Yesterday I decided to bite the bullet and have a booth at The Original Baby Soiree. If you have ever tried to promote your business at a trade show, you understand that to say it's hard work is an understatement. The days are long, there is a ton of standing, you usually lose your voice from all the chatting—plus it's a day away from your family.
So this year I decided to do something a little different. I chose to mix business and pleasure. Rather than simply inviting new moms to sign up for YMC, I shared my booth with my eleven-year-old son. Just as I am passionate about reminding moms to lose the guilt and rediscover the women they used to be, my son has discovered a love of fundraising for Me to We. He is on a mission to raise funds to help build schools in Kenya.
The night before, we each put together fancy gift baskets. Mine was to be used as a prize for one lucky mom who signed up for our newsletter. My son used his to raffle off—one ticket for $2, three for $5.
The doors opened promptly at 9:50 am and we were both inundated with customers. Luckily my mom, my husband and daughter came to help us both out. It was a treat for me to have my family with me while meeting so many women with big bellies and the cutest little babies.
I also reconnected with ET Canada host Cheryl Hickey who dropped by to do some shopping for her little one.
But the real star was my son. He charmed all the ladies with his sweet demeanor and obvious passion for doing good. Moms were throwing money at him.
Business was good. And so was the show. I have never attended such an elegant baby show. There were several rooms featuring exhibitors including Mommy Connections and Help We've Got Kids to name just a couple. Then, there was the extremely popular swag room, where those with VIP passes were invited to grab all kinds of free products. Kids were kept busy. Both of mine stopped work up to have awesome charactures done by an artist who does this for kids parties. Look at this cute drawing of my daughter!
Also to keep the little monsters occupied, there was an arts and crafts area, plus complimentary child-minding by Little Party Goers. And my fave detail: in the hotel bathroom, each stall had a little potty ring waiting just in case.
And, I must say I was especially impressed by the FOOD. Lovely waiters wandered around the entire show with gorgeous finger foods - grilled cheese, sliders, beef appetizers, pancakes with chocolate dip - free for the taking. And then, down the hall, a mini restaurant filled with a huge table of snacks - sweet and savory - plus delicious smoothies prepared by the chef. All was included in the cost of admission. Seriously, how elegant is that?
At 5pm, my son and I closed up shop. I was thrilled to see over 200 new moms had signed up for YMC by the end of the day. But what was even more exciting/touching - my eleven year old son had raised $354 for his charity, thanks to the generosity of all the guests at The Orginal Baby Soiree! My pride overfloweth.
This is the inaugural baby show for event organizer Renee. Round of applause from this jaded baby show goer. For all those mompreneurs wondering if you should be a part of next year's show, I'd give it two thumbs up—one from me and one from my very tired son.
Looking for other great events for moms and their families? Check out this list.
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