Joanie

As Public Relations spokesperson for two shows this year, Matt's article was interesting and though provoking. We did a LOT of mailing... I used all of the old lists from the past, plus thought of some new ones. Also a lot of internet calendars. I mailed a batch of fliers, with cover letters, to all of the local (within 150 miles) clubs; and single fliers to garden clubs; koi clubs; senior centers; libraries; and some past members. I went on the internet and put our shows on "local" calendars... "what's happening" type of things. Then there's newspapers. I made a "press release" rather than just a flier. The "press release" went to all local newspapers (and some have a regional office for every small city) along with a cover letter. I also called the "Garden Compass", whose host has always been very good to us, and spoke briefly about the show.

However, there were some venues I missed. Larger magazines need a LOT of lead time, so that didn't work out. I didn't think to send fliers with club members who were giving talks for other events... our members regularly speak at Women's Clubs, the Japanese Friendship Garden, and at garden club meetings. A pile of half-sheet fliers would have been very beneficial at those talks!! Having a pile of fliers available at the meetings leading up to the show also allows members to hand them out to other people, or on their "bonsai travels".

Using demos for shows is a great draw, IMO. We had people show up and ask when the demo was going to happen. One of the members gave a demo on mame... she's fantastic at putting tiny trees into tiny pots! People really enjoyed that one, as the tiny trees are often the hit of the show! Our big club has also, in the past, done a raffle drawing for people sitting in the demo audience. They gave away wire, stock, and pots. That was nice, but not really necessary.

The plant sale, if well advertised and anticipated, can be a great hit! But many people want trees in bonsai pots, (you know, like mallsai but without the twists) so make sure that your sale has some of those. Make them, if you have to, at a previous club meeting with stock provided by the club. A club needs to think ahead and prepare for their sale. Just counting on member's donations and commissions is a gamble.

Joanie

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