If you’re planning a marketplace, trade show or expo, chances are you may need some extra help...
If you’re planning a marketplace, trade show or expo, chances are you may need some extra help filling your booths. Even the biggest of conferences and festivals still invest time and effort into recruiting the right vendors for their big event.
There are so many factors to consider when hunting for exhibitors: Do they fit the theme of the event? Are they the right fit for our audience? Are they offering a similar service or product to an exhibitor we already have? and so forth and so on. With so much to plan on your plate, sometimes your vendor advertising falls short and here are a few reasons why:
You don’t know where to find them.
Marketplace vendors are businesses that want to sell or share their products with your audience. They’re not sitting around on Instagram waiting for your event. You have to find them. Sometimes that means discovering them at another event, or connecting with them in a LinkedIn group. Try thinking outside the box to locate your ideal vendor.
You’re sharing your event in the wrong places.
Because you don’t know where to find them, you’re probably putting your event in all the wrong places. While it makes sense to advertise your exhibitor and booth opportunities on ticket sites, that’s just what they are — ticket sites. Majority of the traffic is from attendees that want to buy a ticket to attend, not to buy a $500 booth. There may be times where you get lucky but other times, you may get frustration days before your event.
You’re not offering mutual benefits.
Let’s be honest, vendors are the real life of the party and they can bring energy and excitement to any space. So start treating them as such! Is your pricing fair for vendors? Can they recoup the money spent on your booth while they’re at your event? Will they get the traffic they need to secure a potential client? Vendors invest in your event; you should invest in their experience and make sure its worth it. The right package thats valuable and affordable will never be denied!
Next time you’re in a bind looking for vendors, here are some steps you can consider:
Start with past events that are similar to yours. Exhibitors will be more receptive to joining your event since they’ve already done one like it.
Think like a vendor. Search unique groups on Facebook, Meetup, LinkedIn or even local organizations that share the interests of your vendors.
Post your event on Vendorspace. The easiest choice of them all 🙂 Our platform is designed to connect you with the right vendors in the right area that actually have interest in your event. No guessing whether they’ll be a good fit because we vet every vendor on your behalf. Just post your event and watch the bids come in.
If you have a marketplace event coming up and need some help finding vendors, sign up for a free account and start getting matched with vendors today!
In the spirit of love for Valentine's Day, today’s feature vendors can create any experience your heart...
In the spirit of love for Valentine’s Day, today’s feature vendors can create any experience your heart desires. Whether you’re planning a last-minute celebration for a loved one or creating a love-inspired activation at your next event, check out these vendors to pull together your best event experience yet!
Each week during Black History Month, we’ll feature 7 new black-owned businesses that have services and solutions for your events. These vendors range from chefs and musicians to digital platforms and exhibitors…and everything in between!
We believe it’s important to diversify your event team and encourage organizers to hire black vendors for contracts and gigs . Vendorspace works establish these relationships by promoting black-owned businesses that are ready to work!
Pretty Luxe Picnics & Affairs Atlanta is a full service luxury picnic company, that specializes in creating luxurious and upscale picnics settings and beautiful table-scapes for any gathering, whether large or intimate. We love nothing more than creating beautiful designs for each of our clients, from a sophisticated high-class afternoon tea picnic with the girls to a romantic & intimate evening that ignites the love between two people.
The team at Pretty Luxe have an engraved belief and appreciation for living life extraordinarily, celebrating life out loud because yes you are royalty!! living in the moment and creating magical and extraordinary memories with the people we love and those that makes us the happiest.
IG: @prettyluxepicnics
Ideal Media Category: DJ, Audio Visual Solutions, Draping, Uplighting, Photobooth
As a DJ/Audio-Visual Technician/Music Producer, DJ-HD can creatively combine Sound, Lighting, and Video to get you the outcome that you’re in search of. “My aim is to combine skill, technology, interactivity, fun, and quality to provide a professional service for all of my clients. Being passionate about the craft of DJ’ing, assisting others with their important moments, and getting a kick out of seeing people have fun, is what makes this the best profession (for me anyway). ”
IG: @idealmediaevents
Table Made Category: Decor, Curated Tableware, Table-scaping, Event RENTAL
TableMade is your one stop shop for all your entertaining needs. Our assortment is expansive and unique. We have everything from 24K lined charger plates to specialty dyed glassware. Simply rent from our collection of curated collections and return once the party is over! So, call an old friend. Treat your loved one to an at-home dinner for two or dream up the most amazing tablescape at your reception. Bring together the gals, or guys, and reconnect at the table.
