How do you get noticed on a crowded expo floor? There are many things you can do to make your booth stand out. From location to swag, get noticed.
Are you an exhibitor who said “I do” to an upcoming bridal trade show? Regardless of whether you’re a first time exhibitor or a seasoned pro, you likely have lots of questions about getting ready for the big day. One question might be about shipping to a bridal expo. Getting your booth, materials and marketing collateral there on time is essential for a successful show.
R+L Global Logistics is prepared to be your partner when it comes to shipping to a bridal expo. Learn more about wedding shows, trade show shipping and how to make it all work for your business.
If you’re in the bridal business, trade shows are a must. As an exhibitor, you can interact with both colleagues and customers. Can’t-miss bridal shows take place all year long, so it is easy to keep a busy schedule.
The biggest bridal trade show in the United States might be the National Bridal Market, held each spring in Chicago. If you have a bridal business, you’ll want to be in on this action. Makers of dresses, shoes, veils and other accessories come to the market each year to show off their goods. Fashion shows display wedding gowns and formal styles from moderate and designer lines.
The trade show floor is the perfect place for exhibitors to network with buyers and other vendors alike. Other bridal trade shows include:
You’ll also find local bridal expos and shows all across the country. These events and trunk shows show off the latest in wedding styles and local bridal shows let vendors interact with brides to be.
Out of all the bridal shows across the country, the National Bridal Market might be the biggest and brightest. The event is held each year at the MART, or Merchandise Mart, in Chicago. TheMART is the perfect place for a trade show. The building itself spans two city blocks and has an expansive 4.2 million gross square feet. If you sell products to bridal stores and boutiques, you need to be at the National Bridal Market. Here you’ll have a chance to interact with buyers and show off your designs and products.
Booths at the National Bridal Market measure 10-feet by 10-feet. This gives you plenty of space to get creative with your build out and design. You can customize your booth by painting, construction or adding flooring. Construction, flooring and wall coverings must be complete by the move-in date. Tons of planning goes into customizing a booth, but a well thought out space can go a long way in getting your customers’ attention. Pay close attention to deadlines if you plan on customizing your space.
It is also important to know that approved vendors can provide materials for your booth. The National Bridal Market has vendors that can provide you with AV equipment, customs signs, dress forms, floral arrangements, table drapes and linens and more. Additionally, all vendors are required to have show insurance.
If you’re an exhibitor at the National Bridal Market or another wedding show, you likely have a lot on your plate. One of your concerns might be about getting your booth and all your collateral to the show. R+L Global Logistics can make shipping to a bridal expo simple. R+L Global has the services, knowledge and experience you’ll need to make sure your booth, promotional items, marketing collateral and other trade show essentials make it there safely and on time.
There are generally two methods for shipping to a bridal expo. Advance warehouse shipping and direct to show site shipping each have advantages for trade show exhibitors. The differences are simple. Direct to show site shipping refers to the process of sending your items to the place of the show during the assigned move-in hours. Advance warehouse shipping means your materials are sent to a warehouse for storage before the show. Items are then delivered to the show. The kind of shipping you choose might depend on time, your trade show schedule and the size of your booth.
One of the greatest advantages of direct to show site shipping is that it gives you the most time possible to gather materials and get your booth ready. One of the greatest advantages of advance warehouse shipping is that your freight can make it to the show floor before other freight is shipped to the show site. Another advantage of advance warehouse shipping is that your booth is stored in a warehouse -- you don’t need to worry about finding a place to put your booth and materials when you’re not at a show. Regardless of which option you choose, R+L Global Logistics is prepared to be your shipping and warehousing partner.
If you’re shipping to the National Bridal Market, you’ll have a few rules to follow. You’ll have to file a bill of lading with the freight desk at theMART. It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to make sure all freight paperwork is filed correctly. All freight -- like your booth, merchandise and literature -- should be combined into one shipment. This makes it easy for you and your shipper. It is also wise to keep a detailed inventory of everything you’re shipping. You should be able to provide item descriptions (like cases, cartons, crates or individual items) and weight for your shipment. Having this information will also help with tracking, manifesting and the delivery of freight.
Are you ready to start shipping to a bridal expo?
Learn about how R+L Global Logistics can get your booth, materials and more there safely and on time. Chat, email or call R+L Global at (866) 415-8986 today to get started with our trade show shipping services.
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