From: "Theresa" <alanj@jps.net>
To: <balloondeco@balloonhq.com>
Subject: Re: Marketing to Banquet Halls and Bridal Shows
Date: Thu, 17 Aug 2000 13:04:46 -0500

Big thanks to everyone for your suggestions on marketing to these venues!  I
met yesterday with the special events directors of the Civic Center in one
of our neighboring cities, and she was blown away with the material that I
showed her.  :)   This was my first time "going public" and meeting with the
real "movers and shakers" of the area who spend the big bucks, so I was
pretty nervous!  But after all was said and done, she was so impressed
she -asked- me to leave a portfolio and some brochures, and gave me the
names of all the "popular" events people in the area, and said if I had a
problem contacting any of them, to let her know and she'd "pave the way" for
us!

I got contact info for the caterer that does all the "big" expensive events
(he did a $40,000.00 party there last year!);  the city's party planner; 2
contacts for the local malls; and contact for the one other huge banquet
hall that does the rest of the "big" parties!  (Apparently these are the 2
places that do all the upper-class events).

I was so psyched when I got back, I got right on the phone and started
calling!  LOL  I've got 2 appointments for next week and one of them, as
luck would have it, is in charge of the local bridal show and the city's
weekend-long "Home Show"..... and has already asked us if we would be
interested in doing the decor for BOTH of them!!!   :)   Wow!

Thanks again to everyone for your sharing your experiences and advice.  As
the old saying goes, If you want to be successful, network with successful
people!

Theresa Jordan
Balloons 'N Stuff