IG: @tablemadeco
Machee Creates Category: Art & Stationery
Machee Creates is a creative business owned by Machee Kelly. Machee is a Washington DC native and creative enthusiast. Since her youth, creating has been her passion. In high school, she would design fashion illustrations and transform them into garments, but soon realized she enjoyed illustrating more than sewing textiles. Her entrepreneurial journey began in college, as she worked to create extra income for education expenses and her daughter. During that time she focused on print design and decor for events.
Machee then took her passion to the classroom, teaching graphic design to elementary and middle school youth, inspiring young people to discover their own passion. As a young professional she’s designed for schools, non-profits, and most frequently local women-owned businesses.
Today Machee creates art and products inspired by women, their beauty and versatility, and colors that evoke joy.
IG: @macheecreates
Amarachi Ikeji Photography Category: Photographer
Amara Ikeji, the woman behind the lens of Amarachi Ikeji Photography, first picked up a camera during a fashion internship in college and hasn’t put one down since. She serves clients in New York City, Philadelphia, and Europe and strives to capture “stylish moments of love and beauty.” She has been featured BRIDES, New York Times & more and was also named Best Wedding Photographer in America by Brides.
IG: @amarachiikejiphotography
Get Plated Category: Catering
GetPlated is locally owned by a husband and wife team: Keyon & Alexandria Hammond! This duo shares a love for the kitchen and family. Keyon is the leader of the squad, a classically trained chef with an edge that brings bold flavors, refinement, approachability and more than 12 years experience as a platinum country club chef.
Alexandria brings the distinct eye for details; from the logistics to the plates for every event. Her keen ear for listening has proven invaluable to bringing our private and corporate clients’ vision to fruition. Have a crazy idea-she’s definitely your girl to chat with.
Together they bring a well-defined palette, fun culinary attitude and most importantly love to GetPlated. The guy loved the food! The girl loved the guy! Together they created GetPlated!
IG: @getplateddc
The Jam Band Category: Musicians, Entertainment
The Jam Band is a Port Saint Lucie, FL-based wedding band that services the coasts of Florida and beyond. Owner Jamilia Anderson, otherwise known as Jamilia Hall, started this band in 2013. Since then, this group of talented performers has thrilled wedding guests with a high standard of live musical entertainment.
Jamilia began her entertainment career in Miami, FL, at The Edwin Holland School of Dance. She followed her passion to NYC to train to the standard she dreamed about. Jamilia has performed in music videos, a hip-hop company, and on cruises as a production singer. Gathering together experienced and diverse music professionals, Jamilia created The Jam Band.
Wedding services offered by The Jam Band include live music, DJ service, MC service, and sound and lighting equipment. These musical professionals include vocalists, pianists, guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, brass instrumentalists, and percussionists. You may draw on their talents for your wedding ceremony and reception as well as your rehearsal dinner and after-party.
IG: @thejamband
Ways to support these vendors:
Book them for an upcoming event.
Refer them to an organizer or agency that plans events.
Follow, like and share their work.
If you’ve worked with them, leave them a review.
If they are product based, buy something!
Invite them to speak, sponsor or vend at your event where they can meet potential clients and customers.
These are just a few examples but there are several ways to support. Let’s be more intentional with our vendor relationships and help make events a more inclusive industry.
If you know are black vendor in events or know one we should feature, send us an email at: hello@stagingsvs.com
There's no doubt technology plays a huge role in running a business. With millions of apps creating...
There’s no doubt technology plays a huge role in running a business. With millions of apps creating business hacks, choosing the right ones can be overwhelming. Here are a few that stand out:
When you’re a business owner, juggling social media can be a lot. Remembering to post on all your accounts may be a bit tedious but luckily Hootsuite provides a solution to schedule and automatically post your content. Instead of hoping from Twitter to Instagram, simply add all your accounts in their dashboard and schedule for the day, week or even month! Their free plan is perfect for small business owners.
Canva is the perfect tool for easily creating designs for all your business needs. Their stunning templates save you a ton of time; all you have to do is replace the text and designs are yours! Create a Facebook ad, company brochure or even a powerpoint presentation in minutes. Its a free must have for any business owner.
