A Wedding Show of FIRSTS!
by Larry Williams
It is a very exciting time to be in the wedding industry here in Northern Nevada. Spring is in bloom and so too are wedding brides who are anxiously awaiting the next reason to get excited about their upcoming wedding. Next week’s Premier Bride Showcase is going to represent several FIRSTS for our area. Show producer Shirley Lockett has pulled out all the stops to create a show that will be as exciting to participate in as it will be to experience!
The Area’s FIRST Major “Spring” Wedding Show
For as long as anyone can remember, wedding shows in our area have always been held in the fall and winter. With the exception of some mildly successful smaller gatherings, potential wedding couples have never had the opportunity to attend a large area wedding show in the spring. This couldn’t come at a better time. When the economy began to dip late last summer, many wedding couples put off or scaled back their wedding plans. In recent weeks, things have begun to level off and many couples are enjoying a renewed focus on wedding planning. A show of this nature – at this critical time – may provide the perfect spark for wedding couples and vendors.
The Area’s FIRST “Two-Day” Wedding Show
This is a very significant first for our area. A two-day wedding show is often the norm in the larger, more populated metropolitan areas – but it has never been done here. If you consider how many of our residents come from outside this area – you will begin to appreciate how this show might be received. Customers respond to that which is familiar. The familiarity and convenience of this two-day offering could set a new standard for our area.
The Area’s FIRST “Saturday” Wedding Show
Over the years, the overwhelming majority of our wedding shows have been on Sunday. With the exception of a handful of smaller gatherings, our area has never enjoyed a Saturday wedding show from a major show producer. Saturday is usually the busiest shopping day of the week . . . it could prove quite beneficial for vendors in attendance.
The FIRST Wedding Show to Feature a Noted Book Author
This is a big addition! For years, wedding shows have followed the traditional model of a fashion show as their primary stage entertainment. But for the very first time, a noted wedding book author will compliment the fashion show by appearing on-stage to present an informative oration – complete with video – on how to create “The Best Wedding Reception . . . Ever!“ Lockett Incorporated has extended the invitation to book author Peter Merry who is one of the most in-demand wedding celebrities in our industry. His on-stage appearances will be complimented by a book signing and a pre-show seminar presentation (on Thursday April 2nd) to the wedding community.
Lockett Incorporated has engaged in an unprecedented media blitz that is blanketing the Truckee Meadows. KOLO News Channel 8 will be interview Peter Merry for their morning show “live” from the Peppermill on Thursday April 2nd. In addition, KOLO and other news agencies have been invited to broadcasting “live” from the Convention Center. Around town, an impressive billboard advertising campaign has been complimented by radio, newspaper, e-mail, internet, storefront marketing, magazine coverage and yet another first . . . the Front Row Media Truck, with it’s glass see through bridal shop, will be driving about the city so passersby can see it and hurry down to the Convention Center. It is an impressive showing of advertising that is working on behalf of all wedding professionals to showcase the area’s first major spring wedding show in the best light possible.
Booths Are STILL Available!!!
It is not too late to get a booth. The Reno/Sparks Convention Center is a big place to host a wedding show! You can still get a great booth at a great price! Call Shirley Lockett at 775-849-8000 or e-mail her at shirley@bigshows.com. Big Shows . . . that about says it all, doesn’t it?
