Behind the Booth: Lessons from the Atlanta Trade Show

Podcast

Hello, art enthusiasts and small business dreamers! This week on the Art + Audience podcast, we’re diving into the whirlwind world of trade shows. Stacie and her team pulled back the curtain on the hustle, challenges, and rewards of exhibiting at the Atlanta Market, one of the biggest trade shows in the country.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into setting up a booth that wows buyers and builds lasting relationships, buckle up—this episode is a rollercoaster ride of planning, improvisation, and resilience.

The Setup: From Dreams to Display

Stacie and her team spent months preparing for this event. As Amanda shared, preparation included designing marketing materials, organizing products, and budgeting for significant expenses. Trade shows like the Atlanta Market don’t come cheap. Here’s a breakdown of their investment:

  • Booth rental: $3,000–$4,000
  • Walls and fixtures: $600 per wall, plus furniture and display items
  • Travel: Airfare, accommodations, and transport costs
    Altogether, the event cost upwards of $15,000. “It’s not just an expense,” Stacie emphasized. “It’s an investment in marketing and building relationships.”

But preparation is only half the battle. The team faced numerous hiccups, including canceled orders, a gas-leaking Airbnb, and uncooperative booth walls. Yet, through late nights and quick thinking, they pulled it off.

The Importance of Connection

Trade shows offer more than just sales opportunities; they’re a chance to connect. Stacie highlighted how vital it is for potential buyers to physically experience products. “Selling online is so limiting,” she explained. “At a trade show, customers can touch and feel products like our new table runners and napkins.”

Jessica, who manages product development at Gingiber, noted how the team leveraged customer feedback to refine their offerings.

Lessons from the Booth

What can artists and small business owners take away from this behind-the-scenes look at trade shows?

  1. Expect the Unexpected: Flexibility is key when things go wrong (and they will).
  2. Invest in Presentation: A polished booth attracts buyers, so don’t skimp on display materials.
  3. Leverage Every Opportunity: Trade shows are about relationships, not just sales. A single conversation could lead to future collaborations.
  4. Focus on Customer Experience: Seeing customers interact with your products in real-time provides invaluable insights.

Final Thoughts

For Stacie and her team, the Atlanta Market wasn’t just about showcasing their products—it was a chance to connect with buyers, gather feedback, and build brand awareness. Despite the challenges, the experience was energizing. “We’re already thinking about the next one,” Stacie shared with excitement.

Don’t forget to share your own trade show experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear from you. Until next time, keep creating and connecting!Subscribe and leave a review to help the Art + Audience podcast grow. Got questions? Call the Art + Audience Podcast hotline: (479) 966-9561.

follow on instagram @gingiber