BOXER
EXPO HOW-TO
So, you’re
considering planning a Boxer Expo, but you don’t have a clue what to do? No sweat! It’s
really not as complicated as you think. Just
remember that there are a ton of wonderful volunteers to help you and guide you
in any way they can. Don’t be
scared. It’s actually a lot of
fun and self-gratifying once it all comes together.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
1.
Start planning early! I
would suggest 1-2 months in advance.
2.
Location, location, location! The
best place for a Boxer Expo is somewhere where there is a high volume of people
traffic, and someplace you can set up outside (weather permitting).
Typically, the best place for that is a pet store that’s located in a
strip mall or near a supermarket. This
way, when all the weekend shoppers are out running their errands, they can’t
resist stopping to see what’s going on.
3.
Once a location is decided upon, be sure the store you are considering
does not sell dogs or cats since BAR does not promote puppy mills.
Then, you need to find out from the store manager if they allow Expos,
and if so, what is their policy? You
need to anticipate rain, so ask yourself if there is enough space inside the
store just in case?
4.
Pick a good date. Something
to consider…holiday weekends usually draw a lot of people out to the
supermarket to pick up their odds and ends for the weekend.
5.
Once a date is in mind, announce your tentative plan on the list to see
if other volunteers are willing to attend.
This shouldn’t be a problem.
6.
When you get commitments from volunteers, make a commitment with the
store.
7.
Remind volunteers on the list of the date and location every now and
then.
8.
Decide upon what you want to have there for the public to see and take.
Many volunteers have things from previous Meet & Greets that they are
willing to share. You should
compile a basic list of needs to post and have volunteers be responsible for
bringing them. Some basic things
needed are:
J
Tables
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Chairs
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MANY folded brochures (these go quickly)
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Mail in applications
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Pictures, pictures, pictures!
(James made a great Boxer collage)
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Donation jar
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Large BAR banner so people know who you are
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Adoption procedure flyer
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Well behaved examples of our favorite breed (I can not stress well behaved enough.
If the dogs are not dog friendly with each other and are fighting, it
creates a bad image upon the entire breed)
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Water and bowls for the pups
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Poop scooper (just in case)
Make
sure you create a good relationship with the store manager:
Be
sure to be in contact with the store manager to create a good relationship.
This way if your Boxer Expo is a success, the store will more than likely
have you back again.
Think
Themes:
I have found that people are more apt to give
if they have a chance to get something
in return. If you can solicit
donations from local business owners and put together a raffle to sell tickets
for, you will probably raise more money than with a straight donation jar.
For example, I did an Easter theme the day before Easter.
I got donations from local business people and put together a doggie
Easter basket. It was full to the
brim with dog toys, bowls, treats, etc. Well
worth over $300.00, but what’s better, it was at no cost to me or BAR.
I sold the tickets cheep, and we made a lot of $$.
In addition, I lured people to the table to see what the huge basket was.
Jean also made her famous chocolate Easter boxers to sell, along with
chocolate paw print lollipops and angel lollipops. In addition, Nancy put together great homemade dog biscuit
mix to sell as well. It just takes
a little creativity. If your table
is more decorative, it draws attention.
Advertise!
Print off color flyers and post in local places where there is high traffic. The flyer can be downloaded from the group site. Some hot spots might include:
ü
Coffee shops
ü
Local deli
ü
Community center info. Boards
ü
Local veterinary clinics
ü
Local obedience schools
ü
Local pet grooming facilities
ü
Of course, the store you are having the event.
Call your local paper at least 1 month in
advance. Chances are there is a
free community event calendar you can post the Boxer Expo information in. Most papers require at least 2 weeks notice of an event.
In addition to having the event posted on the community calendar, contact
the paper to see if they could send someone out to run a story with photos the
day of the event. Make sure to remind them that BAR is a non-profit
organization, and would be a great community feature.
You can even try your luck at contacting
your local TV station to run a weekend piece.
If you have any
questions, need help or suggestions, please contact me at
boxerangelsdirectors@yahoo.com Good luck!
Dina Garrow,
Volunteer Boxer Expo Coordinator