Fashion Expo & Tradeshow Checklist

Summer is just around the corner, bringing with it the onslaught of fashion expos and trade shows. What is a fashion tradeshow? Entrepreneur.com defines it as “…an exhibition for companies in a specific industry to showcase and demonstrate their new products and services. Generally trade shows are not open to the public and can only be attended by company representatives and members of the press”. Our New York commercial fashion photographers are working hard retouching and editing images our clients plan on showing at NYC tradeshows this summers. So, what do you need to have a great showing at a trade show? Whether you will be at CurvExpo in August or the Fashion Footwear Association of New York in June, read our list of tips & tricks before you go.  Also, don’t forget to brush up on your fashion marketing terms. (9)

1.    Have Color Copies of Your Look Book Available: Color images sell! Black and white photos of will not convey the exact nature of the fabric or collection. It may sell the mood, but buyers want to move units, not ideas. Many buyers will consider items for their Ecommerce websites and, generally, color sells better online than black and white.

2.    Purchase Large Posters of Your Editorial/Advertisement Images- It’s important that your booth be visible and memorable to buyers traveling around the expo. Buyers who had not planned on stopping on your booth might be tempted after seeing your images.

3.    Bring a Steamer, Stain Remover & Other Emergency Supplies- There’s nothing more tragic than seeing a fashion designer trying to tempt buyers and store owners with products that are in bad condition due to lack of planning. Many designers travel to expos, so plan on items getting folded and stained. It’s better to be over prepared than under prepared.  You want your items to look their best so make sure that will be the case even in the worst-case scenario.

 4.    Bring All Items from the Collection you’re Showcasing- While product shots and swatches are great, seeing the item in person can make all the difference, especially when it’s a new collection.

5.    Bring Line Sheets with Purchase Prices & Landed Prices Already Calculated- Expos and tradeshows are not a time for wheeling and dealing. You need exact costs and taxes figured before you start talking to buyers. Fashion buyers work on exact budgets and need to be able to plan ahead on definite terms and prices before they pick up your brand for wholesale. Having your prices laid out on your line sheet also gives your brand a professional look. If all else fails, have at least a calculator!

6.    Business Cards! – Another no brainer that our NY fashion commercial photography team must stress!  Expos and tradeshows are not just to work with possible buyers, it’s also a time for you to network with individuals in the fashion industry. Whether they’re journalists, models, or other designers, give them your card and network, network, network!

We hope these tips were helpful and Le Image Inc wishes you the best at your upcoming trades how!

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