Our First Expo Experience

Two of my goals in 2023 for Speak To Me Photography was to do a Bridal Boudoir Photoshoot, and another to participate in a wedding expo. the photoshoot because it is such a special moment in a person's life. An opportunity to really take inventory of what you are, what you want and to look toward the future. Boudoir is a special opportunity to memorialize that time in life, celebrate your body now, and also consider a unique gift for your spouse to be. A Bridal Expo being a perfect opportunity to meet these women, as well as networking with other vendors which was also a goal of mine for the year.

The prep for the expo was EXTENSIVE. Planning started early for the #speaktomequad. With the expo in November it was the summer that I started with initial plans. I'm the kind of person that has big dreams and big plans, that need to be reigned in and brought back to the realm of realistic. So for the months leading up to the expo I was hand addressing envelopes, printing endless amounts of letters and discount sheets, filling the envelopes, gathering marketing materials, ordering any additional product needed to advertise the range we offer, and making sketches of what my ideal set up would be for the booth.

For what I wanted specifically for the booth, I didn't want a simple walk up experience. I wanted to bring you into the studio and give an immersive experience to anyone who took the time to speak with us and take a look at what we offer. We wanted to offer a discount to every bride for showing up, and offer an additional incentive to schedule and maintain their consultation appointment, in addition to a giveaway. We brought our beautiful albums, including our new more discreet option, as well as our preparation guides to walk people through.

The day of the expo was a whirlwind. Leah arrived at my house as I was doing the last minute packing of bins and gathering the materials. While I had been systematically doing this for weeks and months, it was the last push. We VERY strategically packed everything in my car and took the 6 minute drive to the Allentown Fairgrounds Ag-Hall. Everything was very well structured and the directions were great. We knew immediately where to park and the entrance was so close to where our booth was.

The base booth was actually very nice. White curtains with a small and discreet sign to indicate which business was in which booth. We were on the corner which was perfect for my open-concept idea. Leah and I brought in all of the things, our chaise lounge, Edison bulb lamps, plant, table, bins of materials, room divider, etc. Kasi came a little later bringing us breakfast. We mingled with some of the other vendors before the doors officially opened.

The 3 Personalities of Speak To Me Photography

What followed, was sheer CHAOS. We were informed it would be busy, that this is one of the largest wedding expos in the area, but we were NOT prepared. Well, that's not fair. We were physically. More then enough materials and everything was laid out well. We reviewed who would be doing what throughout the day, but mentally and emotionally? That's a different story.

The whirlwind of prospective clients, the process we had set for entering the giveaway was more extensive then was necessary (noted for next time), and we decided to take polaroids of each individual to send them with their letter and discount sheet. This also meant everyone had to write their addresses on our pre-addressed envelopes. So we were BUSY. I was explaining our business and what we stand for, explained what we had brought and what we offer. I would have people scan the digital business card, and provide them the materials to fill out their envelope. Leah would then take their photo on the chair, after which Kasi would ensure the correct photo went into the correct envelope before sealing it.

We did this 78 times, for 78 people. It was amazing. By the end as things slowed down we were able to connect with some of the other vendors which was a great time. They explained that this year actually wasn't as busy as previous years, to which the 3 of our jaws dropped. It was such a rewarding experience, we spoke with so many different brides and couples. Learned about some incredibly creative business owners and vendors we would love to work with. It sparked so many ideas and new goals for the new year.

I'm not sure whether we will continue to do these expos, something we are actively considering and weighing the pros and cons. But it was definitely a rewarding experience.