DOWN inc. has been in business for over 60 years; we know a thing or two about making the most market for your moolah and we’re looking forward to sharing our tricks of the trade show. Check out our schedule of markets here – on this page you can find ultra-detailed posts about making the most out of each market. 

Whether this is your first, or fifteenth market, we know it can be mega overwhelming. We’ve rounded up our favorite tips and must-click links to help you get prepared for market – tricks of  the trade show, if you will. Ready to dive in?

Trade Secret 01: Get Social

All of the markets we have worked with have a phenomenal social brand presence. For instance, High Point Market capitalizes on the #HPMKT hashtag. With 5 active social channels, they’re always sharing information in the form of product features and spotlights, keynote speaker sneak peeks, and other great resources. You’ll find slightly different content on each of their channels curated specifically for YOU – the attendees of the market! Check out what they’re sharing on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest.

Quick tip:
Log into your favorite social app and check out what others are posting nearby
by searching the location. Using our example above about High Point, try “Suites at Market Square” or “High Point, North Carolina”.

You can thank us later.

 

 

New York Now, Atlanta Market and the Hospitality Design Expo all have amazing social channels chock full of resources. With Instagram hashtags like #NYNOW and #ATLMK, their instagram pages are a perfect hub for inspiration. Both markets have Facebook and LinkedIn (pages, each offering unique information to each).

Quick Links for all the social pages: 
AmericasMart Atlanta: Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook
New York Now: Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook 
HD Expo: Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook

 

Another great social avenue is to join Facebook Groups for each specific Market. Team DOWN inc. participated in an online group for the AIHP Hospitality Professionals Association last month, and have seen many Buyers Resource and community groups around the web. In short, staying connected on social gives you perfect little snippets and real-time updates of the happenings at market – it’s a passive way to make sure you’re in the know of all the good stuff, especially when you don’t have time to spend planning every detail out.

 

Trade Secret 02: Download the app

Sure, there’s an app for that, but, luckily this one happens to be powerful, helpful and stocked with information. Did you know  that most markers have an app where you can get all the goodies the tradeshow has to offer in the palm of your hand? ___ ___ ___

We downloaded it and can confirm it’s SO easy to use. Upon downloading, you will be prompted to create a login which will help you plan, schedule, save, sync, and map out the entire trip! It’s like having your personal High Point Market pal with you wherever you go, allowing you to plan your trip from anywhere – waiting to pick up your kids from school, standing in line at the grocery store, and even in the terminal waiting on your flight en route to NC!

You can find exhibitors and events, search for and favorite events and booths, and get help navigating inside the buildings of market. There’s even bus routes, parking instructions, and showroom hours in the app. All inclusive, and everything you didn’t know you needed! We’re total suckers for this streamlined interface and we already have our event agenda lined up – including our “Back to the Basics: Down 101” chat (Sunday at 3pm in G 3019)!

 

DOWN inc. takes animal welfare and down traceability seriously.

click here to learn more about our commitment  to animal welfare, supply chain traceability and corporate responsibility.

 

Trade Secret 03: Plan, plan, plan!

Strategy is essential in getting the most bang for your buck – or the most market for your moolah. Seriously take some time to map your market – digitally using the app – or in your old-school calendar. You should be scheduling out time for your cant-miss exhibits and programming, especially if your time at market is limited. If you’re already overwhelmed, no need to fret. As a first time market goer, don’t sweat, High Point has a ton of amazing resources including this video packed with pro-tips!

 

Make sure to check the events section! It’s stuffed with interesting and fun things. Market isn’t strictly business, you should also be planning a little fun out (yes, in addition to recovery downtime), while at the show. Make sure you carve out time to experience some of the tasty restaurants, local cafes, and parks. We’ve scrounged around for the BEST places in a Highpoint and will be sharing them with you soon. Until then, two words: Southern Roots. It’s the cutest little farm to table place. Take it from us, get the salmon. We’ve already plotted out our cannot-miss list of market events and we’ll be sharing some of our favorites on social over the upcoming weeks. Who knows, maybe we will see you there?

Have you seen . Check out our post detailing the wild journey we took south –  we promise, the custom cabinetry and gold accents will give you major heart eyes for days.

 

Last but not least…

Here are some of our market MUST’s you should remember to pack:

• Umbrella

We’re looking forward to seeing you at  any of the markets this year. View our Tradeshow page to see what is next, and a collection of our resources for each market!!

 

We hope you’re inspired and ready to take on whatever market you’re going to! Share your favorite tips with us in the comments!