Apply for your chance to be one of ten artists selected to receive a free vendor booth at DesignerCon 2023.
For SDA Students and Alumni
APPLY BY: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023
I will announce the people I pick by email by October 1, 2023.
DO NOT APPLY IF YOU ARE NOT 100% COMMITTED!
Includes one FREE ticket to the "How to Set up and Sell at Conventions" seminar
This seminar is open to everyone, you do not need to be a SDA member
APPLY NOW
What is this all about?
Do you aspire to start exhibiting at conventions, but don't know if you're ready or want to take the risk?
Now is your chance to be an entrepreneur.
If selected you will receive:
• FREE 10x10 booth with 8ft table draped, electricity and Wi-Fi for 3 days of DesignerCon.
• 2 vendor badges for the 3 day show. One for you and one for a booth helper.
• A seat for the "How to Set up and Sell at Conventions Seminar" to help guide you on how to set up and sell at conventions. (More info below)
Time duration: 2 hours: Saturday, October 14,2023
• Recommendations on where to purchase supplies such as back drops, business cards, promotional flyers, prints, stickers, etc.
• Q &A Session
* You are responsible for lodging and all travel expense.
FAQ?
1. Do you recommend applying if I'm not in California?
Absolutely, just be sure you are prepared to pay for and plan all your travel arrangements and expenses. SDA is offering only the FREE booth and seminar, no other perks.
2. How many different items should I have for sale? (i.e. prints, stickers, keychains, etc.)
This is your decision, it is recommended to have a minimum of at least 3 items.
3. How many of each item do you think is safe to have in stock while at a table?
I would suggest a minimum of 50 items of any product. There are no guarantees, you may sell out or sell nothing.
4. Would it be wise to have only original art/characters for sale at the con or would it be ok to have some fan art items?
You can do one, or the other, or both.
5. What do you need to see in order for me to be reviewed?
Please submit the exact work you plan to sell, and enough pieces to be evaluated. You can do this by sharing your website store, a google doc link, or any other link that will show what you have in mind.
6. When will the winners be picked and how will I be notified?
I will announce the people I pick by email by October 1, 2023. If you do not hear back by then, I am sorry to say, I have moved forward with other people.
DESIGNERCON APPLICATION
If you don't have the physical products made yet, that is ok. I would need to see mock-ups.

⭐️ Open to all Artists ⭐️
"HOW TO SET UP AND SELL AT CONVENTIONS"
You do not need to be a member of SDA for this seminar
TWO HOUR ZOOM SEMINAR
Saturday October 14, 2023
9 - 11 am PT Zone (Los Angeles)
If you just wish to attend the Zoom workshop, and you are not applying for the booth, or don't get selected for the booth, you can purchase a seat for just $39 below.
Click Here to
PURCHASE SEMINAR TICKET
Join Stephen and Heidi Silver for a power-packed two-hour seminar where you'll learn the ins and outs of setting up and selling successfully at conventions. Whether you're a seasoned exhibitor or new to the scene, this seminar will provide you with invaluable insights and practical strategies to maximize your convention experience. Here's what you'll gain:
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Preparation and Planning:
- Understanding Different Types of Conventions: Learn about various convention formats and choose the right ones for your niche.
- Setting Clear Goals: Define your objectives for the convention to ensure a focused and successful experience.
- Booth Design and Layout: Discover effective booth design principles to attract attendees and create an engaging space.
- Inventory Management: Strategies for optimizing your product selection and ensuring you have enough stock.
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Effective Setup Techniques:
- Booth Presentation: Techniques to arrange products, signage, and displays for maximum visual impact.
- Traffic Flow: Learn how to design your booth layout to encourage a smooth flow of attendees and potential customers.
- Technology Integration: Utilize technology to enhance your booth, such as digital displays, interactive elements, and online ordering systems.
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Engaging Customer Interaction:
- Mastering the Elevator Pitch: Craft a compelling and concise pitch to introduce your products and capture interest.
- Active Listening: Develop skills to understand customer needs and tailor your pitch accordingly.
- Overcoming Objections: Learn how to address common customer concerns and turn them into opportunities.
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Sales Strategies and Techniques:
- Upselling and Cross-Selling: Techniques to increase the average transaction value by suggesting complementary products.
- Scarcity and Urgency: Understand psychological triggers that drive sales and how to implement them ethically.
- Closing the Deal: Strategies for smoothly transitioning from pitching to closing sales while maintaining rapport.
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Networking and Relationship Building:
- Connecting with Attendees: Build meaningful connections with potential customers, fellow exhibitors, and industry influencers.
- Follow-Up Strategies: Learn post-convention actions to nurture leads and convert them into long-term customers.
- Collaborative Opportunities: Explore the potential for partnerships, collaborations, and joint ventures within the convention community.
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Handling Challenges and Adaptation:
- Problem Solving: Develop the ability to handle unexpected challenges during the event and find quick solutions.
- Flexibility: Learn how to adapt your approach based on attendee demographics, market trends, and convention dynamics.
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Post-Event Evaluation:
- Assessing Success: Understand key metrics to measure your convention performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Continuous Improvement: Implement a cycle of learning and refinement for future conventions.
Join Stephen and Heidi for this comprehensive seminar, and unlock the secrets to becoming a standout exhibitor at conventions. Your journey towards convention success starts here!