VENDOR EVENTS – HOW TO LOCATE THEM PARTICIPATING AS AN EXHIBITOR WITH PREMIER DESIGNS Jewelry By: Melia Hord, Lexington KY – 9/16/07 Minor editing done by MKL 5/3/2013

Types of Trade Show Opportunities

 Schools Elementary Middle High School  College/Universities Employee Events - contact HR Dept on the university’s website Fraternities/Sororities - contact Pan-Hellenic Council and find fundraiser chair for the Fraternity or Sorority

 Fairs / Festivals / Shows Bridal Fairs – Offer to help with the Fashion Show Garden Shows Diversity Fairs - contact Purchasing Dept and ask if they do any trade shows or events for minority owned businesses. Apple Orchards/ Pumpkin Farms: They have weekend events but only choose a booth when there is a big event with the media or a family day. Church Festivals Festival - Holiday events downtown, or themed local events Craft Fairs - Art Festivals, etc City/County Fair

 Sports Leagues: Fundraising and end of year festivals Baseball Leagues Soccer Leagues Cheerleading squads

 County Offices - do a search on your city's website for events or calendar

 Associations Cheerleading competitions/tournaments - offer to give some proceeds back Junior League - they strictly do community fundraising so they host big events Chamber of Commerce State Chambers "City's Name" League of Cities: They help train and run mayor's offices throughout your state.

 Conventions  Professional Organizations  NAWBO  Real Estate  Paralegal  Home Health  Manufacturers: They may sponsor events with a big speaker

FEES

May charge a booth fee

May ask for a percentage

Drawing Prizes are usually required

HOW TO FIND THEM?

Internet Search by "industry name, city and state" (i.e. - Home Health, Lexington, KY)

Visitors Bureau

Chamber - both city and state

Newspaper The Business Section in the newspaper lists events for the week. Call the person at the paper to learn about future ones.