Disappointed – but lesions learnt by Gill Martin, Lead Sonographer & Manager at First Choice Baby Scan, Warrington
Sunday 15th July saw the Mother’s Instinct Northwest Premier Baby Show at Gulliver’s World, Warrington
Having visited a previous event hosted by this company in 2011 I jumped at the chance of investing a little bit extra finance and sponsoring the show to be held in Warrington-
Once signed up and finances paid communication to us from Anna was very sparse. On reflection I should have sensed a problem after all the previous shows had seemed a success. An e-mail communication a week prior to the show included a room plan – so all exhibitors knew where their stand was. All sponsors appeared to have prime position close to the entrance – but still no communication on where I was going to perform the ultrasound examinations. Being a local to Warrington
The day of the show arrived and we met by some very rude Gulliver’s World staff that obviously had no idea that the show was being held there that day and tried to insist that we pay park entrance fees! Finally we were shown to the venue which was a very dimly light hall which was in need of quite substantial TLC (at least a lick of paint would have made some improvement) it was the sort of place that if I was to go as a potential customer I would have taken 1 glance then said a big “no thank you!”. I did not think I would feel more disappointed but I was mistaken. Our “prime position” was a pokey corner which people could easily bypass. But at least we had a plus socket! The exhibitors’ next to me had to wait 1 1/2 hours for an extension lead; only for it to be extended in front of a fire exit to the Gulliver’s World staff stating “it will be alright”…. They obviously Health & Safety / Fire Regulations have not made it that far!
When I finally bumped into Anna and introduced myself she quickly stated that there was nowhere for me to scan! Can you imagine… I tried to remain professional but underneath a volcano was bubbling.
The footfall to the show was slow to say the least – maybe because it had not been advertised; not even in the park on day of show! Anna tried to blame the nice weather… but if people are not aware of events they will not go.
But on a bright note we did take a couple of bookings and we stopped any other scan company “invading our turf”. Speaking to other exhibitors we all felt the same. We had all been promised certain things which had not materialised; we’d all been lead by half truths and false promises. Another sponsor of the show (Warrington Day Nursery) had been promised that they would be the only childcare provider present – only to find that there were at least 3 others!
The show was supposed to finish at 16:00, but around 15:00 Anna walked around and told everyone that they could start “packing away now”. She claimed that there had been over 300 attendances (not that I or the other exhibitors had seen anywhere near this number) , of which she had their contact details and she would e-mail the list to myself later on that week. Yes you’ve guessed it I’m still waiting a month later.
Anyway have I learnt anything from this disappointment?
The answer is a BIG YES!
Sponsoring a Baby Show can be a big expense and FIRST CHOICE BABY SCAN is not adverse to this. However in future before parting with our cash so easily we will insist on a written contract. In this would be clear outlines of the benefits of being a sponsor, whether we will be scanning on the day, and where the show will be advertised.
A disappointing experience is a learning point and you need to look for the positive aspects to grow.
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