Another Question - Are Trade Shows Worth It?

[scarborogal]

I've been asked to accompany another doula to a big trade show in our city and it is expensive. My question is, are big baby shows worth it? For those that have gone to them do you get much work from them?

[doula Michele]

If its just a trade show...I have to say No they are not worth it.
I did the Welcome wagon baby shower trade show, and I have gotten clients from that.

[SarahMcKay]

Remeber: events are not always about getting clients. Making connections is just as important. For example, I have a former client who contacted me looking for a doula in another state because they have moved. She wanted a recommendation, because she didn't want to do the interview thing again. You never know who you might meet, and how you can learn to further our mission!

[scarborogal]

I say trade show but it is a big baby show. Toronto has two a year and this is the spring one. I'm 50/50 at the moment but the cost is so much and I'm not sure I can afford it. I'd love to go but money is the only thing holding me back.

[JessicaE]

Can you find a third doula to split the cost?

I am organizing a baby expo in our city this year, mainly as outreach for my doula business. I haven't attended one as a doula, but I have as a CBE and have always walked away with several clients and lots of leads.

[LDSDoula]

While I can't speak to Doula/Baby Trade Shows, I do know Bridal Shows. For my photography work, I've just invested over $3000 for 2 shows this year with a 3rd in March. While I haven't signed a contract yet, I have several interested brides and the networking with other vendors has been fantastic. Even if you don't pay to exhibit, definitely go!

[scarborogal]

Okay, let me add to this question then, what is the most you have spent on attending a baby show?

[Tiffany]

I love doing shows. We have done some small ones here ($100/year membership, show only brings in about 100-200 people) and are doing our first bigger one in March. I think we're paying around $400 for a 10'x5' booth. There is another one in the Fall that we want to do, but they want $1000. It's too much for our budget right now, but we'll see as it gets closer to the show date.

We've only gotten a couple clients from the smaller shows, one from being at the cappa Ask a Doula booth at Walmart, and one from sponsoring our local multiple births assoc. sale. Offering product and other services has gotten more interest in our business and lots more asking and talking about doulas than when we didn't have any of it.