Forum

As a producer of festivals, its a daunting task to organize shows. But, there is no excuse for taking someone's money and not promoting it properly. If you are a professional organization and promoting is your livlihood, it needs to be done in a business-like manner. You set up a paypal /business account and make a list of all your advertising opportunities, including social media and festival sites.

You figure out how much the advertising is going to cost and you pay those expenses first as the money comes in. Never touch that money for personal use until all your expenses are paid. Once the expenses are paid, that is your residual income, to do what you want, however, it would be wise to save some of that money as collateral for your next show. Promoters who use festivals as a get rich quick scheme business puts a bad taste in vendors and other promoters mouths. Some of us are actually in the business of producing and bad press like some of which I've read on this site gives us a bad rap.

Now for the subject of no attendee's/no sales.

Several issues are in question here. As a promoter and attendee. Check list!

1. Was advertising done?

2. Was there ample parking?

3. Was there another larger event going on in the city that draws more people?

4. Was there unique, interesting and diverse products being sold?

5. Just because there is music does not mean its a bad arts show, thats ignorant. The two go hand in hand for a fun time. 

6. Was there food, an international flavor?

7. Was there a theme?

8. Were the vendors looking excited, friendly or carry sad sack faces on the whole day which freakin turns me off.

These are just a few of the details that one thinks about when promoting or attending a show as an exhibitor. Hey, slow happens, maybe the promoter is just learning the ropes or establishing themselves in the community. It is a very, very competitive business. True it takes a lot of hard work and several months sometimes to produce a show,  but educate yourselves, and give shows a try, you never know who is going to be there, and sometimes its who you meet that makes or breaks your experience. Get to know the promoter as well. Be kind, not condescending.  I am speaking 100% through experience. New is not always a bad thing, support your promoter!!!.

I hope all you new promoters or rusty ones read this and make your shows a better one!! And as for you vendors, we love you, need you, and want to make your experience a 5 star winning situation, we really do, but we can't guarantee your sales, thats up to your skill, product line and the way you handle the public. And vendors help promote as well, its a communal effort.

Promoters: So you don't get nasty reviews written about you, do the right thing by your business and be educated and honest or don't do it. Sure mistakes happen,  no one is perfect, but these unkind reviews is concerning to me. 

Here is my show coming up in Oxnard, California. I advertise heavily. Spaces available for my festival. Thank you for reading and see you there!!!! I look forward to meeting you personally. Linde