How Was Your Meal?

October 13, 2015 After a recent delightful dining experience, I thought about what made it special.  I soon realized that the principles of the 'Seven Ps of Exhibiting' were the same for the restaurant.  The Seven Ps, as explained in my June 28, 2011 blog (see www.SouthernShows.com/blog) are the things that an exhibitor has to get right to have a successful show. Here's how they applied to the restaurant:

• Price - it was a good value
• Product - the food was delicious
• Pre-promotion - they ran an ad that let me know about them, and then lived up to the ad
• Presentation - the décor, the table, and the way the meal was presented, were all great
• Personality - the wait staff was friendly
• Professionalism - the wait staff was knowledgeable and helpful
• Follow up - when leaving, they thanked me for being there, asked if I would like to be included on their email list so I knew about special events and discounts.

Think about your favorite restaurant, and what they do to keep you coming back.  Then try to apply that recipe to your next exhibit.
David J Zimmerman
Southern Shows Inc.

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To Booth or Not to Booth

October 27, 2015 To provide full disclosure, this topic is a pet peeve of mine, so if you think I'm making a big deal out of nothing, you're probably right.  I guess that's what pet peeves are.  So here we go . . .
I can't stand the term 'booth.'  I know.  Everyone uses it.  But it just sounds boring and small.   The dictionary definition is: "A small compartment or boxlike room for a specific use by the occupant."
I was recently reminded of my dislike for the term when an exhibitor in the Southern Farm Show ran an ad inviting people to visit their 'booth' at the show.  First,  good for them for pre-promoting their participation.  But second, their 'booth' is 3,600 square feet!  Folks, that's not a booth - that's an exhibit.  And that's what they should be calling it.  And so should you, even if the exhibit you're inviting people to is only 100 square feet.
Personally, I'd be more excited about visiting an exhibit, than about visiting a booth.  But maybe that's just me.
David J Zimmerman
Southern Shows Inc.

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