Attention new exhibitors!

Here’s what you can expect and why you need to be at the 2010 UDMA Dance Resource & Costume Show.

The UDMA hosts the largest gathering of dance teachers and studio owners in the U.S. for a weekend of seminars, parties and exhibitions. Unlike other trade shows, the seminars are held only during non-exhibition hours. Every attempt is made to keep the attendees on the trade show floor for as long as possible, with absolutely no distractions.

As the UDMA is a trade association made up of dance businesses, the show is very exhibitor friendly. Exhibitors can carry in their exhibits, and there are never any restrictions on installing or dismantling your booth. If you drive in and need assistance with loading or unloading your vehicle, freight handling is available at very reasonable prices. There is no drayage fee, ever.

Getting Ready to Exhibit:

First, decide what services you’ll need at your booth. Do you have any special requests? UDMA will arrange electric service as well as tables and chairs, but keep in mind that all other services (TV rentals, high-speed Internet connection, etc.) are arranged through the venues.

Next, if you’re attending more than one city, you’ll need to decide how you’re transporting your goods. You may not send goods directly to a venue—if you need, UDMA can arrange to have your goods sent from one show to the next.

And last, you’ll want to think about how you’re getting the word out about your booth. But don’t stress it because UDMA will do most of the work for you! In addition to e-mail and direct mail, show marketing is also done through our members and their vast connections to our ultimate customer—the Dance Studio Owner. They offer their assistance by sending out flyers in outgoing shipments, having information available at events, competitions and conventions, running print ads and forwarding e-blasts to their client lists. We also have Regional Liaisons who contact area dance studios and promote the shows on a grass roots level.

All of this is explained in the exhibitor packet, which will be sent out in July with all the information you need. It will also be available online for your convenience.

Saturday Events:

Set up is on Saturday, usually from 2 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Make sure your booth can be set up in that time period. If you want to set up earlier, just come into the hall and ask. If we can, we will let you set up earlier. (In New Jersey, the set up is on Friday, all day).
Every Saturday night, there is a TAP (Teacher Appreciation Party) from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., held on the tradeshow floor. It is a great opportunity for your clients to meet, mingle and preview your booth. All attendees are given drink tickets and you will be able to partake in the cash bar. Light hor d’oeurves will be served. After TAP, the networking will continue at a nearby bar/restaurant.

At The Show:

The Clients always come prepared. Often, they have your catalog in hand with pages marked. To get them excited about visiting your booth, it is a good idea to mail them something from your company beforehand. They attend the show because they want to see, feel and test out your products. In order to make an impact, your booth needs to be organized, visually pleasing and easy to navigate. The clients seem to come in bulk, and want to be able to browse without sales assistance. If they questions, they will voice them, but they want to be able to look around.

We encourage you to have models in your booth or demos of your products. Clients also love free samples, give-a-ways and contests.

There is a large seating area with concessions in every city. Clients like to visit the booths, take a seat and review materials they have picked up, grab something to eat and return to the booths. In New Jersey, we offer box lunch delivery to your booth.

The show breaks down PROMPTLY at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. DO NOT BREAK DOWN EARLY – THIS IS STRICKTLY PROHIBITED AND COULD PREVENT YOU FROM SHOWING IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS. Keep this in mind when you make your travel plans.

The vendors are friendly to each other, help each other out and generally engage in a healthy competitive atmosphere. Not only will new exhibitors find new clients, but they will also find new and invaluable associations in the industry.

Last year, in New Jersey 1,362 dance teachers and studio owners walked the show floor, representing 464 dance studios. In Chicago, 715 teachers from 245 studios. In Atlanta, 482 teachers from 180 studios. In Plano, 337 teachers from 144 studios.

ALREADY REGISTERED FOR 2010?

Locations

Note

Click on the cities above if you want to see more information. Please note, this show is only open to Dance Professionals. We register by the STUDIO (or school). Proof of profession is required before you will be allowed to enter the show.

Register

Online or mail in, click here.

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Questions?