Pet Bosses– We are about two weeks out from the Global Pet Expo happening in Orlando, Florida March 23rd-25th!
That’s 700+ exhibitors, 15,000 pet industry Bosses, and 43 courses scheduled all in one place! It’s going to be paw-some, and we’re HERE for it.
[ Like literally– we’ll be there. Scroll down for Candace’s presentation schedule! ]
In-person expos and events are BACK, and while that feels really exciting, it also means we need to brush up on our expo preparation skills. Proper preparation is the key to maximizing your time and coming out of the experience feeling accomplished and satisfied.
So, how can you get ready?
Here are our top three tips for getting off on the right paw:
1. Let the numbers be your guide.
Confused by what to buy and how much of it? This is not a time for guessing games. You want to base your “shopping list” on REAL numbers. Accessing and evaluating the data from your POS system will completely change the game and keep you focused and intentional with your purchases.
Pet Boss Club Members have access to specific exercises we recommend (login, click on resources→trade show tips), so review that information beforehand. The general gist is that you’ll want insights on your current stock and how much each category contributes to overall sales. There needs to be a balance. Do these numbers match up? For example, if cat supplies make up 10% of your overall sales, they shouldn’t be 15% of your inventory. Can you put some of your inventory on sale now to make room for what will actually sell and turn faster?
Walk into the expo with factual numbers, not your gut. This will keep you from making (too many) impulse purchases!
2. Map out your exhibitors.
Remember this quote– “For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned.”
Now that you have the numbers in front of you, you can organize your expo time and map out which vendors you must see while you’re there. Browse the presentation schedule and figure out which ones you’re interested in. List your existing vendors. Do you want to see their new releases or specials? Or just say hi to keep up your relationship with them? Comb through and explore the newer vendors. Do they fit your brand? Are you interested in learning more?
Now, look at the floorplan and figure out where each vendor is located. Organize them into groups according to their location within the expo, and plan to visit with as many as possible with the least amount of aimless walking around!
3. Set your goals.
Don’t be busy. Be productive.
Productivity looks different for every Pet Boss. You have invested money in this experience, so you need to figure out what productivity looks like for you and make sure you have the tools to succeed.
So, what does a successful expo look like for you? Do you want to fill all the gaps in your inventory, or are you happy with bringing in one or two new items? Are you hunting for heavy discounts? Do you need to learn a new skill or browse technologies that will make your business run more efficiently? Are you in it to network?
Set your top three priorities. Once you do, block your time accordingly. Schedule yourself breaks if you know that you’ll need them. Account for your travel time. Plan your lunch break. Be intentional with every action you plan, and you will come out feeling as if you mastered the Global Pet Expo!
Utilize these three tips and every dollar spent on your expo experience will be completely worth it!
We’d LOVE to meet as many Pet Bosses as possible in person! Here’s where you can find us:
Tuesday, March 22 (Pre-show Session), 3:00-4:15 PM EST
Candace D’Agnolo, our CEO & Founder, is presenting “Pet Store Next Level”. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how to move their business from where they are now to where they want to be. Feel inspired and motivated to invest in those changes on the show floor, as well. The session will take a deep dive into 6 key business areas — operations, team, marketing, inventory, revenue opportunities and the owners themselves. Participants will score themselves in each area and find the opportunities that exist for growth. Candace will teach top key concepts in each category and provide a template or guide for each area in business so attendees can walk away with a tangible process to implement when they get home.
Thursday, March 24, 10-11:15 AM EST
Candace D’Agnolo, our CEO & Founder, is presenting “Shine Bright this Summer with a Robust Event and Promotion Plan”. Attend this session to build a concrete plan for Q2 and Q3 with specific goals for walking the show floor to support this plan. Plan your May, June, July and August promotions, events, window displays, giveaways and team meetings. Review what merchandise to carry in which categories, the price points, and how much to spend. Share tips on how to negotiate and talk with vendors on the floor to firm up their plans and share ideas with each other on “what’s working now” in your businesses. In addition, see samples of great merchandise or giveaways on the show floor.
Thursday, March 24, 1:30-2:45 PM EST
Candace D’Agnolo, our CEO & Founder, will be presenting, “Magic of Markdowns + Creative Selling Techniques”. You’re a store, not a museum. The faster you turn merchandise, the more money you can put into your pocket. It can be nerve-racking to discount and eat into your margins, and you might be thinking, “How much is too much? What discount do I start with?” In this session, learn creative ways to move merchandise through profitable promotions all year long. Understand how to calculate turn, the potential in revenue boost for your business. Uncover the 7 types of customers and why they buy. Learn 5 key opportunities: how to execute Bingo, 5th Saturday Sales, Mystery Boxes, $10k Weekend and Clearance Sales.
Not registered yet? Do so HERE!
Learn more with us!
- Need 1:1 support to make massive action now? Book a discovery call with us to see if working 1:1 with Candace is the right fit for you.
- Get on the waitlist! You’re passionate about pets. It’s time to have a business that supports the life you want, too! Learn the specific techniques to find new customers, to increase sales and to build a better team for ANY kind of pet business by joining the Pet Boss Club! Get on the waitlist here.
Episode 10 | Women in the Pet Industry – Interview with Tori Mistick