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What Exhibitors Expect
By Gary Schleicher, updated by Karen Lawrence
An exhibitor's expectation of a show (and opinion of the club producing the
show) begins long before the first day of the show, and the impression of a club's show producing capabilities is reinforced throughout the show itself. Remember, that the overall impression an exhibitor is left with after your show will be the determining factor in whether they (and possibly their friends - because exhibitors *do* talk to one another) will return in subsequent years.
While most exhibitors seem to wait until the week before closing to enter, they begin the planning process much earlier. The first contact is probably with the Entry Clerk. It is
reasonable to expect the Entry Clerk be as friendly and helpful as possible.
The Entry Clerk is actually an extension of the marketing effort for a show. If
they make it difficult to enter, the exhibitors may not return. The job of the
Entry Clerk is not an easy one, but this is no excuse for being less than
professional. Exhibitors expect their entries be handled efficiently and
accurately. As many exhibitors also need to coordinate travel plans for the
show, the Entry Clerk should be prepared to assist in any way possible, within
reason. This includes making recommendations of local hotels, restaurants,
transportation and closest airports to the show. Many times exhibitors may be
considering two or more shows on the same weekend and need to coordinate last
minute travel plans. The Entry Clerk can make a big difference in the
impression an exhibitor has of the club by making the final counts readily
available. Posting a message on the Internet lists and/or placing a message on
an answering machine/voice mail could do this handily.
While planning the show, the clubs should make every attempt to locate the show
as conveniently to transportation as possible. If this is not possible, the
club should make arrangements with transportation services or provide
transportation to and from the closest airport as well as from the hotel to the
showhall.
Once the exhibitor has arrived, the next opportunity the club has to make a
positive impression is at the showhall at check-in. The check-in process should
be well organized and the people manning the "booth" need to be well informed in
the necessary processes. This would include collecting and refunding money due
as well as handling absentees and transfers.
The showhall should be chosen with care. Many things about the showhall can
make the difference between a pleasant experience and a downright unbearable
one. The showhall should be clean with good lighting. The cages should be set
up in a manner that allows wide aisles between the rows of cages. Do not cut
corners here to try and squeak in a few more entries. The cages should be setup
and be in good repair. The condition of the cages used is a direct reflection
on the club, even if the club hired a cage service. Check that the cages are
clean with no tape or other foreign objects attached. Another point to look for
in the cages is the tops can be secured easily (with clips if necessary). The
showhall should have convenient facilities for both the exhibitors and the
general public (gate). This would include clean, easily accessible restrooms,
vendors offering food and refreshments, and make sure the hall is handicapped
accessible.
Once inside the showhall and setup, the exhibitors should expect the club to
begin the show on time and put on a smooth running show. This requires good
scheduling as well as talented ring clerks. The job of ring clerk is an
important part of the show. They can be a boon or burden to the flow of the
ring. The ring clerk(s) should be courteous as well as accurate. This is not
always possible as some exhibitors can be downright impossible to deal with, but
this is not an excuse to be nasty or short-tempered.
Remember, all of your club members must do their best to make sure that the impression left on exhibitors after your show is a positive one!
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