Live and learn...and find REAL professionals to host your event.

(I'll warn you right now, this isn't my usual kind of post...oh, and there's not a picture to capture my feelings)
     This past weekend was a fabulous learning experience. I learned that we are on the right track with a lot of our ideas. Great products, creative vendors, and marketing every way we could on the shoestring budget we were tied to really pays off.
     I also learned from our mistakes. Always, always, go with your gut, like sticking with a single price for booth spaces to turning down a vendor that swears they have have wonderful vintage items and a knack for display, but were unable to produce photos to back the statement. Even more importantly, get everything, every thing, in writing. If you have a verbal agreement, things tend to somehow be...shall we say, forgotten?
     The Tumbleweed Cotillion was a success from virtually all accounts, except for the event location. Just let me say this; if you plan on having an event at this venue- a wedding, a party, whatever- be prepared to make your own parking signs for their property and provide your own trash receptacles. Then be prepared to haul off the trash afterwards (you know, your wedding guests' plastic cups and paper napkins and such...) because you'll be expected to. We were.
     Also, plan on having the property's owner parade in and out of the barn repeatedly during your party to get items from the closet conveniently (at least apparently for him) located in the middle of a vendor's booth space in the main room (hey, they wanted some ice cream from the fridge in there, and it's their place, right?) This was our experience.
     Take my advice people, and think twice before booking any event at this place (of course, hind site is 20/20 and I had no less than 3 people at the fair tell me they were surprised and a bit concerned when we first announced where the event would be held because they had heard of problems in the past...I wish I'd heard this sooner)
     An example? Here's a small but terribly aggravating story:  I was informed no one else could sell bath or body products because the owner sold them. OK, no problem. I see her point, sort of. (I personally welcome multiple vendors- I sell painted furniture and I am secure enough with my product to be thrilled to have other furniture vendors there too) We then bring on one of my favorite restaurants on board to sell food and drinks, only to have people complain to me that if you went upstairs to the deck outside the lavender shop, she had water for sale for next to nothing, undercutting the restaurant booth by a substantial amount and making the shoppers that bought water down stairs feel totally ripped off. The list goes on and on, but I am tired of even thinking about it.
     Yes, I know this is not my usual sort of happy post that I am far more comfortable doing, but darn it, the fact of the matter is that these folks caused us all (each and every vendor) to lose time and money due to some of these shenanigans and that makes me mad. It put a damper on things and it caused me to have to spend valuable time smoothing things over with vendors and shoppers alike, when I could have been working my booth and greeting guests. So unnecessary. As a Mom that helped with three weddings in one year, I'd never want to tangle with a business venue run this way on a day as important as a wedding.
     It's so sad to me when I come across someone so miserable themselves that they cannot seem to bear seeing anyone else happy or successful.

*sigh* And I though lavender was supposed to be so soothing.

Comments

[tina]

I've been waiting all day for pictures. Now I see why you didn't post them. Of course you are aggravated and frustrated with the venue and it's owners. You should be.

I hope you are writing them a nice, long letter detailing the problems you had. I don't mean anything nasty, just let them know how unsatisfactory things were.

I'm sorry you had to deal with this Tracy, but like you said, it IS a learning experience. You'll use this knowledge in the next event - which will be absolutely marvelous!

tina

[ACottageIndustry]

Tina,you are so right...a great learning experience!!!
oh! And I will be sharing pictures tonight from the event!!!!!
Tracey

[sherscreativeexpressions]

Why do some people take such joy in ruining someone else's day? I cannot understand it. I'm still smarting from the crap my mom-in-law pulled on my wedding day 27 years ago!! It's just mean and jealousy. That's what it is. They just can't stand to see someone else happy. . . just as you said!!!

[Brenda Kula]

Well, firstly, I want to say I'm sorry for your experience. And secondly, I fervently wish folks wouldn't think they have to post happy stuff all the time. Life is life. Everything isn't happy all of the time. I'm thrilled for happy stories. But I wish we could share the bad along with the good and not feel like we have to apologize for being human. Please don't feel like we expect "happy and content" all the time. It sure wouldn't be the real world I live in.
Brenda

[Janel]

Soo sorry to hear how ugly things muddled up good things.

{{hugs}}

Can't wait to see pictures though!

