After a year of planning, months of working on new designs, and a crazy week getting it all set up, the 2012 National Stationery Show is over. I had an amazing time this year; being there a second time was so different: people recognized me more, buyers came back a second time, and overall it was such a good experience. I couldn't believe how fast it went by, especially after all the time it takes to get ready. But it was so nice to meet new buyers, and meet online paper friends in person.
I had such a good time, and I'm even more excited for next year's show. And, a HUGE thanks to my wonderful intern Kelly and my amazing boyfriend Joe, who I could not have done it without. And thanks to my Mom for bringing us lunch every day, and lots of tea when I started to lose my voice on day three.
And now, some photos from start to finish. We drove in and set up the booth walls late Friday night:
Leaving them with spackle and holes when we were too tired to work any more. The next morning we touched up the walls, hung the shelves and lights, and put up the products (sounds fast but took about six hours).
And then on Sunday morning, the booth was ready! I was so happy with how it looked, and got a lot of compliments from people who were drawn in by the red walls.
The new line of products launched at the show and was a huge success. I'll be adding them to the shop in the next week or so, so they'll be available online soon.
And then it was time to pack up. The show was such a whirlwind, with thirteen hour days and so much talking and mingling I lost my voice. I fell asleep every night with the lights on in the hotel, so I was excited to get home and take a break, but it was sad to pull the booth down after all the work that went into it.
It was great to meet so many amazing people at the show, and to everyone who came by the booth, thank you! I'll see you at the 2013 Stationery Show!
