Prepare, Like They Do at Faire!

Ruth Failer

The Renaissance Faire is just another trade show! As casual and spontaneous as it may look from the guest’s point of view, a lot goes into making sure all who enter have the best experience they possibly can that day. In order for that to happen, strict rules are placed on both the vendors and actors.

Weeks before The Renaissance Faire begins, the organizer presents three mandatory workshops for new vendors: Orientation, Costuming and Elizabethan Language.
All participants must:

·         wear acceptable clothing

·         know how to say what needs to be said

·         call people to their booth

·         display products in an inviting way

·         provide demonstrations of products or services

 Every day one hour before Faire opening, all royals, puritans, beggars, street jesters and all stage other actors are required to attend a brief meeting, preparing them for the theme of the show and special events of the day.

We can learn a lot about getting our staff educated from the policies of Faire:

Preparing (some in costume) a week before opening day

Exhibiting can be very expensive if your staff is not ready and able to accomplish your trade show goals.  Your sales representatives are bright and great at what they do, but they can’t read your mind or you theirs. Let your staff in on your expectations and give them the tools to perform. Most probably they won’t be speaking Elizabethan; they need to be conversing in a language to bring your customers closer to a sale. They won’t be a peasant, a royal, or a pirate, yet they ought to be dressed the part of representing your company brand with the proper attitude, focus and attire. 

Contact Tips of the Trade for workshops:

·         Boothmanship (booth etiquette)

·         At-show sales skills

·         Booth display

·         Pre-show marketing

• Retaining customers

Prepare your merchants to increase sales in and out of the booth.

A jousting fight to the death is optional!

CTSM Graduates

I'm back from EXHIBITOR, the conference and expo for trade show professionals, with my CTSM (Certified Trade Show Marketing) diploma in hand. It was a wonderful celebration. Did you know there are thousands of people in the program but only 280 people thus far who have graduated? It is amazing to be part of such an elite group. this year there were 37 graduates all female! What is the deal with that?
Photo: I am sitting down, third person from left to right.

CTSM Results are in!

I just received this letter from my CSTM Advisor and wanted to share with you...

Hello, Ruth,

Our portfolio review team met yesterday, and I'm excited to be able to tell you that your portfolio has been approved! Since you have already passed your Comprehensive Exam, you have completed all certification requirements. You are our newest Certified Trade Show Marketer, and you may begin using the credentials behind your name (ex: Ruth Fell Failer, CTSM). Happy New Year!

Again, congratulations! I hope you will be able to join us in Las Vegas for the Awards Ceremony and celebratory dinner at EXHIBITOR2010, on Sunday evening, March 14th.

Warm regards,

Jan Nelson, CTSM

CTSM Executive Director

763-498-6538

763-498-6539 (fax)

The CTSM designation (Certified Trade Show Marketer) is awarded by EXHIBITOR in affiliation with Northern Illinois University Outreach and reflects adherence to the highest standards of trade show and event marketing. Less than 1% of all trade show and event marketers have attained this distinction

Work - brings rewards

I sent in my portfolio this week and anxiously await the approval of my evaluators. Do you know what it takes to have CTSM after your name?

In order to receive the CTSM designation, a person is required to attend 28 classes on trade show and event marketing. It can take years to complete all of the courses. After all classes are completed, you take an inclusive exam at the EXHIBITOR Conference. Not until CTSM exam is passed are you permitted to begin the CTSM Portfolio. The portfolio is a 25-45 page paper touting your experience and what you have learned from the courses. Three people review the portfolio and give it a thumbs-up or down.

Upon passing both stages of the CTSM (Certified Trade Show Marketer) designation, you can be recognized at the EXHIBITOR Conference in March.

The CTSM designation (Certified Trade Show Marketer) is awarded by EXHIBITOR in affiliation with Northern Illinois University Outreach and reflects adherence to the highest standards of trade show and event marketing. Less than 1% of all trade show and event marketers have attained this distinction.

I spent serious time and energy putting this portfolio together and want to thank all those who offered support. I look forward to adding CTSM after my name.