Choosing Great Events

Holistic living expos bring together many people who share a common belief: taking care of yourself, both mentally and physically, is a worthwhile cause. What a shame untold numbers of people don't invest in their health. Perhaps a popular expo could reach out to these people and sell them on holistic living. With the right marketing materials, drawing in the curious might not be too tough. Getting them through the doors is only the first stage, albeit an important one. The event, itself, must provide things that appeal to a newbie. Catering to their sensibilities may stimulate the welcoming attitude necessary to keep them interested.

Making Things Inviting for First-Timers

Someone who previously attended one or more expos will likely walk through the doors with confidence. He/she may scan the hall and gravitate towards things familiar to them. A newbie, however, could feel a little overwhelmed. Creating a setup that appeals to them could make them feel welcome. Here are some displays to consider:

• A Live Demo: While a full-scale theatrical production wouldn't be appropriate, setting aside space for audience-based presentations might be a good idea. A brief and entertaining demonstration of step aerobics, for example, helps set a festive mood. The demo also gives attendees a small idea about what healthy living can involve. And it may involve a lot of fun.

• Free Food Samplers: If there were a monstrous myth in the fitness world, it would be that healthy food taste like "cardboard." Many people avoid switching over to a healthy lifestyle because they assume the diet is bland. In truth, there are scores of different diets filled with fantastic food choices. Why not set up a food display with free samples for attendees to try out? The samples could change the minds of people new to the scene.

These two ideas should help promoters figure out what to do. Really, anything eye-catching or participatory could grab attention.

The Attendee and Customer

Holistic expos do promote a beneficial cause. Many attendees walk away with increased knowledge about health and wellness. That said, there's also a commercial aspect to these expos. People who set up booths often run businesses that provide products promoting holistic living. A customer base, at some point, reaches its limits. Drawing in new people and making them feel welcome could increase those limits. In turn, entrepreneurs booking booths may feel their time was well spent, too. Hopefully, all this leads to all the attendees feeling the expo was worth the time.