So... blade show

Joseph Bandeko

Joseph Bandeko

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Dec 9, 2021
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I know this isn’t exactly shop talk, so if there’s somewhere better to put this please let me know.

So I’m exhibiting at The Atlanta Blade Show for the first time this year and I’ve never been before.
My question is, is there any advice that y’all can give me for a first timer, like your checklist that you go through before and during the show, I’m just worried that I’m going to mess up or forget something important.
Also I’m 18 and is there anything that I should be aware of as far as that goes.
I’m bringing my Dad and older Sister to help run the table, so not really worried about that.
Or any other advice that I’m not thinking of.

Any help is very much appreciated!
Joseph
 
Last edited:
Bunker Hill Blades said:
I know this isn’t exactly shop talk, so if there’s somewhere better to put this please let me know.

So I’m exhibiting at The Atlanta Blade Show for the first time this year and I’ve never been before.
My question is, is there any advice that y’all can give me for a first timer, like your checklist that you go through before and during the show, I’m just worried that I’m going to mess up or forget something important.
Also I’m 18 and is there anything that I should be aware of as far as that goes.
I’m bringing my Dad and old Sister to help run the table, so not really worried about that.
Or any other advice that I’m not thinking of.

Any help is very much appreciated!
Joseph
Click to expand...
Joseph, the latest issue of Blade magazine is a special issue all about the show. They have a lot of advice for attendees, but you could turn some of that around and get a sense of what to expect as an exhibitor.
 
Richard338 said:
Joseph, the latest issue of Blade magazine is a special issue all about the show. They have a lot of advice for attendees, but you could turn some of that around and get a sense of what to expect as an exhibitor.
Click to expand...
I haven’t subscribed to Blade magazine yet, is there any other way I can read it?

Thank you guys!

Also if any makers here are going (non makers as well) I’d be honored for you to stop by my table and say hi!
 
I believe you can get a digital copy. That's why I suggested it. Otherwise it's possible that a bookstore would carry it.
 
I’ll get a group shot when I’m done with everything.
Will you be coming?

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things I appreciate about people who hold tables at a show, (of any kind)
- who stand instead of sit
- who make eye contact and greet folks, even if they're passing by
- who maintain a clean and organized table

I don't have first hand experience holding a table, but it makes sense to me that if you have a table you are there to work. Therefore, knowing what your job is is important- ie; it's not to sit there stuffing your face with a chili dog and ignoring folks while you talk to your bros. It's a little confusing because most of the people you'll meet are there for the fun of it, but if you've paid for a table you are not there just for fun.

Also, Cobb has terrible internet/wifi reception. Make sure you bring enough cash to make change
 
Lorien said:
things I appreciate about people who hold tables at a show, (of any kind)
- who stand instead of sit
- who make eye contact and greet folks, even if they're passing by
- who maintain a clean and organized table

I don't have first hand experience holding a table, but it makes sense to me that if you have a table you are there to work. Therefore, knowing what your job is is important- ie; it's not to sit there stuffing your face with a chili dog and ignoring folks while you talk to your bros. It's a little confusing because most of the people you'll meet are there for the fun of it, but if you've paid for a table you are not there just for fun.

Also, Cobb has terrible internet/wifi reception. Make sure you bring enough cash to make change
Click to expand...
“Who stand instead of sit” I take it you haven’t had a knee replacement yet. I bring my own folding chair with arm rests. Easier to get in and out of.
 
Will be there at table 10-O with my friend Facundo

from the top of my mind:

- Thursday afternoon with the exhibitor pass you can enter the room, most knife supplies retailers start selling, its the best time to purchase handle materials
- Bring water and something to snack, fruits are great for me at least
- Put a big sign, around a sheet of A4 paper big on the table, with your table number in big letters, if someone demonstrates interest in some of your stuff, ask him to take a photo of it, otherwise it won't find you again, the room in gigantic and visitors are oversaturated with knife tables.
- Spend time on the material sellers, I always learn about new materials, tools or consumables
- Comfortable shoes and have a polar fleece at least in the car, sometimes it gets cold in there
- Greet everyone that visits your table, bring cards, but not a ton, most people don't take cards
- Remember, most people will pass once by your table, that's your only opportunity to make a sale or a new contact.

If I remember more will add to the thread

Pablo
 
PEU said:
Will be there at table 10-O with my friend Facundo

from the top of my mind:

- Thursday afternoon with the exhibitor pass you can enter the room, most knife supplies retailers start selling, its the best time to purchase handle materials
- Bring water and something to snack, fruits are great for me at least
- Put a big sign, around a sheet of A4 paper big on the table, with your table number in big letters, if someone demonstrates interest in some of your stuff, ask him to take a photo of it, otherwise it won't find you again, the room in gigantic and visitors are oversaturated with knife tables.
- Spend time on the material sellers, I always learn about new materials, tools or consumables
- Comfortable shoes and have a polar fleece at least in the car, sometimes it gets cold in there
- Greet everyone that visits your table, bring cards, but not a ton, most people don't take cards
- Remember, most people will pass once by your table, that's your only opportunity to make a sale or a new contact.

If I remember more will add to the thread

Pablo
Click to expand...

Maybe also do a QR code that does your website or whatever.
 
Only thing I could add would be to not have so many knives on your table that they become a blur to those passing by. It can be hard to find the balance between too many and not enough showing on your table. There is plenty of room under those tables to store more knives.
 
12345678910 said:
Maybe also do a QR code that does your website or whatever.
Click to expand...
Did a QR years ago, in fact I did two, one for Instagram and other for my website, both were dismissed by most of the people, even after telling them to scan to have my contact data...

Pablo

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