience.  Discussion will include:

·          What to do with all these business cards?

·          Prioritizing who to follow-up with, including how and when to contact

·          Tips for keeping the conversation going

·          Q&A

Tradeshow Bootcamp was founded by Katie Hunt of Kelp Designs, but made possible by many supportive folks in the stationery industry!  Tradeshow Bootcamp evolved from the fact that we are members of a very collaborative industry and the belief that the more we can share with one another, the stronger our stationery community will become.  Below are links to everyone involved – be sure to stop by and say hi.

TSBC Print Sponsor:

TSBC Speakers: