Finding the Fairs, Expos & Shows...

[Bridey]

I've seen a few people mention attending baby fairs, expos & shows. My question is, how do you find them? What resources do you use to locate all of the mom/baby friendly fairs, seminars and whatnot?
When you attend, do you set up booths/tables and network that way or do you find out about speaking? Have some of you done both? If so, which do you prefer?
I know... loads of questions. Thanks in advance though!

[DoulaYvonne]

Well, I think a big part of knowing about fairs, expos, and the like is just by being in the community. Meaning networking and fostering contacts amongst others in the same profession.
Joining email listservs for your area, being a member of certain organizations (LLL, friends of midwives, new mom groups, parenting organizations), and getting to know other doulas, midwives, parents, childbirth educators, LC's, massage therapists, etc can give you direction as to what is out there.

Think about who your target audience is. Probably new and expecting families. Go where they go.

For me, this has been how I find out a lot of the information that is pertinent to my business in this area.

Regarding what you do at the fairs. It really depends on what kind of fair it is and what they allow. Sometimes they might allow a short presentation about the scope of your profession and how you can service the individuals coming to see you speak. Other venues will allow you to set up a table and display literature or other important information - it really depends on the facility.

I hope this helps, best of luck!

[Bridey]

I appreciate your response tremendously. I guess I should be more direct and ask what sorts of places do you find your fairs/expos/shows specifically? You said where new & expecting families go. Aside from the obvious places pregnant women congregate (baby stores, dr offices, support groups/organizations geared towards mom & baby) I'm somewhat stumped. Maybe because I've not been a pregnant woman I need a little more direction here. Any specific suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you again.

[amymaew]

Babies R Us usually have some type of fair thing a couple of times a year. You can find out what's upcoming here.

[Bridey]

Are the events listed on the BRU website location specific or are all of the BRU's having the fairs listed on the link you posted regardless of location?

Thanks for the great link! I was trying to figure out if there were any BRU fairs in my area or not... and on the link you gave there are April & May listings, but when I look at my specific area code I get no such fair listings. Hmmm...

[amymaew]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bridey Are the events listed on the BRU website location specific or are all of the BRU's having the fairs listed on the link you posted regardless of location? Thanks for the great link! I was trying to figure out if there were any BRU fairs in my area or not... and on the link you gave there are April & May listings, but when I look at my specific area code I get no such fair listings. Hmmm...

I think they're at all locations, but I'm not 100% sure. You could call your local BRU and ask them what events they have coming up in their store. Good luck! And does your area have a local baby/new mom stuff magazine or newspaper flyer? Maybe check in there.

[DoulaYvonne]

Quote:

Originally Posted by amymaew And does your area have a local baby/new mom stuff magazine or newspaper flyer? Maybe check in there.

Yeah, I forgot about that! A parent and kids-type magazine is something that most cities and towns have.

Also, do you have a MOMS (Mothers Offering Mothers Support)group in your area? They might be able to turn you on to events in the area.

Any large convention centers near you? If there is, they should have something
family-geared.

[Bridey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoulaYvonne Yeah, I forgot about that! A parent and kids-type magazine is something that most cities and towns have. Also, do you have a MOMS (Mothers Offering Mothers Support)group in your area? They might be able to turn you on to events in the area. Any large convention centers near you? If there is, they should have something family-geared.

If there is a parent and kid's type magazine in this area, I'm not aware of it. To be honest with you though, I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't one at all. This area has very little in mother-baby support, including publications. I'll do some searching around though and see what I can turn up.
As for a MOMS group, after some searching... I discovered there is one! Awesome! I'll have to contact them and find out if they know of any local events going on in the near future.
Convention centers... check.
Thanks for all of the great ideas. I appreciate it.

[Bridey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by amymaew I think they're at all locations, but I'm not 100% sure. You could call your local BRU and ask them what events they have coming up in their store.

Just wanted to let you know that I went to the store the other day and found out that they have multiple seminars/events each month at the local store here. Myztri & I are pairing up and are going to be doing an info booth and possibly a few events of our own each month. What a great resource!
I'm glad that there are some marketing divas out there, because you girls are giving me ideas that seem obvious, but never even occurred to me. YOU ROCK!!
Thank you!

[amymaew]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bridey Just wanted to let you know that I went to the store the other day and found out that they have multiple seminars/events each month at the local store here. Myztri & I are pairing up and are going to be doing an info booth and possibly a few events of our own each month. What a great resource! I'm glad that there are some marketing divas out there, because you girls are giving me ideas that seem obvious, but never even occurred to me. YOU ROCK!! Thank you!

Yay! I'm glad they have events at the BRU near you. I was at my local BRU the other night with a client in early labor and thought of you lol