[sharon]

The sun will come out tommorow.

[Marsha]

I'm always astonished at the lack of professionalism out and about in the world. Why on earth would one treat clients (and all those potential clients in attendance) in such a way? Or act so shifty and "read-the-fine-print-y"? What could possibly be gained?

Anyway, it sounds you handled this difficulty with your customary grace. A lesson for us all!

[Jennifer M.]

I'm sorry you had a bad experience with those people. Nothing much else to say about that except that word of mouth is powerful and I'm sure the venue will suffer because of it.
I hope you know there are so many people rooting for you and your success. I'm in Missouri, so I wasn't able to attend, but I can tell you I was excited all weekend about your event and thought about you often. I can't wait to see pics!
Oh, one more thing. Get some rest!
Jennifer

[Marsha]

I'm always astonished at the lack of professionalism out and about in the world. Why on earth would one treat clients (and all those potential clients in attendance) in such a way? Or act so shifty and "read-the-fine-print-y"? What could possibly be gained?

Anyway, it sounds you handled this difficulty with your customary grace. A lesson for us all!

[Lisa Wilson]

Well apparently the host of the property owner thought you were bringing this event to their door specifically to provide them with an opportunity to sell their wares and earn them some extra revenue aside from the rent. And how in the heck would you know otherwise? Really?
Post pictures of the event, none of the property and make sure to write a review on a yelp.com or like customer driven review. That way others are forewarned.
Her behavior was really manipulative. Yours was gracious all things considered.
Lisa & Alfie

[Teresa Sheeley ~ French Poppy]

Just remember when people act this way it eventually will catch up with them. And that higher power above lets you rest your worries and lay it all on His shoulders. I know you will find your perfect place for your next event. And aside from that I bet your show was beautiful! Keep smiling! :)

Teresa
xo

[Mecky]

Tracey, I am so sorry that things happened this way. You are right, it is a learning experience, but still. You worked so hard on this and to have someone be so selfish and inconsiderate. I would be fuming!!

[Carol]

Dad gum it! I'm so sorry this venue turned out poorly. I was so excited for ya'll. Anything in general you can share with us for our upcoming faire will be appreciated. Your kit has been invaluable! We signed"on the dotted line" last week!!!The "Queen City Market" is scheduled for August 23rd!!!

[Kelly]

I agree with Lisa. Just post pictures of all the good and fun things of the Tumbleweed Cotillion for us. You will hear nothing but oohs and ahhs. Don't let those people carry your joy in their pockets any longer. God bless you!
Kelly

[Cyndi]

Tracey,
I just would like everyone to know that the Tumbleweed Cottilion was a blast to attend! I loved all the vendors' products and they were all so nice! A happy atmosphere. Even my father had a good time drinking wine and talking to everyone. My sister, Tere, and I could have spent the whole day there, and finally had to be dragged away by Dad. There were so many cool things to buy! I have a feeling that we were probably your best customers! We bought many pieces of furniture for our business, Candlelight & Roses Weddings. As for the owners of the Lavender farm, they obviously don't realize the power of word of mouth. I will never recommend them to a bride as a reception venue.
You should be very proud of yourself, Tracey. You were very welcoming to me and my family, and it was exciting to meet you in person! I just wish there was another Cotillion in the works.

[Becky H]

look forward. just think of how great the next show will be. you know what mistakes not to make. Cyndi`s comment tells us it was a success even with all the crap.

[Lori]

Tracey not sure if you have it there but Country Register does great advertising and they might have the knowledge of where a good location will be for next event.
Everywhere we travel I look for them and use them to find my way thru good shops both antiques and quilt shops.
Ck them out many of them are small businesses and trying to get word out.

[cindy ~ My Romantic Home]

I am so sorry! I know you put everything you had into this event! I hate that someone had to make it less than than the success it was meant to be!!! That has got to be so frustrating! I know with myself, I can get so frustrated when others let me down. You feel like you have everything under control and then they don't keep up their end of it. It's so frustrating! Just remember that it wasn't you, it was them! It is not a bad reflection on you at all! It is very apparent that you work very hard to be successful in everything you do!

[Vicki K]

My guess, Tracey, is that many of the shoppers were so absolutely thrilled with the treasures and by your hospitality and the other vendors that they were not aware of the difficulties.

