STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

AllieGurl · Marc Jacobs

Planning a Huge Event ... Pointers?

relrel · Marc Jacobs

Are you doing this in your store? How exciting!

Not really sure about the gift-giving/thank you notes, but I would assume that normal time lines would apply. One week sounds about right.

The raffle, is this where the shoppers would buy tickets to win the raffle or where the winners are announced? I think that it would be best to to start selling the tickets during pre-show and then up until maybe an hour or so into shopping. Announce the winners when people are shopping. You wanna keep as many people shopping/looking and waiting on the announcement could do that.

The vendors should definitely get an itinerary- not only so they know what's going on overall as concerning their business but also because hell, they might actually be interested in seeing something else or shopping. I know the tendency is to treat the vendor as only a vendor but chances are good that at least a couple of the vendors would be interested in shopping. :)

If you can fit in the time for each and every vendor to say something, then during the giveaway process would be best, but if not, then just make sure you individually announce them and thank them for participating.

I have no clue what sort of thank you gift would be cost effective, yet professional. How many vendors are you having?

lynnie · Chanel

What kind of an event is it?
I think a thank you card is fine! Remember- it's a mutually beneficial relationship. You are selling their goods and they are getting exposure as well. Maybe just stress how much you love carrying them and offer them a special discount if they want to shop?
I think the most important thing is to make sure its well planned and fun- then they will have no problem wanting to participate in future events.
Our line did Lucky Shops this year and it was so well organized and gave us a lot of exposure, plus, GASP! was kind of fun. So we'll do it again, most likely.

NCshopper · Hermes

I would definitely send thank-you cards, but not gifts. You're doing them a service by promoting them, so a gift isn't necessary. I think a week is a good turn-around time.

As far as the raffle goes, I'd sell tickets before the show and do the drawing afterwards.

For the itinerary, I don't know, but I'd be hesitant to show them any more than they need to see.

And honestly, I wouldn't let the vendors speak. This is your event and handing over the mic to someone else is really risky. You never know what people might say or do or how long they'll talk (believe me, people will blabber on and on if given a mic). You just don't want to risk it.

greca · BCBG

HI Alliegirl-

I'm an event planner and I've done a few fashion shows and plenty of big events so if you have an specific questions feel free to PM me but to answer your questions:

1. I don't think gifts are necessary. I'm assuming you'll be doing alot of promo w/their names mentioned so publicity is the best gift you can give. If you have a photographer coming, perhaps you can send some pictures to them from the event w/a hand written note.

2. Raffle- i would say after the show because trust me you will have your hands full right up to the minute the show starts, and in my experience, I've never seen a show start on time, usually because people are late coming and you want a good crowd before you start the show. I would make an announcement at the end of the show saying that there's a raffle so people know to stick around.

3. Itinerary- definitely. And make sure to add some extra time in there because you'll definitely need it.

4. Vendors speaking. I would say no because again, I'm assuming they'll have promo materials there and also because quite frankly, people have short attention spans so you just want to announce the winner, tell them what the prize is, thank the vendor and that's it...:)

This is just my two cents- but do feel free to PM if you have any other questions...I love this stuff....:)

Good luck!