What to Expect When You’re a Vendor at the MMBOB Expo
- A'Ja Rolfe
- May 28
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Being a vendor at an expo is more than setting up a table and hoping for sales—it's an opportunity to build your brand, connect with new audiences, and create long-term relationships that fuel your business.
With the MMBOB Vendor Expo coming up on June 22, now is the perfect time to get ready. Whether it’s your first expo or your fifth, these tips will help you show up prepared, professional, and profitable.
🛍️ 1. Start with a Strong Display
Your booth is your storefront. Make sure it's visually appealing, aligned with your brand, and easy to navigate.
Must-haves:
Tablecloth or banner with your logo
Clear product pricing + signage
Organized display (not cluttered)
Business cards or QR codes for your site/socials
A “wow” element (samples, lightbox, or branded backdrop)
Tip: Use Canva or VistaPrint to create affordable signage in your brand colors.
🧠 2. Know Your Brand Pitch
People will ask, “What do you do?” Be ready with a short, confident answer that speaks to:
What you offer
Why it’s different
Who it’s for
Practice it. Say it with pride.
Example: “I make handcrafted candles inspired by Black joy and self-care rituals. Each scent is named after a feeling we deserve to feel.”
💳 3. Be Ready to Sell (Not Just Showcase)
Set clear goals: Are you there to sell products? Build your email list? Book services?
Have your systems ready:
Payment options (Square, Cash App, Zelle, etc.)
Inventory organized and priced
Receipts or confirmations if you're taking orders
Upsell bundles or specials for the day
🖤 4. Engage & Educate
Don’t just stand behind the table—talk to people. Ask them questions, share your story, and invite them to follow you.
Pro tip: Bring a signup sheet, offer a giveaway, or have a “Spin the Wheel” game for engagement.
📸 5. Capture the Moment
This is content gold. Assign someone to snap photos, take video clips, and capture you in action. Later, you can turn that into:
Instagram reels
Website testimonials
Behind-the-scenes stories
📦 6. Follow Up After the Event
The work doesn’t stop after you pack up. Within a few days:
Thank new followers/customers via email or DM
Post photos and recap highlights
Reach out to collaborators or other vendors you met
Relationships > transactions.
🗓️ Final Thoughts
The MMBOB Vendor Expo isn’t just another event—it’s a celebration of Black business, community, and culture. Show up like the CEO you are.
