Going to a miniature show can be overwhelming. There may be hundreds of tiny items on view at every table, and some exhibitors are more organized than others. Neck muscles get a good workout from looking down at poorly organized displays. Before you go to a show, review this list and prepare to make the most of your day out!
Check the Show Website
Website information can tell you if there an early bird opening or evening when people can buy in advance of the main show. Are there workshops or speakers scheduled? Is a particular exhibitor or sponsor going to run a feature on a particular day? Time your visit for early in the show if you want to buy anything from a popular exhibitor.
Examine the Exhibitor List
Check the online exhibitor list if possible and make note of exhibitors whose work really interests you. Are any of them offering items which will only be available at the show? Check out websites of exhibitors you haven’t heard of. They may carry something on your want list. Separate the list of exhibitors into three levels depending on your interest.
Be Prepared
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that will let you walk for miles. Keep your possessions to a minimum. Find someone else to baby sit, unless you are prepared to spend all your time introducing a keen new collector to your hobby. Some shows prohibit strollers so check first!
Take a Notebook and Camera
Use the notebook to make a list of what you have, and what you are looking for along with a suggested budget. You can use the notebook at the show to keep track of exhibitors you may want to get in touch with later. Use a small camera to document things you find appealing but want to leave for another time. Ask first before you take photos! Some shows prohibit flash photography so check before the show if you can.
When You Reach the Event
Before you rush in, mark your first level intended exhibitors on the exhibit plan. Be reasonable about how many are in your list of favorites. Highlight any exhibitors you haven’t heard of before, or any whose work appealed to you when you looked at the online information, or checked out their work in magazines. Check your belongings if possible. Coats or bags that brush against exhibits are a problem at miniature shows with so many tiny objects on view.
Get Oriented
When you enter the exhibition, move to one side out of the traffic flow and orient yourself to how the exhibits are laid out. Put on blinkers and go visit your most wanted exhibitors. If they are popular their collections will likely sell out. After you have seen the ones you want, and obtained any particular pieces on your list, you can do a general show shuffle, while mulling over the idea of a major purchase from your favorite exhibitor..Talk to Vendors
If they haven’t got the item you want today, they may know someone not at the event who has, or may be willing to give you a call if they come across it. Artisans often use shows as a means of finding out where their market is going and are happy to listen to the wants of their collectors. Don’t haul out pictures of your collection to show them however. They are working, not visiting, pull out your photos to share with other collectors in the coffee area.
