Petland Inc. hosts a trade show each summer to invite all the Petland franchisees from across the world (this year only those from the U.S. attended), some of the corporate employees and the store general managers, as well as vendors who would like to set up a booth and showcase their products. Many of the recent trade shows have been held in Walt Disney World, including the 2021 Trade Show.
Leading up to the show, I spent time organizing a door prize drawing that took place during the show. I also continued working on the spring tip post graphics so that there will be enough posts for each week of the year, and they will be ready to be posted long after my internship is complete.
I was able to go down to the resort and enjoy time at the parks before the show began. In preparation for the show, I helped set up the large Petland booth in the middle of the show floor. I also checked in the vendors and gave them their registration packets as they came in. The show was shortened this year due to COVID restrictions, so the actual trade show was only open on Monday. I spent the time speaking with franchisees to tell them about all the new products the Petland Distribution Center has available for purchase.
The selling aspect was a newer concept for me, but I really enjoyed being able to showcase our items and spend time with franchisees. This part of the internship has made me appreciate my choice of an Agribusiness minor– verbal marketing skills put to use! Additionally, I feel like I used skills I learned from my public speaking class as well.
It was a long day on the floor, and we ended on a high note by completing the door prize drawings. I kept track of all the winners and which vendors donated which prizes. At the end of the show, all the corporate employees worked together to break down our booth area as well as help the vendors with their booths.
Overall, I really enjoyed getting to learn and observe the different roles employees played in the show, and I really loved learning about the planning process my supervisor goes through as she organizes this major event year after year. I learned a lot in a short show, not to mention I got to visit Disney for the first time!