The Stettler Board of Trade is hailing the 2018 Trade Show as a resounding success.
Nearly 3,100 people made their way through the doors at the Stettler Rec. Centre over the weekend of April 13-15, a slight increase over 2017.
“This year’s show boasted a 40 per cent increase in new vendors, many of which were local businesses wanting to showcase new products to the community,” said Donna Morris, Project Manager with the Stettler Regional Board of Trade.
”We had some long-standing booths that decided not to come this year, but 40 per cent is a large increase for new vendors for us. Usually we’re around that 25-30 per cent mark.”
One-hundred-twenty-five exhibitors and entertainers were listed at the 38th Annual Trade Show, down from the 150 listed for the 2017 expo. “With many of our booths being larger this year the number is down slightly, but we did have an increase in booth capacity,” said Morris.
“Seventy per cent of our booths this year were local booths, but that will be brought up to our executive that the concern was made,” says Morris, referring to recent online comments over the trade show’s booking policy. She explained bookings are done on a first-come, first-serve basis, after the Stettler Board of Trade fielded concerns that out-of-town vendors are chosen over local ones.
“We’re going to be having a meeting next week in order to plan things for the future, things may be changing, but if there are any concerns we ask that they contact us here at the office and speak to either myself or Stacey Benjamin, the executive director,” said Morris. “We’ll take them forth to our executive who will then make the decision.”
“The attendance increase this year and the sales that were reported show that the economy is on a healthy move in the right direction. Vendors were pleased with the results of the show and are excited for the prospect of future sales as well,” said Morris.
Stettler Trade Show Attendance
2017: 3,000 people
2016: 2,600 people
2015: 2,670 people
2014: 2,300 people
2013: 2,400 people
As for next year, Morris said they may look to expand the booths to other parts of the arena, after placing them in the concession area for the first time this year. She added, “We have several ideas in the works, but we have to take that through to our executive, so we’re not able to announce anything quite yet.”
Bookings for the 2019 Stettler Trade Show will open on June 1, 2018. If you would like more information, contact Donna Morris by calling 403-742-3181 or emailing dmorris@stettlerboardoftrade.com
landin.chambers@stettlerindependent.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