Long gone are the days where you have to print a contract, sign, then scan and send back to your client. That used to be such a cumbersome process especially if you didn’t have a printer or scanner handy. Now, there’s Docusign – an app that allows you to electronically manage your contracts and agreements. Simply upload the document and add the recipients email to sign or complete the document fields. This is a huge timesaver for any business and it also saves trees 🙂
Now that you have an easier way to sign documents, how about an easier way to scan them? Scanbot is a neat tool that you can download on your phone to professionally scan any document. Easy to use and super quick! Scan all your most important docs from receipts to reports from anywhere so long as you have this app.
We don’t know how the world will operate after the pandemic but we do know it’s important for every business to adapt a contactless payment system. Square allows you to do just that even if you don’t have brick and mortar. Their readers can be used on any device to take credit card information so you can sell your product or service on the go.
Email automation and management has never been easier. If you are developing a community or simply want to keep in contact with your customers, then Mailchimp is a must-have. Upload and organize all your email contacts into one place and mass send newsletters, greetings, and more. The best part is they offer a free plan for up to 2000 email contacts; the perfect tool to help communicate with your audience. The drag-and-drop feature makes it easy to create beautiful templates even if you don’t have a degree in graphic design.
Who would have ever predicted that video conferencing would be the main form of communication in 2020. Whether you like it or not, it is. The best thing you can do for your business is adjust to the times and get a Zoom account so you can keep in touch with your clients as needed. Zoom is a great solution for conducting online webinars to discuss your product or service, client meetings to demonstrate your strategies or even virtual so you can stay connected with your community.
As a small business owner, you’re micro-managing a lot of projects. Having a solution that helps you list and organize each stage of your project will be the best thing that ever happened to your business. Trello does just that. Create your boards, manage tasks, add deadlines, and even assign co-workers or employees to certain projects. Easily plan your social media campaign with others or list all the people and resources needed for your next launch. Trello is very flexible and even offers a free plan to get you started in no time.
Staying on top of your taxes as a small business is very important but you don’t have to be an accounting expert to keep your books together. With Quickbooks, you can sync the software with your business account to keep a log of all your expenses and income. It saves you so much time than running through account statements like before. You can even use the tool for payroll. An all in one financial system to empower any business.
With everyone working from home, it might be a little difficult to stay focused. RescueTime allows you to automatically track how much time you spend on websites, apps, and documents to improve productivity. Imagine having this tool for your employees. It’s a great way to understand how many hours are being spent where so you can analyze whether it’s the best use of time. Rescue your time to run a more efficient business.
Vendors are a part of the DNA of events. Can you imagine a conference without a videographer?...
Vendors are a part of the DNA of events.
Can you imagine a conference without a videographer?
A brunch without a caterer?
A company retreat without tables and chairs?
Just because we can’t gather in large groups right now doesn’t mean that vendors should be forgotten when organizing groups online.
There are many advantages to advertising during virtual events. Here are some of them:
Continue to monetize in times of economic despair.
Let’s face it – we are living in an uncertain and challenging financial climate. Thus, staying active in your industry is imperative, not only for your current monetary situation but also for your future.
When you advertise during virtual events you are able to bring in the same income (or near the same) that you were getting before. Technology has enabled many workers to stay relevant during this quarantine and vendors should be included in that category. Take advantage of the internet and get your money!
Reach a potentially larger audience
Have you been watching any of the “versus” music challenges on Instagram? It’s when two popular artists pit their songs against each other – in a light-hearted, fun manner – to judge whose music is better.
Whether you’ve caught one or not, the “attendees” reach in the hundreds of thousands, far more than any concert hall could hold in person. Imagine if your brand was plugged during one of these events? Can you say “ka-ching”?
While it is more likely to get marketing exposure during a virtual business event, digital gatherings simply reach a wider audience, especially during these times, and your brand could benefit from the larger “crowd”. Don’t underestimate the power of what virtual events can do for your company.
Perfect a new strategy to implement when things go back to normal
At some point, things will get back to the way they were before Covid-19. Face masks will come off and “non-essential” businesses will re-open. But this doesn’t mean that virtual events will go away. In fact, they may even become more popular due to the fear of Corona returning and the comfortability we have acclimated to. When this quarantine ends, part of our new normal will include digital events.
Why not get a jump on the market and figure out now how to master the digital space? With the way things are going now, this is a tool for your toolbox that will continue to pay off long into the future.