And the vendors with any experience at all would know that each location will have its own set of challenges.

So while you certainly learned things in the process, your shoppers are still reliving their wonderful memories and enjoying new treasures and are bursting with all kinds of inspiration. That would be success!

Can't wait to see the pictures...

[Elaine L.]

I bet, all in all, your customers didn't regret attending the Cotillion.

It was worse for you because you felt responsible for everyone's comfort and wanted every detail to be perfect.

Don't these people want business?! They are such jerks for undermining your efforts.

~elaine~

[Elaine L.]

Oh, forgot to say, PLEASE post pictures of the good parts of the day. I would love to see the vendor booths.

~elaine~

[kathy]

We never stop learning do we? It seems like for the next event when you contemplate your location you meet them and kind of handle it that your in charge of what you want and if they're not accomadating or show an attitude that will cast a cloud over what your out to achieve you go with your gut like you said and interview the next place.

I'm sure everyone that attended loved it.

It is amazing how many high functioning people can be a bit well odd ha ha. It took me years to figure out their problems weren't my problems. You WOULD think the lavender would make a person more grounded. Well,they're bad advertising for their own product. Note buy lavender from different source this has negative energy ha ha.

Thanks for sharing. Your teaching us too..sorry it's at your expense :(

Best,
Kathy

[Jill]

Hi there-
I agree with you on the having more than one Bath and Body type vendor. I sell handmade soaps, etc. I was at the Farm Chicks show and there were at least 3 others selling soap, maybe more. But I met one of the girls selling soap and her husband and they were the nicest people. It was interesting to me to see their set up and talk with them.

Like you said, I'm confident enough in my products to be okay with it. I did fine... and mine was a little more expensive than all of the others... :) Mine were bigger and had much different packaging and other things to offer and I was okay that mine were a little more.

Love your blog, just found it after blog hopping after the Farm Chicks and I'll be here to stay!

[DJ]

It seems it is some people's lot in life to try and make everyone else as miserable as they are -- what a shame about the venue, it sounded idyllic! I bought your plan on how to host this type of event. I own a charming 1915 general store but thought it might be too small for such an event and have been looking for another location -- now I'm thinking maybe I'm better off going with what I know and I know this owner and she's really nice and affordable!
DJ
www.baycitygeneralstore.blogspot.com

[Lisa]

I am in construction and spend a lot of time documenting conversations and setting up contracts (in a lot of detail) - and we still have misunderstandings.

I must be nice to hear from everyone, even when it isn't a happy post - everyone is so supportive of what you are doing.

We had such a nice time! Very well done!! Thank you and I look forward to the next event!

Lisa

[Sheila]

You're allowed to speak your mind! Good for you, and I'm sorry it was so awful. I prefer to be warned about things/people/problems too, it is appreciated. I bet it was beautiful!

Sheila
halohill.blogspot.com

[Raised In Cotton]

Dear Tracey,

How amazing that the owners of this venue are so clueless. They could have formed a great business relationship but instead everyone across blog land knows not to deal with them now! I am curious as to know how long they have been in business? Anyway, wonderful pictures of a perfect event!
Hugs,
Carol

[beachcottage]

Hi Tracey, I've been following your blog for a while, I've really enjoyed seeing all your hard work - this post prompted me to come out of lurkdom and say I am sorry to hear about how these people treated you...like others have said before they will get their returns, it would just be nice if you hadn't had to suffer them, then again, *you've* gained because you've learnt a lesson, all they've done is lost - customers, revenues and the chance of a business relationship with the Cotillion. Whe came off best? love your blog - you've probably heard it all before but you've really inspired me to carry on with my love for re-inventing things from my out-of-control thrifing jaunts. It's so nice to see other thrift-junkies out there alive and kicking!!!!!!!!

[DivaDeb]

You know, even with the 'communication issues' that came up and losing my hubby's help quite often while he went to deal with the parking, traffic, signage, and other snafus that popped up, we had a great time at the Cotillion!

[Theresa]

The pictures of the booths are divine!!! Sorry you had to deal with such underhanded individuals. Glad you posted about it though, perhaps your post will stop someone from having a wedding spoiled there.