If you do exhibit booths at pregnancy/baby expos, what types of things do you have at your booth? What is your display like?

Oooh, I was JUST about to post something along these lines. I'm thinking of doing my first table/booth at a "Fall Festival", a local business fair that attracts thousands of families each year. Intimidating, to say the least! I'll be watching this thread closely to see what more seasoned ladies have to contribute.

I was thinking of doing something along the lines of the "Balloon and ping pong ball" exercise. I learned it from Terri Shilling at a PfB CBE course in July. I looooved the teaching tool SO much that I'm instantly driven to use it, but I'm not sure how practical it may turn out to be. More brainstorming, I suppose!

I'm pretty new yet - and I've only done two baby shows so far - but here's what I did. On my table I had....

Information on doulas - we're still pretty new in our city and most people have yet to learn what a doula is. I had an informational board that I quickly put together (I registered for this show - my first ever - two days before it took place) and lots of hand outs for people to take home. Everything I had personally made had "Created by Gentle Births Doula" at the bottom along with my info.

My personal contact info - I displayed cards, brochures, etc...

Prizes & Freebies - I had a draw that pregnant women could enter for $50 off my birth package. I also had samples from companies like Medela, Earth Mama Angel Baby, etc...

My birth bag - I had displayed a few things from my bag and that actually drew quite a lot of people - women & men - to my display. They asked lots of questions about the things I carry with me which was nice to lead into why I use those things and benefits of natural coping mechanisms..

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Haltom-City-TX/Postpartum-Doula-Fort-Worth/139390679831?v=photos&ref=ts#!/album.php?aid=322337&id=139390679831
I have my brochure, business cards and some calendar magnets with my information on them. I also did a drawing, and gave out free samples. I had two candy dishes, one with mints and the other Hersheys kisses. I also setup a tv with a slide show on postpartum doulas.

Did you get a lot of business from doing the Expo? What are your expectations going in?

Not that I noticed. But my goal is always to educate famiilies on postpartum doulas and let them know that there is help for those who need a little more support once they get home.

Tina, your stuff looks really professional and well thought out. Would you mind passing on some words of wisdom having done this type of expo? What were common questions, what is good info to have available? I would really appreciate it.
Did you contact the company's to get samples for your tables?

Thank you, I must admit that the first time I did a birth fair I made the mistake of having too much stuff on any baby related items, swaddlers, breastfeeding information,diaper creams, lotions, proper car seat installation pamphlets. I did have lots of samples from other companies, etc. but often wondered if after people left my table did they realize what company I was really representing or where they confused as to who I was and why I was there. Did I educate families about the benefits of postpartum doulas. The last few times I really focused on my actual business of a postpartum doula, cards, brochures, magnets, magnet calenders, pens etc. all with my information, so that when they finished visiting , they had no doubt that this booth was a postpartum doula. (I hope this makes sense)
still had mints, and some chocolates, and a few other company giveaways.