Shannon Nelson, Shop For A Cure, Coordinator

Lake Ariel, PA resident and Country Bunny Bath & Body Rep #7227, Shannon Nelson coordinates Shop For A Cure event to benefit The American Cancer Society in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Having organized two previous expos, Nelson had a working list of vendors to contact for this event. First she invited past vendors and then went to the DSA website to look up companies with reps local to her. Next she listed the event on CraftLister.com, Wahm.com and MommysHelperOnline.com. "Some of the vendor's participating referred other vendors to me as well." Says Nelson.

To find an outlet for her event, Shannon asked other promoters about where there were halls within her budget and she paid attention to where other craft fairs were being held.

Knowing what to charge for her event was simply figured by looking at how much it would cost her to rent the hall, advertising costs and other operating costs such as, having signs made, copying flyers (paper/ink or cost to copy at Staples) and so on. "I also charge a refundable clean up fee." Says Nelson.

Shannon recalls, [To advertise I used] "Online message boards, local blogs, local newspapers, local TV stations online community calendars, press release services, PSA's, word of mouth, flyers, radio, local tourist magazines and signs."

Shannon was filled with comments and thoughts when I asked if there was anything she would do differently next time...

"I would create an advertisement card for the vendors to give to their customers/family/friends/business contacts to bring with them to the event. Vendors would have their company name on the card so that I can keep track of which vendors are really helping to promote the event. I'll offer an incentive to the vendors to do so, by offering a prize for the vendor with the most advertisement cards returned.

I may also only choose companies who allow their rep's to sell 'cash and carry' and make this a mandatory cash and carry event. Many guests complained that half the vendors had nothing to sell 'cash and carry'. They [guests] did not want to place orders.

This was the first time that I did not allow non-direct sales companies to take part in the Expo. I am going to re-evaluate that decision and possibly allow crafters back in for future Expos."

As a continuation of Shannon's Shop for a Cure event, anyone who books a show with her in the month of May, be it an online show, catalog show or in home spa show, Shannon will donate $10 per booking to the American Cancer Society for breast and ovarian cancer. Your show does not have to take place in May, but has to be booked with her before the end of this month. This is a great way to earn some products for free, while helping contribute to a worthy charity.

For more information:

Shannon Nelson
Country Bunny Bath and Body
http://www.cbunnyrep.com/7227