I was just wondering if anyone has done a baby fair. We just got an email about a Baby Bonanza, which sounds like a bridal fair type event only for parents of kids 0 to 5. It sounds interesting to me, but I was wondering if anyone has any experience with this kind of event? If you have done one, what kind of results did you get from it? Anything you can tell us would be appreciated.

Not yet, Im talking to one of the location people about getting a booth for it. I'm going to really heavily marketing for maternity/baby pictures this year so im hoping it helps. I was told that a traditional studio photographer has done it every year for like 15 yrs so clearly its working for him.

Hi Lynn!

I am doing one tomorrow. I will let you know how it turns out! It is at our local Babies R Us, should be intersting.

Amanda

Hey Amanda, I remember you mentioned that a little while ago. Please let us know how it went, what you did, what worked, what didn't, yadda yadda yadda.

We'll be pushing a portrait contest that our lab (Miller's) does each year. We got an honorable mention award, so we'll be showing that, of course.

Are you going to sell things?

Just got in from the show and wanted to re-cap my inital reaction and hope to post the outcome.

First off, the show was in a Babies R Us as I had mentioned above and it was mainly to promote their store, but also showcase vendors that they may be interested in using in the future.

I took about 200 flyers and came home with only 10 or 15. The show required attendees to visit each booth and we had to stamp their paper in order to win the door prize. In a way, I wasn't at all interested in this, but it seemed to work well and everyone walked out with our contact info. I was also a pretty decent location near the strollers and big ticket items. So. there was a lot of traffic.

The response was good, some people seemed interested while other picked up the info and went along with their business. I can't wait to see if any bookings come about. I did not take any pricing info along, just my flyer with samples and contact info. I am doing an offer for those that book between x and x date they will receive a print credit.

The downfall to the whole thing is that many of the attendees didn't come to the store in hopes of a photographer being there. That is the one thing I had to keep in mind since bridal shows are so different with brides coming to the show looking for specific vendors.

My booth was plain and simple. Just a table with the table cloth from Babies R Us and a few sample books and one large framed maternity print.

I wish I would have taken a few more framed prints, but I concetrated on more maternity and babies rather than older children and families. I had about 5 or 6 couples who I think might call and may book a session. So I can't complain about a free show less than 2 minutes from my house on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

I will keep you updated on the outcome.

Amanda

ETA: No, I did not sell anything, I was not sure if you would be able to. I am not sure if there are any rules and regulations about that or not. I did have a few people inquire about gift certficates and told them to contact me this week if interested.

Hey! I also went to a Baby Shower at Babies R Us (thank you Amanda for telling me about it!) Here is a mini-report, because I hear bed calling my name:

We had about 300 people (not necessarily mothers & mothers to be) come through.

I had about 23 people actually sign up for my drawing (drawing for a layette set and a baby photography session). I had 4 M2B (moms to be) specifically ask me about doing a maternity session.

My wife was also there. She does VeggieTales Moms (see the link in my signature). But she hasn't reported to me how she has done, she hasn't counted her inquiries yet.

There were only 3 vendors ... myself, my wife, and a cake lady.


Amanda: I was told the same thing about selling stuff from the table. They didn't want us selling.

Good night everyone

Hey! I think I am hooked on baby shows! Of course, today being Sunday, and the day after the show I haven't had any inquiries yet, but I am going to send out some e-mails tomorrow!

I was chatting with Amanda and I mentioned that although I haven't received any bookings yet, I think I had a better response at the baby show than at any bridal show! So, does anyone know how to get hooked up with info on baby events in the area??