An entrepreneur once said that if you want to be rich then find out which direction the world is going and get there first. You already know digital events are the new wave. Learn to ride it now so that you are ahead of the pack when others figure it out, too.
We sincerely hope you are able to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity. Which digital events will you pitch your services to this month?
Human beings are social creatures, thus the value of face-to-face interaction can never be diminished. However, in...
Human beings are social creatures, thus the value of face-to-face interaction can never be diminished. However, in the times of Corona and the digital revolution, virtual events are becoming just as important – and business savvy – as the traditional in-person interaction.
But with so many companies employing this strategy, how can you make your virtual event stand out?
Here are some suggestions:
Add vendors to your event
There is nothing like a vendor to add spice to an already tasty event palate. Including a comedian or singer into your schedule can break up monotonous areas of your programming and even invite a new audience to support your event. Moreover, virtual vendors are often more cost-friendly than hiring them in-person. At the same time, you wouldn’t necessarily have to cut back on your profits if the event is marketed well with a lot of attendees. This scenario can be a major win for your company.
Try virtual games.
We are never too old to play games. In fact, according to Science Daily, video games can help to improve mental cognition in people of all ages, from youngsters to the elderly. But what does this mean for your virtual event? Well, for one, gaming is fun! It’s a great way to keep your audience engaged and enjoying themselves. Also, gaming can be used as a marketing tool for your company, positioned as an analogy for your particular theme. Lastly, gaming is another way to add a vendor to your event (see #1 for these benefits). Some gaming companies have gone virtual and offer bingo and other games to play over Zoom and webinar platforms. Find a game that suits your audience and have fun!
Use Video Production
Along with the digital revolution came huge advances in media production tools. Use this to your advantage in your virtual event. When people can literally shoot videos from their phones nowadays, there is no reason why you can’t find creative video footage to add to your event. Video, like games, help to keep your audience engaged and can break up monotonous moments. In addition, video marketing is becoming the norm in business, thus customers are not only used to seeing videos but even expect it. Try hiring a video marketing specialist or editor for ideas on which videos would be best to include in your program.
Do a #Challenge
Who can forget the #IceBucketChallenge of 2015 or the #DontRushChallenge currently sweeping the web? These internet phenomenons are entertaining, amusing, and so wide-spread that even celebrities join in and national news organizations cover them. Wouldn’t you like to get free publicity from a celebrity or national news organization? Of course you would. So start a challenge either before, during, or after your event to get people talking and sharing your message.
These are just a few ways to make your virtual events great. With new events popping up everyday, you should try some of them to see which fits your style or needs. You never know, CNN or Brad Pitt could end up promoting your event.
Tell us some of your ideas to make virtual events great in the comments below.
Entrepreneurs start businesses to be leaders in their industries. They do their research, gain competitive advantage, and...
Entrepreneurs start businesses to be leaders in their industries.
They do their research, gain competitive advantage, and position their brand to stand out from the pack.
However, while this approach may get you started out on the right foot it doesn’t ensure your long-term success.
To be successful long-term you need to take care of your existing customers, continually invite new ones into your orbit, and solve communication and organizational issues along the way. Oh, and it wouldn’t hurt to have some fun and enjoy your work while you’re at it!
Luckily, engaging in events can take care of all of this.
If you haven’t thought about what events could do for your brand, here are five benefits they can offer.
Events Gather Your Tribe For a Common Cause
Cambridge dictionary loosely defines a tribe as “a largefamily or other group that someone belongs to”. For our sake, let’s think of your customers as your tribe.
When your tribe comes out to support your event they make face-to-face connections, not only between your team and them but also between each other. This builds camaraderie and gets people speaking the same language, which in turn builds trust in your brand and a stronger collective identity.
Tribes with a strong collective identity work hard to make sure they all survive and thrive.
Events Create An Opportunity To Grow Your Tribe
Tribes grow every day. You don’t need to be born into one to join one. And it’s no secret that larger tribes dominate society and the global marketplace.
When you contribute to events that speaks to more than your already established following, it creates an opportunity to gain new followers.
These newbies can test out your brand through the event experience and, if impressed, they will surely sign up to be part of your family.
But don’t worry, for those you are still unsure about you after spending a few hours with your brand, you can always ask them for their email address to send them more Information later.
