Saturday 12th March 2011. The day of the North East Maternity, Baby & Toddler Roadshow had arrived and my alarm catapulted me out of bed at 5am. It was time to get up, get ready and get out!
Apart from Suzanne, the event organiser, Global Maternity was the first business to arrive at 6.45am to set up. Following a minor health and safety hiccup, our plan to creatively suspend our gorgeous maternity clothes from the top of the stand was very quickly replaced with borrowing a rather industrial looking clothes rail from Newcastle Racecourse. We live and learn!
The show was open to the public from 10am to 4pm. The entrance fee was £4.50 for adults, children 10-16 and OAP's £2.50 and under 10's free. In total there were 57 exhibitors ranging from children's clothes and nightwear to real nappies. We exhibited at this show in 2010 and felt that it was a worthwhile opportunity to meet customers, showcase some of our maternity clothes, distribute leaflets, run a prize draw and network with other local businesses in the North East, many of whom we know from Newcastle Business Mums and Mums Business Club North East.
Although exact figures are not known, we felt that visitor numbers were lower than in 2010 and this had an impact for the businesses that we were able to speak to on the day. Despite this, the exhibitor next door to me - Shield Chiropractic kept me on my toes as they showcased their dance moves whilst listening to childrens nursery songs by Jo Jingles! The Gateshead Metrocentre 'Metro Gnomes' were also on hand to give both children and adults a giggle!
Attracting a wide range of relevant exhibitors to these events, making sure the event is properly advertised to the target market, and the right venue are [in our minds] key to attracting visitors, increasing sales and ensuring customer satisfaction. So, if it is going to be held at Newcastle Racecourse in 2012, could someone please turn the heating on?! My goose bumps were out in force!
On the plus side, there was a small interactive area where businesses could showcase and talk to visitors about their products. Aggie from Grow up Green was giving demonstrations on using real nappies and Debbie from Pushy Mothers was advocating the benefits of postnatal outdoor fitness.
So, for 2012...perhaps a bigger and better venue, increased number and wider range of exhibitors and some heating may be something to chew over?!
Global Maternity is heading up to Glasgow in April for the 2011 Scottish Baby & Toddler Show. See you there!
