I just returned from one of my favorite Scottish trade shows, and I have to say—it was such a whirlwind, in the best possible way!
The day started really well. Traffic was smooth, getting there was easy, and parking was perfect. I love this particular show because it’s so well-organized, and the distance between the car park and the booths is minimal—so much less stressful than other events I’ve attended.
I was given an 8-meter by 1-meter stand, which was a huge upgrade from my usual 2-by-1 setup. Naturally, I was thrilled—but then reality hit. How was I going to design and dress the space to showcase all my work? My original, smaller stand had always forced me to be selective, but now I faced the opposite challenge: filling a space that suddenly felt enormous.
My plan was to make a bold impact, sharing the stand between my illustration brand and my Echo Jewellery designs. I decided to use bright green wallpaper as a backdrop to create a strong, cohesive presence. But as soon as I started putting it up, disaster struck—the panels were wobbly, the walls started coming apart, and nothing would stick. Despite being well-prepared with pre-labeled cards, sticky tape on shelves, and pre-arranged designs, my vision fell apart before it even began.
I had to improvise—quickly. Luckily, just a week before the show, I had printed some new designs originally meant for textiles onto wrapping paper and cards. They were bright, tartan-inspired, and full of vibrant color. They arrived just in time, and to my delight, everything clicked. My wrapping paper became the star of the show, drawing attention and bringing people straight to my stand.
Both of my brands did really well, but my illustration designs, in particular, got so much attention. Being given a larger stand really made a difference—it not only allowed me to showcase more products but also gave a professional presence that made visitors take notice. Honestly, I’m a little spoiled now! Going back to a 2-meter stand in the future might feel like a squeeze, but perhaps that’s the perfect opportunity to launch new collections in a more curated way.
One big takeaway? Looks matter. A bigger, well-dressed stand immediately signals professionalism and credibility. People notice the details, yes, but the first impression comes from the scale and presentation.
The show itself was local and well-attended, and I highly recommend that anyone considering trade shows start small and nearby. It’s important to visit shows beforehand, talk to other exhibitors, and understand the logistics—travel, accommodation, parking, and shipping all affect your bottom line.
Another bonus: being part of the FAIRE wholesale platform meant that some customers purchased online after the show, even if they didn’t speak to me directly. So a good show doesn’t just happen in person—it continues online too.
Overall, it was a fantastic experience. The feedback was positive, sales were strong, and I left feeling inspired. This year is shaping up to be an exciting one, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