Events Leverage Your Brand’s Creativity And Resourcefulness
Events show both newcomers and existing customers what your brand is capable of. From creative decorations to creative collaborations, they use their occurance to bring teams together and bring out the best in one another.
Every tribe needs to evolve and that comes through new ideas and experiences. Events are the perfect way to either test these out or reinforce the ones you already have.
When your team develops your brand gets a boost, making it strategically advantageous to better compete with your competitors.
Events Create Buzz
Everybody wants to hang with the cool kids. And in this day of social media, your event can show everyone just how cool your brand is. From live streams to event pics, video clips to good ole’ fashion word-of-mouth marketing, events create a buzz for you that is simply invaluable.
They get people talking about your brand and wanting to get in on the action. This can not only attract new clients but also help to keep the ones you already have. Moreover, both segments can provide you with valuable customer feedback, all at the fraction of your traditional marketing budget.
Events Can Generate Revenue For You
All businesses want to make money. When you have an event you are literally inviting money into your domain and asking it to stay.
Whether you upsell, meet future business partners, or cater to returning customers, events are a great way to keep attracting money to your brand.
Events Are Fun! (BONUS)
Businesses want to make money, maybe even better the world, but more than anything they want to enjoy the work they do.
If you have ever organized an event you know that the planning stage can be gruesome. But there is nothing like seeing all of your hard work come to fruition.
Smiling faces. Affirmative handshakes. Meeting new people and showing appreciation to those who have supported you from day one.
Events are the best way to party with a purpose.
All in all, whether you book an online or in-person event, they can provide great value to your brand. Not only can you make money, grow your tribe, and impress your existing family members, you can also get a lot of enjoyment out of them!
What event do you plan to take part in next? Let us know in the comments below.
There is a great quote I like about the nature of charity. It says, “Helping one person...
There is a great quote I like about the nature of charity.
It says, “Helping one person might not change the world, but it might change the world for one person.”
In these trying times, as much as we would like to ease the struggle of so many who are hurting, there are just too many people who are in need of assistance right now. Luckily, there are some great resources out there that could mean the world to a few vendors.
Take a look at the list below and try to get assistance where you can.
Good luck and please share this information with others who you think might benefit from it!
When life takes an unexpected turn, The Meetings Industry Fund is there with an immediate lifeline. We provide confidential financial assistance to those individuals in crisis who are directly involved in the planning, execution, delivery and support of meetings.
SBA PPP loans provide financial assistance to small businesses that have been affected by COVID-19 to help them keep employees on their payrolls. OnDeck is an approved SBA lender for PPP loans and is participating along with other banks and financial institutions.
The HealthWell Foundation just announced a COVID-19 Fund that provides up to $250 in assistance with ancillary costs associated with COVID-19. Grants awarded through the fund will provide reimbursement assistance to at risk or quarantined individuals for delivered food, medication, telehealth copays and transportation costs associated with COVID-19.
Live Nation, the world’s live entertainment company, in collaboration with the House of Blues Music Forward Foundation, a non-profit organization,has pledged an initial $5 million dollars and will match an additional $5 million pledged by artists, fans, and employees to support live music crews who have lost work during the Coronavirus.
SCORE has served as America’s premier source of free business mentoring and education. As a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE provides support to entrepreneurs through mentoring, workshops and educational resources. Mentors are available to participate in remote mentoring sessions via phone, email, and video.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce will team up for a sixth virtual National Small Business Town Hall to help small business owners alike navigate the programs that are available to them.
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners and entrepreneurs. They have local chapters around the nation providing support for women entrepreneurs.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has made the effort to compile a comprehensive guide to managing anxiety and/or depression during these times.
The ever-important World Health Organization has provided a 6-page document outlining factors and elements to look for while experiencing this pandemic.
A national non-profit, Mental Health America, has created a self-screening test for individuals to take to determine where they stand on the mental health spectrum.
GymCube membership unlocks the resources you need to lose fat, tone up, increase fitness, gain strength and lead a healthier, happier lifestyle. Burn calories at home with online exercise classes like HIIT, Abs, Combat, Dance (similar to Zumba), Indoor Spin Cycling, Yoga and Pilates.
Get access to unlimited yoga, fitness, and meditation classes for only $20 a month, featuring the likes of Dylan Werner, Sri Dharma Mittra, and Melini Jesudason.
I hope you find something useful on this list. Remember, we are all in this together. Please share any additional resources you think our community can benefit from.
