Alaska Arts and Crafts Exhibit Calendar 2009
We do a number of retail shows in Alaska each year, and choosing the best venue is always a bit of a gamble. Comparing sales records from past shows is a good beginning, but that is not always the best rule of thumb. Many factors influence why sales at a show are better one year than the next. Here are several issues to consider when evaluating the success of shows.
First, is the promoter a professional? It is important to find out how much money is being spent on advertising, and what methods are used. Some shows budget the same amount to spend each year and use a combination of media that have proven successful; newspaper ads, t.v. spots, radio interviews or ads or broadcasts from the event itself, posters, mailings, email blasts, the choices are endless. Other shows hit advertizing hard one year and cut back the next trying to coast by on reputation and word of mouth. The latter causes an uneven turn-out and usually a poorer show. So, when evaluating a show find out how it is going to be promoted.
Second, did something out of the control of the promoter create a problem? The weather can seriously affect the best advertised event, especially if it is an outdoor venue. But a cold snap with serious road ice can bring a really good indoor event to a screeching halt. When comparing shows take into account if weather may have been a factor. Sometimes a spectacularly sunny summer day will be the ruination of a excellent indoor event, because Alaskans will flock to the out-of-doors in huge numbers to hike, fish, boat, camp, or basically play outside when it is nice. So, make notes about the weather on your balance sheets at the end of the event.
Third, and most important, is your part. A crummy show with poor advertising and worse weather can be very successful if you have the right product, at the right price, at the right time. This is the magic combination that everyone seeks, sometimes it can be determined by a lot of hard work, investigation and study, and other times it happens purely by accident. Whatever the cause, if you don’t do your homework and know the economic trends and put out new work each year, you are almost guaranteed to fail.
This brings me to the reason that I wrote this blog. How can you find out about arts and crafts shows in Alaska? Easy. A lovely lady named Liza (with a “z”) Harper publishes an annual calendar of bazaars and craft fairs throughout Alaska each year, and for a small fee you can obtain a copy. She lists dates, contact persons, locations, attendance, and other important information needed to help you choose an event to show your work. Contact Liza via email at; liza99507@aol.com or telephone; Liza Harper 907-336-1222.