NSS Part 2 | Interviews with Parrott Design, Iron Curtain Press, Lana's Shop, Julie Ann Art, Reyn Paper Co., Banquet Workshop

For full show notes and access to additional resources for this episode, visit: prooftoproduct.com/nss2017part2

I'm back with Part 2 of our National Stationery Show recap. We're talking with six of our TSBC alumni hearing what went well at the show, how the show has evolved and a couple will weigh in on how the show differs from NY Now and Atlanta's Mart. Today's episode features interviews with Sarah from Parrott Design Studio, Joel from Iron Curtain Press, Lana from Lana's Shop, Julie from Julie Ann Art, Kristen & Pam from Reyn Paper Co., and Tammy from Banquet Workshop.

ON TODAY'S EPISODE:

Sarah Bianculli from Parrott Design (4th year in 5 years at NSS)

[01:30] How this show compared to previously shows she's done. [02:00] Expanding into more gift categories including canvas pouches, notepads, pens and pencils[03:00] Benefits of attending the show and meeting people face to face[04:00] Licensing projects with Papyrus and interest from Kodak; other benefits of being at the show.[04:30] Importance of follow-up after the show[05:00] Do a lot of research for the stores that are a good fit for you, quality over quantity.[05:30] Persistence and patience pay off. Don't give up and stay in front of the buyers you're a great fit for.

Joel Kvernmo from Iron Curtain Press (5th year at NSS)[06:00] Hard wall booths and changing up their design year after year.[07:00] Reusing booth materials to keep costs low, including foam tiles, shelving and storage[08:00] New product releases for this year: reporter notebooks, task pad, pencil bags[08:30] Best selling products at the show.[09:00] Don't overextend yourself financially as you're starting a business. Baby steps and slow growth is better than a big jump, then a big fall.

Lana from Lana's Shop (2nd year at NSS)[10:00] How Paper Camp helped her coming into her second year.[10:30] Continuing the momentum from her first year into the second year. [11:00] Unexpected mishaps: their crate was damaged in shipping[12:00] Opportunities she experienced being at the show: meeting artists & designers in person and potential collaborations[13:00] Go all out. Have confidence and stay true to your own designs

Julie Richardson from Julie Ann Art (2nd year at NSS)[13:30] Second year feels more prepared. Logistics get easier.[14:00] Creating unique decor for her booth that didn't take away from the product.[15:00] Lighting mishap and how she handled it. Resources are available on site.[16:00] NSS is a special atmosphere. [16:30] Advice: Join Tradeshow Bootcamp. Do your research. Don't be intimidated. We're all in this together.

Kristen & Pam from Reyn Paper Co. (3rd year at NSS)[17:00] Difference between types of buyers at NSS vs Atlanta Mart. Orders are typically bigger for Reyn at Atlanta (volume-wise). [19:00] Logistical difference between New York & Atlanta[19:30] Types of buyers they are seeing at National Stationery Show.[20:30] Different shows have different types of buyers. Find the best show for you and your products.[21:00] Find your right audience and get your products in front of them. [22:00] Looking at your return on investment.

Tammy Lawrence from Banquet Workshop (6th year at NSS)[22:30] How NSS compares to NY Now from an exhibitor stand point.[23:30] Types of buyers that shop NY Now vs Stationery Show.[24:30] She's seeing more and more exhibitors branching out into gift products because that is what the buyers want.[26:00] Make half your line birthday cards.[26:30] Branching out into textiles, more cards, etc. [27:00] All buyers buy different product mixes for their stores.

INSTAGRAM HANDLES -- Tell them you heard them on Proof to Product!

Parrot Design

Iron Curtain Press

Lana's Shop

Julie Ann Art

Reyn Paper Co.

Banquet Workshop

JOIN THE TSBC FAMILY:

Interested in learning more about launching or refining a wholesale line or exhibiting at trade shows? Join us for our next Paper Camp conference in Los Angeles. Get more details and register at www.tradeshowcamp.com/papercamp

ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT:

Proof to Product is brought to you by Tradeshow Bootcamp and hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, TSBC has worked with hundreds of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode.