There are many upcoming bridal shows coming up in the area, but we were a little late in the game to get into them as an exhibitor. I have seen on here that many of you go to shows as visitors... I was wondering the protocol on this... I want to give out my cards to both brides and other exhibitors, but do not know exactly what to do... can you share your experiences? THANKS.

In our local bridal show, if you aren't paying for booth space...you better not be handing anything out!

There are always vendors who come and try and be sneaky and leave cards in the bathroom stalls or try to hand them out to people as they are walking to the parking lot. But if the show coordinators hear about it, you can bet they will have you promptly escorted off the property. Essentially when you are doing that, you are stealing from the vendors that have paid to be in the show.

If you are going to visit the show, then just visit. If you want to pass stuff out, buy a space!

Just my thoughts.
Steph

There is no better way to loose friends and make enemies than by being shifty at a bridal fair. If you get that rep, it's all over.

Instead, if you want to go, go to network. Don't bring any cards. Don't bring any promotional materials. Dress up a bit (nice date clothes), and spend some time talking with the different venue owners, coordinators, designers, and florists. Be sincere. Talk with them. Introduce yourself, say that you were a bit late getting into the show, but you wanted to network anyway...

Don't be pushy - but ask for their card, and inquire if you can call them to set-up a meeting when they are a little less busy.

Follow up with a thank you e-mail and a call to confirm the get-together.

Works for me!

Thanks everyone!! That is what I thought originally, but I have read from some people on here in the past about giving out cards, so then I started thinking maybe my gut feeling was wrong ;o) Thanks!