In a Name...

Today I attended Metrocon10 Expo & Conference. This event is designed to display the latest and greatest in commercial and residential interior design products and services. Approximately 3,000 interior designers, architects, design students, and industry professionals in the region attend every year. This expo is generally like any other I’ve ever gone to, including expos for cars and guns (blah), except way more interesting…to me anyway. There are over 250 vendors featuring products such as: floor coverings, paints, open plan office furniture, floral arrangements, healthcare furniture, lighting, graphics, modern hospitality furniture, window treatments and screens, kitchen appliances, fabrics, outdoor textiles, etc. You name it, you’ll see it there. The best way to go to these things is with a buddy because sometimes it can be kind of awkward to speak to the vendors, especially when you are not “with” any company and have no experience to talk about.

I made a few observations when I was there that I thought I might share just in case one of these vendors should ever see my blog. I’m not sure if they get a lot of feedback, and there are definitely some things they could change to be more successful if they choose.

1. Send out a representative that is personable and friendly. If your rep is looking down at their Blackberry as I pass by, I’m not going to stop.

2. Be friendly. I remember the representatives that show an interest in me and what I have to say. I also remember if you lose interest in speaking with me when someone “more important” shows up to talk with you.

3. Encourage your representatives to speak to me first. Show me you’re eager to educate me about your product or I’ll walk past you, and you will have missed your opportunity.

4. Think of your job here as an educational tool. I may not be in a position to specify your products. Don’t bother trying to sell me your product right now. If you take the time to educate me about your product, I am more likely to use your product or at least recommend it in the future.

5. Don’t discount me because I am a student or unemployed. One day I will be employed and will remember if you treated me poorly.

6. Have samples on display that are appealing to the eye. If your product is boring or you are only offering text-heavy booklets, I’ll have a hard time remembering your product.

7. If you want people to remember you, give out something for free. It doesn’t have to be big, just a pen or a coaster. However, bags are best. I looked at over 250 companies today. That’s a lot to absorb.

8. Offer some sort of sweepstakes for me to enter. A $50 Ipod Shuffle is incentive enough for me (heck, a $20 Starbucks card is good enough), and I’ve left my card in your jar, which you can use to contact me in the future.

The Fun Freebies I Acquired:

• Admission
• Literature
• Catalogs
• Pretzel M&Ms
• Sprinkles Cupcake (my favorite freebie)
• Job Leads
• Industry Contacts (by way of business cards)
• Paint Samples
• Cork Coaster
• Pens
• Mirrored Spy Glasses
• Reusable Vendor Bags (the absolute best way for me to remember you)
• Bottled Water
• Note/Sketch Pads
• Sweepstakes Entries

I enjoy attending this show for the knowledge that I gain. I always learn something new. You can tell the good and bad experiences I had just by my list above. There are so many companies out there selling similar products. I am the type that is willing to overlook a large profit for proper service. One day I will be out there specifying products and these experiences will guide the decisions I make.

I look forward to the day when I can say who I’m “with”…