How I prep for a show

As you may or may not know, I will be vending at the Pomona Super Show this weekend.

This is a first for me, as I usually sell out before this show. Thing is, I hatched out more than before, and I am ready to do this!

I like this show as a spectator, as it is pretty well attended and has a good general following of people in the area. Los Angeles has a large population, and with that, a large group of hobbiests in the area!

I love it.

Anyway, I prep for a show by doing several things, which I have yet to do, but for my sake and for the sake of writing things down, I will outline for you.

1) CHECK SUPPLIES

- I make sure all of my acrylics are functional and clean, that my ink pens are not dried out, that my hand sanitizer and business cards are all in quantity.

- I check the "Show Box" for all the supplies.

They are as follows:

• Paper Towels
• Pens
• Paper
• Power Cord
• Hand Sanitizer (to put out) 
• Business Cards
• Ink Pens
• Chlorhexidine Spray bottle
• Table Cover
• Show Banner
• (If the Show does not provide drapes) Banner holder (PVC Piping)
• Zip Ties
• Snake Bags
• Snake Cups
• Receipt Book
• Stamps (Sold, etc)
• and More....

I have collected plenty of stuff over the years of things I never thought I would need at a show, including scissors, hair ties, and even candy. So, there are a lot of things to plan for, and that is just some of it.

2) CHECK INVENTORY

Make sure that everything you intend on bringing is presentable enough to bring to show to the public. Is it too small? Is it in shed? Is it a bad feeder? All of these things you have to think about before packing up your snakes to bring to a show.

Make an inventory and price list before you go, just to have some semblance of organization when you set up, as depending on how much time you have and how much help you have, it may take WAYYYY longer than you think.

I use an excel spreadsheet with counts of animals, as well as prices. This helps in remembering what was sold, as well as keeping tabs if something gets stolen.


3) PREPARE TO SIT AROUND

I bring things that keep me comfortable. We have a cushy chair that I bring, as well as my laptop and my phone. Entertainment when things get a little slow... I brought a few magazines once as well, but that didn't end up being necessary, as I didn't get any time to read. Also, a sweater. Sometimes these places get COLD (or too hot), so bring things appropriately to account for the temperatures.

We always bring a cooler as well, as there is not often time to go and get food in an 8-10 hour period of time. Sodas, water, snacks.. All good things to prepare for. Beer works too, depending on the show promoter.


4) DON'T FORGET YOUR PAPERWORK

I don't know about you, but I provide paperwork when I can, and that includes at a show. If I sell a Het, it will come with paperwork. So, I bring it!

This also includes the paperwork that doesn't have to do with genetics, including your receipt book, your vendor license, your permits for sale of whatever particular animal you sell (depending on the area). You never know when something comes up...


5) GET READY TO HAVE FUN!!!

I always psych myself out before a show, usually because I bog myself down with "Gotta do this, gotta do that." Always remember that these things should be FUN! If you aren't having fun, you are doing something wrong. If anything, its a great few days to get out there and talk to the people about the snakes you love! SMILE, get sleep, get hyped up, and get ready for it!

It's a ton of fun when all is said and done.

It's just exhausting.


So, with that, I think I'm going to go take a power nap. I need to get all I can in before this weekend comes.

Have a fantastic day, my friends!