Web Links, TLA 2001 Conference, Plan to Attend!, TPALS Programs, TLA Membership Committee Donations, Marketing Tips

TLA Showtalk

Volume 19, #7             March 28, 2000

Countdown to TLA 2000!

Submit Your Web Link Request!
Have you requested a link to your email and website from your TLA online profile?  Below is a sample of a profile with live links.   The current issue of the Texas Library Journal is promoting TLA 2000 exhibitors and the online profiles with live links.  Don't miss this opportunity!  A one-time $99.00 fee is good for through December 31, 2000.

TLA 2001 Conference
The TLA 2001 exhibitor advanced signup will occur during the TLA 2000 Conference in Houston.  TLA 2000 exhibitors will automatically be invited to participate.  Additional  companies can participate by contact Cindy Boyle, TLA Exhibits Manager by March 31, 2000.  We anticipate over 90% of the exhibit booths will be sold during the advanced signup process in Houston so please do not miss this opportunity.   For further information, see the TLA 2001 Conference online page.

Plan to Attend!
Mark your calendars to attend the following events at the TLA 2000 Conference in Houston.  Some of these events require tickets to be purchased in advance.  The pre-registration form is available by accessing the TLA 2000 Exhibitor Administration page.  Please note the ticket deadline has been extended to Thursday, March 30.  

TPALS Update
The Texas Professional Association for Library Sales Round Table [TPALS] will once again be an active participant and planner in this year's TLA 2000 Conference. TPALS membership and directory forms are available on the TLA website. Join TLA and TPALS for an unbelievable low rate of $15 annually!

TPALS will sponsor the following programs during TLA 2000:  

TLA Membership Committee Accepts Donations
If you want to offer a donation to a TLA-wide program, we suggest the TLA Membership general meeting, scheduled Friday, 1:15 p.m.- 1:45 p.m.  Please contact Susan Compton, Membership Committee Chair at scompton@mckinneytexas.org or 972/547-7323 by April 7, 2000.

Marketing Tips
The TLA Conference is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to market to the librarians and library supporters who represent Texas academic, public, school, and special libraries. Due to the record number of conferee attendance and exhibiting firms, it is important that exhibitors utilize every avenue to market to the large number of attendees in a 2.5 day show.

After speaking with many exhibitors, we realize the need to educate our first-time exhibitors and brief our returning exhibitors about marketing at TLA. The following information may assist you in your TLA conference experience:

• TLA attendees plan to purchase. Offer samples, complimentary or at a discount price, to guarantee your product is in the possession of as many attendees as possible.
• Take orders and offer a show discount. Consider free shipping for the show discount.
• Authors should pre-autograph as many of their books and products as possible.
• Offer a giveaway, raffle, or contest. Exhibitors will be able to use the conference newsletter to announce their winners.
• Utilize banners and other graphic displays, as well as props, costumes, floral arrangements, wrapped candies, and other enticements to bring the audience to you!
• Always appear to be standing and eager to talk with a customer! Replace your chair with a barstool to appear standing at all times. And, do not read or eat in your exhibit space. Volunteer boothsitters are available to lone exhibitors who need a meal break. If you need additional assistance, you can hire a library school student at the bargain rate of $20/hour. Contact TLA immediately if you need a boothsitter.  The final deadline is March 30, 2000.
• Join TPALS and participate in TPALS programs!!!
• Become a party animal or social butterfly!!! In other words, venture out in the evening, enjoy our Texas hospitality, and network!

SHOWTALK INDEX