Frequently Asked Questions about the APPL Trade Show
Who Attends the Trade Show?
Most attendees are buyers, decision makers or influencers in the
purchasing process for their organizations or partnering agencies.
There are approximately 70 professional buyers, representing over
500 outlets on public lands throughout the U.S. Buyers work for
cooperating and interpretive associations that have formal
agreements with government agencies to operate sales outlets in
visitor centers and other facilities located on public lands. They
attend the APPL trade show to purchase new and established products
and services, as well as customizable items. They also utilize the
APPL Trade Show to learn about new suppliers, products and services.
Government agency representatives involved in approving the items
cooperating and interpretive associations sell use the Trade Show to
become familiar with products and services in order to request items
for review.
Should your company exhibit at the Trade Show?
Yes, if your company offers educational products, services or
theme-related merchandise that can help inform the public of
America’s natural and cultural heritage. For products that have gone
through the approval process, the APPL Trade Show offers one of the
best selling points available. Many exhibitors express that it is
their biggest sales opportunity of the year for this market. For
products or services that have not gone through the approval
process, the APPL Convention and Trade Show is a good place to
showcase and market your product. You will have the opportunity to
meet and work with the appropriate individuals to help your
organization through the approval process.
What is the approval process?
Although cooperating and interpretive associations make their own
buying decisions they still must receive approval from their
government agency partners for each item they sell on public land.
Government agencies have their own selection guidelines and review
process, which can take anywhere from one month to more than a year.
The trade show offers individuals that are involved in the approval
and buying process the opportunity to learn about new products and
services that would benefit their organization and appeal to the
public. Cooperating and interpretive association buyers are loyal.
Once products are approved and relationships are established,
business usually continues for many years. The show then becomes a
“selling” show for returning exhibitors.
Besides exhibiting, what else can I do to maximize my
opportunity at the show?
In addition to exhibiting, you can further market your company by
becoming a VSP contributor, Convention Sponsor, donate to the
Auction and demonstrate your product. Education and Networking are
important components to selling to the Public Land Community. You
will meet valuable contacts and learn about the community by
attending the Exhibitor Meeting, Getting to Know APPL, and social
events included in your exhibitor registration fee. You may attend
optional attendee sessions and events for added opportunities. Log
onto APPL’s Web site regularly to learn more about the organization,
members and the Convention and Trade Show.
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