I feel certain with all this feedback that we will be able to arrive at a suitable time and location for our next NGAG show. So many are willing to work towards that end and maybe more participants will realize that the Hard Work needs to be shared by more of us.

I love it that we are able to have an open discussion about the needs and future of NGAG.

I just recently joined NGAG and this was my first AATL experience. I thought the show was great – my best ever. It’s a beautiful venue and the show has name recognition after three years. It would be a shame to lose that.

Alan, you did a great job organizing the show – especially considering you did it long distance. Yes there were setup issues – there always are. But you got them resolved quickly and effectively.

Once we were set up, I heard no complaints about the downstairs area from artists nor visiting patrons. Had we limited artists to the upper level, we “newcomers” would not have been able to participate.

I do believe that the economy has affected all of us in one way or the other, however timing and location are still an important part of any sale.

I think Kathy’s idea to move the show to June to coincide with Art Tour weekend is a great one. Perhaps we would attract early season buyers, instead of end of season lookers. However, I think consistency is important and if we move it to June, it should remain on that weekend.

I also think having a meeting regarding sales and marketing of art would be appropriate. Perhaps the meeting right before the show would be a great time to help artists like me who struggle with prices, selection, approach, demeanor, etc.

In any event, whatever the “Powers that Be” decide, I intend to participate in anything I possibly can until I can no longer afford to continue my passion.

I had several people comment on what a nice show it was and while I certainly didn’t make the amount that I did the first or second year I think it’s worth keeping. It generally takes a show abount 5 or 6 years to get off the ground and remember, there are many shows going on every weekend in warm weather for the public to choose from so we need to make this one the best it can possibly be.

Kathy just mentioned one of the places I was going to suggest: The Lodge at Tallulah Falls. Another one could be Tallulah Falls School. I have only seen it from outside, but it looks very nice.

We could find out if that’s possible and how much it will cost. In both of those cases, we could also try to get a discount room package for people from out of town, like Atlanta.

These two places have the advantage of been on the main highway, easily visible and with a lot of parking space. We could put a large advertising sign close to the road and get not just the people coming especially to the show but also people just out for a drive.

I do think it is VERY important for everyone to know that the Lake Rabun community does value and appreciate this show. If it is held at The Pavilion more can be done to remind (promote, promote, promote) them but there is a cost associated with promotions and again most of us the LRA folks were still exhausted from the LRA Flea market (which is more like a silent auction art show)… My suggestion is to pick two locations and swap them every other year – and consider keeping the show at The Pavilion on Lake Rabun for 2010 but think about moving it to the June weekend of the Art Tour (that might be around the tour of homes weekend perhaps). FYI – The tour of homes and Flea Market are always held on Father’s day weekend in June so next year is the tour of homes. Rent out the Tallulah Falls Lodge & conference rooms and hold that year’s show (2011 – same year as LRA Flea Market) in the fall (also the weekend of the fall Art Tour). FYI – The July date was picked because it did not conflict with other ART events (Hambidge, GHCA, and Hockocan) there wasn’t anything on the LRA schedule then and August is DEAD at the lake and in Clayton… b/c of back to school.

As for the question of does one do this for exposure vs sales… I do this for profit and do feel I’ve been successful at this show (but this is the only show I do because of my spinal condition & work schedule). Keep in mind any show also is about meeting people, networking, and learning – not just selling. So you may make a contact that will be useful in the future and make sure you have info to hand out to sell your services (I call that up-selling)… I believe I do well at these shows because I’ve been trained on HOW to sell and had 15 years of trade show experience which includes getting people TO come into a booth and starting a conversation with them. I’m exhausted after a show is over. One of the things that Farrish and I spoke about a year ago was that maybe I need to talk to the guild about sales and marketing at one of the meetings. It doesn’t matter what you sell the basics are the same – you have to be ‘on’ – meaning projecting energy (so your own motor needs to be running VERY HIGH – which IS hard!). Welcoming folks, thanking them for coming, listening without hovering by watching body language and how they interact with others (women may need to get rid of hubbies to properly shop), emphasize with them as patrons, do not do what an ex-IBMer called a ‘vomit demo’ in which you start talking about your ‘product – in this case art’ without engaging the other person in the conversation- make sure to ask short probing open questions, get them talking, be genuinely interested in talking and listening with them, talk up your neighbor’s art, the show, the weather etc, and making eye contact – AND ‘act’ like your outgoing (you don’t have to be outgoing – just act like it for the show’s open hours). I’m sure most of you have no idea that I’m 80% introverted! Watch for the stragglers at the end of the show – sometimes those ARE buyers… and remember your fellow artist could be buyers – so maybe offer an end of show special for NGAG members (or send your friends 15% off coupon’s for your art)… Also – think about who your target market audience is at the show and make sure you have items that would be attractive to them at the right price. I also take Credit cards which helps many customers. Those things fall into the marketing 3P’s : Product, Placement, Price (I think that is correct — in the business we don’t quote that often…). Anyways – back to work… I hope this helps stimulate more thoughts.