Question on a Knife show need makers input.

sharpeknives

sharpeknives

Joined
Jan 13, 2006
Messages
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Thinking about promoting a knife show in NC. Would be held in sept. possibly 2012.
Here's what I have so far
Tables 6 ft draped and 2 chairs $250.00
Will be held at a hotel in Charlotte NC.
Food (Restaurant) Bar, and rooms on site.
Show room is completely carpeted. Electricity available.
Just looking for feedback from makers on what you expect from a show. Years back we had the South-eastern Custom knife show and it was great. But lost the location. trying to get it going again.
 
$250 seems pretty reasonable if there's good pre-show promotion.

There's already a lot going on in September every year, including the KnifeMaker's Guild Show in Louisville. Maybe take a long look at the calendar before settling on a date, I wouldn't want to compete with other shows that are already established and probably have most of their tables sold by now.
 
Very true. It has only taken about 6 months to find a good location. Its near the speedway so finding a date that doesn't conflict with other shows and NASCAR events will take some figuring.
 
I attended the SECKS several years, and did well. I would be interested in hearing about a replacement show. Hopefully it will fit into the other things scheduled in Sept. That is a busy time of year.

Table prices range all over the map, from $40 each to $750 each. The venue and the crowd that are drawn seem to be the main factor in price. If you can offer reasonable assurance of a good crowd with money to spend, have a judged competition on custom knives, a good banquet, reliable security, plenty of suppliers and specialty dealers,and good weather you will have a winner.

The guy who lives nearby and wants to put eight bowies on the table and see what happens will be fine with $250. I often take three tables for the knives and supplies, so with $750 plus travel,food, and lodging I will have spent over $1000 before I sell a knife or piece of wood. I would need to sell $2000 to break even ( at 50% profit) if I can get a good price. If it is a show where I have to drop every price to hagglers, I may only make 25%, and the first $4000 would go to cost....so you will have to really lay out a good plan to attract some folks.

Be advised that putting on a show is a big project. Putting on a large and successful show is a group effort that takes serious planning.
 
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