7 Smart Tips for First-Time Vendors at Trade Shows & Holiday Markets

Setting up a vendor booth at a holiday market or trade show can be one of the best ways to grow your business—especially during the high-traffic holiday season. But showing up with a table and a stack of products isn’t enough. The vendors who stand out, sell more, and walk away with new customers and leads all have one thing in common: they plan for success.

At Gateway Conference Center, we’ve helped hundreds of small businesses showcase their brand in front of real, local buyers—and we’ve seen what works. Whether you’re preparing for your very first show or looking to elevate your booth strategy, these tips will help you maximize your results.

And if you’re looking for the perfect event to test it all out, we’ll tell you why Holiday Magic at Gateway on Saturday, November 22, 2025 is a great place to start.

1. Know Your Objective

Before the day of the event, get clear on your purpose. Is it to:

• Drive sales?

• Introduce your brand to new audiences?

• Collect emails and build your contact list?

• Test a new product?

Your goals will shape your booth layout, customer conversations, and follow-up strategy. Having a clear objective will also help you measure success after the event.

2. Invest in Your Display

Your booth is your storefront. Create a clean, attractive, and functional setup that invites people to stop and browse. Use height and layers to make your table more visually dynamic. Include branded signage and pricing, and if your products are holiday-themed, lean into seasonal colors and decor.

Even a basic setup can look polished with the right details. At Holiday Magic at Gateway, vendors receive a 6-foot table and chairs, but you're encouraged to bring table coverings, displays, and signage that reflect your brand.

3. Make Purchasing Simple

Shoppers don’t want to guess at prices or fumble through payment options. Clear signage, working card readers, and organized checkout make a big difference. Be sure to:

• Accept both cash and card

• Display prices clearly

• Offer small bags or packaging

• Bring change and backup chargers

Quick, seamless transactions help increase your sales—and customer satisfaction.

4. Promote Yourself Before the Event

Event marketing shouldn’t start the day you arrive. Begin sharing that you’ll be vending at a specific event as soon as you’re confirmed. Use stories, reels, email lists, and community Facebook groups to promote your booth, tease your products, and get people excited to find you.

At Gateway Conference Center, we actively promote participating vendors across our website and social media platforms, giving you extra visibility leading up to Holiday Magic.

5. Engage, Don’t Just Sell

Yes, you're there to sell—but real success comes from building relationships. Greet every guest who walks by. Share your story. Ask questions. Offer samples. Have a business card or flyer on hand for follow-up.

Consider collecting emails in exchange for a discount or giveaway entry. People who don’t buy now may shop later if they remember you.

6. Be Prepared for Anything

The best vendors are self-sufficient. Double-check whether your booth will be indoors or outdoors, what equipment is provided, and what you’re responsible for bringing.

At Holiday Magic at Gateway, vendor booths are indoors, but food trucks and some activations are outdoors. Bring:

• Your own signage, table covering, and display materials

• Portable lighting if needed

• Backup phone chargers or Wi-Fi hotspots

• Extra product—many vendors underestimate demand during holiday events

7. Follow Up After the Event

Don’t leave your momentum behind at the venue. Post a thank-you message online, tag the event hosts and vendors you connected with, and follow up with any leads. If you collected emails, send a follow-up promo or reminder to shop online.

Consistent post-event engagement helps convert new contacts into long-term customers.

Bonus: Exhibit What You’ve Learned at Holiday Magic at Gateway

If you're looking for a well-organized, family-friendly, and high-visibility holiday event, Holiday Magic at Gateway on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 12 PM – 4 PM is the ideal next step. Hosted at the spacious and accessible Gateway Conference Center in Richburg, SC, this community event will feature:

• Santa Visits, Storytime and Q&A

• A Snow Zone and train rides for kids

• Food trucks and festive treats

• An indoor Vendor Village filled with local makers and entrepreneurs

Vendor Fees:

• $75 for standard booths (includes 6-ft table and chairs)

• $100 for food truck space (outdoor setup)

This is more than a holiday market—it’s a marketing opportunity. With families and shoppers from Chester County and along the I-77 corridor in attendance, Holiday Magic offers an ideal platform to build your brand and reach new customers.

Vendor registration closes November 15—or when space is full. Learn more here.

Looking for more vendor and event tips? Follow Gateway Conference Center on Facebook and Instagram for updates, best practices, and upcoming opportunities.