Elegant Dining Set Up
The Three “E’s”
This weekend was the very first trade show or “expo” for Dining Stones and it was filled with the three “E’s” … Enthusiasm, Excitement, and Exhaustion. Enthusiastic about the opportunities to get the word out about my products and producing sales! Excited about meeting my favorite celebrities, getting their autographs, and seeing every show from my prime booth location at the entrance of the Kitchen Theatre! Then ultimately exhausted from the travel, set up and break down, and standing for two solid days! But mostly enthusiastic about meeting so many amazing people who understood the concept of heating stones to keep their food warm during a meal.
Dining Stones Booth
The banner says it all – “Tired of dinner getting cold before you’ve finished eating? www.DiningStones.com”
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First Expo Experience
Since this was my first trade show, I really learned a lot. There were things I had planned that turned into a success, and some things I need to improve for future events. When the event program arrived the day before, I couldn’t believe the location of my booth … right at the entrance of the Kitchen Theatre! On Friday morning, we arrived at the perfect time, just before the mad dash of other vendors pulling into the dock area. I was able to back the loaded truck right into the dock bay, put everything on large flat carts, and roll them right to the empty booth.
Best Looking Booths
Amana Colonies
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It didn’t take very long to set up the booth, so after changing into a business suit and touching up my make-up, there was enough time before the doors opened for me to walk around the building to check out other vendor’s booths. I took photos of the vendors that I thought would really catch the attention of the attendees. a
Tastefully Simple
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Prime Booth Location
Entrance Marquee
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Having the booth next to the Kitchen Theatre entrance seemed to create a lot more foot traffic in my direction, and allowed full view of the jumbo screen above the stage. I could see all of the cooking demonstrations and of course the very funny presentations by Duff and Mary Alice! The middle of the event program had the floor layout and vendor identification … turning to the next page, at the top was the Dining Stones ad! I felt so lucky with the ad placement as well. a
Kitchen Theatre Entrance
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Kitchen Theatre Entrance
Iowa Events Center’s Talented Catering Chefs
Dining Stones’ booth was also next to the entrance of the celebrity “meet & greet” area.
Ice Sculpture
Using Marble
Hockenbergs Food Service was the sponsor who provided the set up and food, and the talented catering chefs from the Iowa Events Center put together an amazing spread and ice sculpture. I had the opportunity to meet them as they were setting up and at one point the entire staff dropped by my booth to check out my product since they use marble pieces for their catering set up.
Iowa Events Center Chefs
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I had to snap these photos of them talking about Dining Stones. By the end of the weekend, I had developed a connection and friendship with the head chef. I hope to be in touch with him later for advice while I try to develop my catering and restaurant Dining Stones! I believe he would have some insightful feedback.
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Neighbor to My Left & Right
Frisian Farms Cheese
Frisian Farms Cheese
The neighboring booth to the right was Frisian Farms Cheese whose specialize in several amazing flavors of Gouda. The two guys running that booth were a hoot to chat with during down time. I spoke with them about potentially collaborating at another expo where I could feature their cheese on a cold Dining Stone!
Amana Colonies had two attractive booths set up to my left and the staff running it was some of the sweetest women you will ever meet. The colonies formed an alliance with other stores and sold all of their goodies together across the two booths. What a great collaboration.
Big Daddy's Son
They were giving away lots of food and had people at their booth constantly.
All around us were entrepreneurs working their tails off and maintaining that friendly attitude.
One such person was behind us at the Big Daddy’s BBQ booth. This photo was of Ike, Big Daddy’s son.
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Great Crowd / Introducing Dining Stones
After the show
I noticed during the event that the banner at the back of our booth really drew a lot of attention to our space. A number of people mentioned they had already visited my website having followed the link from the event’s website. A few others stated they had actually made a point to visit my booth because of seeing the ad in the program or seeing the link on the event’s website. That’s pretty exciting to hear! I really felt that the event provided a great opportunity for me to get the word out about Dining Stones.
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Andrew Zimmern
Andrew Zimmern
Andrew Zimmern / Travel ChannelRemember my great booth location? What luck, Andrew Zimmern walks right by me! So I snapped these photos while he addressed the crowd in the “meet and greet” area. I felt bad that I haven’t had a chance to see his show yet because we just recently added the Travel Channel to our cable package but rest assured I will be watching his show now! Go TiVo!
Andrew’s kitchen theatre cooking demonstrations were pretty impressive and exotic. He has traveled all over the world and experienced odd and interesting cultural cuisine. He appeared to be a genuinely kind and entertaining person.
Andrew Addresses Crowds
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Another Stroke of Luck
Mary Alice Judges Cakes in Contest
On Saturday, Mary Alice from the Ace of Cakes show on The Food Network, walked right by my booth. Of course I was “star struck” and didn’t pull out my camera until she was all the way out of range. She arrived early to act as a judge for the cake decorating competition. I stepped away from the booth long enough to snap these photos of her reviewing the entries. Love you Mary Alice!!!
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Duff & Mary Alice
Duff & Mary Alice
Duff and Mary Alice / Ace of Cakes / Food NetworkBy now you get that I was in the prime spot to watch all the presentations and truly enjoyed the three that Duff and Mary Alice entertained us with throughout the afternoon and evening. Oh sure, my priority was selling Dining Stones at my booth but how nice to be able to watch and listen to their humorous conversations with the audience between visitors at my booth.
Duff & Mary Alice on Stage
I attempted to get in line for Duff and Mary Alice autographs after the first two events but by the time the crowds died down at my booth to permit it, the line at the “meet and greet” was closed. I was so disappointed and knew I only had one more shot at it after the last show.
Deb meets Duff & Mary Alice
I am a huge Ace of Cakes fan! I’m just going to “out” myself on that one. So getting the chance to see both Duff and Mary Alice brought the stalker fan out in me … but I’m not ashamed! You need to know that Duff and Mary Alice are just as adorable and funny in person as they are on the Ace of Cakes show! Their three presentations (which you remember I was able to see right from my booth!) were creative, entertaining, and engaging. In addition, they treated everyone in the long “meet and greet” lines with enthusiasm, excitement, and didn’t show a sign of exhaustion! Every person, every photograph, and every autograph was treated with 100% respect and adoration. I love them more now than ever! Here are the photos of the autographs! Great job Charm City Cakes!
Autograph in Stone: Duff says, "MMM...warm food"
Duff signed my program too!!!
Kudos to:
Cyndi Lorenzen, Sales Manager, IOWA’S PREMIER WINE & FOOD EXPO (Exhibitor Expert)
Hy-Vee Hall (Exhibit location)
Rick Thomas, Pioneer Communications (Event Program)
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Best regards,
