I just wanted to share something that Luc wrote to me in a private message, as I think it's worth voicing (since I hadn't considered his points, yet, myself):
"I did organize many design shows in Northern Ontario. I had both wire serivces sponsored my events.
The very first one I did was 3 hours away from Toronto. To save cost I did the lunch myself. I had a workshop design show. I think I may had about 20 people that came. I took the time and sent out invitation and then personally phone them and ask if they were coming. I felt like I was asking them to go to the end of the earth. I actually had more people from the north then south.
The next year I did another show in Sudbury. I had a wire service sponsor and a supplier. It turn out great. Had close to 60 people. The next year I had a show with a workshop. That also turned out great and we had close to 100 people.
I get the feeling from the posters that these gathering are just put on by the wire service but really there is someone that organizes the whole event. Someone that will make calls, ask for support, find a location, organize the meal, find wholesalers etc etc etc. The day of the event you have the location to get ready, decorate prepare design with the designer etc etc etc. No one compensated me, I did it because I wanted some design shows.
Every time Richard Cook came to visit me, he always told me that Teleflora was ready to support me with another show. I have two in mind that I would Love to do but my time seem so pre-occupied with other things that they did not pan out.
The ideas are in my head and I will tell you it will happen one day but people need to step up to the plate and help organize these thing. It doesnt happen overnight.
Also these shows people have to realize if it is a sponsored even by the wire service they should be felt welcome no matter what. OPEN the shows to all florist. {Nicole interjection: Teleflora unit organized shows are, as Lori mentioned earlier in the thread, open to non-Teleflora members, too, but the price of entry is higher to make up for the fact that members pay fees that support this kind of thing.} That is how we got that many extra people. Also doing a show, you need to have food. The florists like to be pampered. {Nicole again: I think we ALL like to be pampered!
}
Going to shows is a good marketing idea for your shop. You get to meet wonderful people, new designs, and it is a good networking tool florist should utilize, but some see it as a expense then a profitable way to increase business in your shop."
