DEMA Show 2017 - Orlando

[Octopusprime]

Anyone going to DEMA this year? This is going to be my first.

We will be having a booth for DiveScheduler.com a dive boat Managment and online booking tool.

Any advice from past vendors? Things to avoid headaches?

We will be looking for a Resteraunt or bar to have an cocktail hour for potential clients after the show, any suggestions?

 

[The Chairman]

I'll be there and this will be the first year I won't be boothing. People find me on the interwebs already, so supporting DEMA doesn't make much sense. Not to me anyway. Here's my list developed over many DEMAs. I've broken many of them, but I'm more successful when I don't.

Suggestions:

• KISS: Keep it Simple, Simple
  • Have a simple clear message/hook
  • Keep a consistent Focus
  • Too many offers and competing graphics only confuse people!
• Stand Out
  • Buy a proper booth: don't be cheap.
    • Banners won't cut it
  • Use clear bold graphics
  • Keep a consistent Focus
• Engage Traffic
  • Run a giveaway(s)
    • Easy way to collect business cards or other info
  • Eye Contact
  • Identify buyers
  • Have tchotchkes people will like, use and KEEP!
    • Focus on your target audience!
  • Stay off your phones and laptops!
    • Nothing says "your not important" like ignoring people while on your phone
    • It's a waste of valuable show time!
  • People in your booth will draw even more people to your booth.
    • A vacant booth will attract no body
• Be a Pro
  • Dress the part
  • Act the part
  • Focus on the person in front of you
  • Keep the booth neat and clean
  • Eat away from the booth
  • Don't over book appointments
    • Always be early and focused
  • Keep your cards on the table!
    • Business cards should be plentiful, clear and inviting
  • Have fun, but don't get tanked at night
• Get Plenty of Rest
  • This is actually part of being a pro, but I'm giving it it's own section
  • Party light
  • Retire early
  • Choose your after hours activities wisely
  • Eat responsibly
    • I bring in a sub for lunch unless I've set an appointment during that time
  • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!!!

 

[muzikbiz22]

Have tchotchkes people will like, use and KEEP!

If nothing else comes of this thread, I now know how to spell TCHOTCHKES ! Thanks Pete !

 

[The Chairman]

If nothing else comes of this thread, I now know how to spell TCHOTCHKES ! Thanks Pete !

Considering the amount of thought I put into my response, that's a humbling insight.

 

[Octopusprime]

Doc, thanks for the reply that is an AWESOME list. I am a huge fan of KISS and the real booth display is not a problem.

I do have a questions about your point about booking appointments. I have never been at DEMA and when reading the terms of the agreement says you can not schedule events during show hours and you cannot approach people at their booth.

We will be inviting people that come to our booth to a reception after the show for free drinks and doing mini demo

We want to

 

[The Chairman]

The rules at DEMA are pretty flexible. By that, I mean unenforceable. There are tons of "Sneaker Booths" throughout the show. My first DEMA could be categorized as just that. I've heard one or two people being kicked out over the last dozen years, but it's hit and mostly miss. Since this will be my first time in a long time not displaying, I'm going to be very careful not to cross that line.

Appointments are not "events". What they don't want is for you to pull people away from DEMA during show times.

By far, the biggest problem with most of the booths at DEMA is apathy. Many boothers seem to be just marking time and when the event is over, there is a huge cheer and sigh of relief. It's tragic. I even see some booths knocked down before lunch on Saturday not even waiting for the end. As an owner, you won't have that problem, but be careful not to catch the disease. I was definitely guilty of that last year which is one of the reasons I decided not to display.

 

[Nikole]

If they're open to the public, I'm going!!! I marked it in my calendar last year!!

 

[Octopusprime]

Nikole, I could be mistaken but I think it is limited to dive professionals. Shops, instructors, manufacturers and destinations.

If you have a good relationship with your local shop and they are going you may be able to get in with them.

Or just get your Divemaster before show.

 

[Imbodie]

• • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!!!

Having gone to only 1 DEMA... This should be the number one rule for anyone attending... for being a "diving" event, the floor will suck ALL the water out of your body.... was all I could do to keep a full bottle of water in my hand... I don't care if you are a vendor or an attendee.... Might consider giving away bottled water for anyone that fills out an info card... then again you might go broke buying water.

 

[Imbodie]

Nikole, I could be mistaken but I think it is limited to dive professionals. Shops, instructors, manufacturers and destinations.

If you have a good relationship with your local shop and they are going you may be able to get in with them.

Or just get your Divemaster before show.

Or go with someone who is a PRO.... Specially if you are just doing a 1 day tour.