Originally posted in the Orchid Forum 09/12/2008

A vase of flowers is a must in my booth. Metalwerx participates in both supply shows and high- end craft shows like CRAFTBOSTON. Since we are a non-profit, we get the weird space with a giant column on the side or the middle. But, my job as Ms. Marketer is to make the most spectacular booth I can with what we have. I don't get to see the booth space until I arrive, but last year for CRAFTBOSTON; I had a lovely tall vase in the corner which brought your eyes right up to our sign. I spent $100 bucks on a drop dead gorgeous vase of flowers and had many, many comments on our greenery.

In the supply shows, I exhibit photos which are sitting on the ground. When people walk, they look down to see where they are going. So I sprinkle shots of people fabricating jewelry in their path, which places the idea of "school" in their heads. When they look up, they see more photos, our lit exhibition case of student and faculty work and then they see flowers and our sign. The visual information we put forth contains a total branded look which plays to our strengths. We are a school. We teach. We excel in workshops. For any of you who are fortunate enough to live near Chicago or NY, I suggest you visit SOFA (Sculptural Objects and Functional Art). This is the show where the galleries set up their booths. I have taken quite a few tips from them and how they display. Galleries make a living at drawing you into their space and creating an atmosphere conducive to selling.