Meeting other Atlanta wedding vendors is one of the surprise benefits of exhibiting at a Georgia Bridal Show event. Not only do you get to meet hundreds of brides, but there’s also hundreds of other vendors at the show. Sure, some of them will be direct competition, but others could be great business partners. Plus, there’s always the opportunity for a magazine feature or air time on the local radio or TV station. Here are our tips for making the most of the opportunity before, during, and after the event.
Before the Event
Before the event we will send you a list of brides that are planning to attend. This will also give you the opportunity to review what other vendors will be there, as well as industry professionals. Take a few minutes to research each one and make a list of the people you would like to connect with. This is easy to do by searching through the vendor directory on our website. It’s best to make this list on your phone so you scratch off names or add details as you go.
If you want, you can send a preliminary email or phone call to anyone you’re looking forward to meeting. Let them know that you’ll be at the event and you’d love to stop by their booth for a chat if time allows. These events can get pretty busy so don’t count on having a lot of time to talk. Prepare your elevator pitch so you can keep it short and sweet.
During the Event
While at the event, make a point to reach out the people you added to your list. Maybe you have a few minutes after setting up your booth to go scout out the scene. If you bring a team with you, they can manage the booth while you seek out potential new connections during a break.
When you find the person you want to talk to, make sure you introduce yourself. Tell them what you like about their work and inquire about a possible opportunity to work together. Don’t forget to make direct eye contact, have a firm handshake, and provide them with your business card.
After the Event
Within of a week of attending the event, make sure to reach out to everyone you met. Send a personalized email or phone call and follow up on anything you talked about. Maybe they asked for something small like the name of your child’s dentist, or it could be a huge business opportunity like an interview in a local bridal magazine. Either way, send the email or make the phone call while you’re still on their mind.
If there’s anyone on your list you didn’t get to chat with, now would be the time to make the introduction, apologize for the missed opportunity, and see if they would be open to getting coffee or another small meeting.
Request More Information on Exhibiting
If you’re excited to join us at the next Georgia Bridal Show, please request more information today! We will send you all the details you need to know about what it’s like to join Atlanta wedding vendors on the floor for the best day of the year! You can get started right away with a free website listing or by reading our testimonials. We look forward to having you!