Finally, a little post about my whirlwind experience in the Primitive Gatherings Booth in Grand Rapids last month. Where to start? It was crazy busy before I even left for my trip. Starting with packing. I spoke with Lisa several times about attire. I am notorious for over packing and uncomfortable shoes. I seem to always pick fashion over comfort when it comes to footwear. Not so this time. I packed light and comfortable…very important I found when working all day in a PG Booth.
I set off at 6 AM, so A. I could be there by 8:30 to help set the booth and B. I could stop for an Egg McMuffin on the way. They are my must-have for any early morning road trips. π I had a little trouble trying to figure out how to get in the convention center. I am pretty sure I worked off that Egg McMuffin running around until luckily, Lisa waved me down and greeted me with this…
Pretty cool. I have to apologize for not taking a ton of photos. I was just so busy that I completely forgot to. Two things I learned. One, setting up a PG booth is A LOT of work!! I mean it’s a workout. I was sweating something awful!! Two, the Bongeans are the hardest working people EVER! No joke.
This is as the booth is starting to come together. Lots of hanging curtains, samples…everything.
You may have noticed…I took photos of samples I quilted. π There are 140 samples in the booth, not including all the fabric, thread, wool, notions….precuts…etc. In order to navigate through the booth, all the samples are numbered, so then you can find the pattern/kit in the booth. Genius. The booth is always preset at the warehouse with a printed layout, so we know exactly how to set it up at the show. Again…genius.
All set for the big opening day! Nick and Lisa said it went together quickly with the 3 of us working. FYI, it took all day. I told Lisa to just boss me around, so I would know exactly what to do. I will be honest, I never thought it was going to end…Nick just kept bringing in more stock!! LOL. I am so glad I was there to set up because it was a life saver for the show. I could actually help folks find things because this is what the booth looked like 99% of the time during the show…
Bumper-to-bumper traffic! Lines to get in. Lines to pay. I think poor Nick was blamed if the line got backed up, but he can only go as fast as the electronics do!! The first day of the show was the busiest!!! We didn’t even get a chance to eat. The Bongeans and their staff do an incredible job to bring you the best booth they can. I have an incredible amount of respect for how hard they all work.
I made such awesome memories. Even a Toby Keith concert while I was there.
It can’t be all work and no play. π Lisa, me and Christy. She and her husband, Clay had a booth at the show as well, Morgan Hoops and Stands. Nick even treated us to a bike taxi after the concert. Genius. We were waaayyyy too tired for anymore walking that night!
I was fortunate enough to meet so many new people. Many readers of my blog as well as fellow bloggers. Wonderful people. That was one of my most treasured memories of being there. It was great getting to know Lisa and Nick. Most of my contact with Lisa is over the phone, so this was a nice change. We started out as friendly, but definitely parted as friends. π One last thing…this whole thing was kind of “to get my feet wet” for THE B-I-G one. Starts with “H”….that’s all I’m saying. π
Hello! The Quilted Pineapple is a welcoming space with tutorials & tips, design inspiration, quilt patterns, and helpful tools. Whether youβre a seasoned quilter or new to quilting, I hope youβll find some inspiration and encouragement here for your quilting journey! ~ Linda
Oh I KNOW what you are saying *wink* *wink* π π
It was a great time and I am so glad the show was a great success. I sure did love their numbering system. That was very wonderful!! I couldn't get over how much stuff they have in their booth. Looking at all of it overwhelmed me!!
I used to work in sales and trade shows were my favorite time to work/sell/see customers. Your booth looks amazing and now that this is under your belt, H will be even more fun!
how awesome Linda! what a fun (hardworking) time! wish i could have been there! I'm quilting a satin quilt (first time i've done that!) for a vendor to hang in her booth at the NW quilting expo this week! first time for that too! kind of excited! i'll be posting more pics of the quilt when it's off the frame! ~karen
Sounds like fun! Will you be headed to the Des Moines AQS show with them? They have come each year so far and assume they will again. It would be great to meet you if you make your way here! Good luck in that place that starts with H! You will have a blast!
I know it is lots of work but it would be fun to meet so many quilters. I love all of Lisa's work and your beautiful quilting.
Love seeing all the pics.
Hugs,
Donna
Oh I KNOW what you are saying *wink* *wink* π π
It was a great time and I am so glad the show was a great success. I sure did love their numbering system. That was very wonderful!! I couldn't get over how much stuff they have in their booth. Looking at all of it overwhelmed me!!
Sounds like a fun but exhausting experience! The booth looks amazing!
So much fun and wonderful booths. It is nice that you got to attend and enjoy some fun time with friends.
Debbie
What a delightful experience you have had, Linda!!
The booth looks so inviting π
Carolyn
I used to work in sales and trade shows were my favorite time to work/sell/see customers. Your booth looks amazing and now that this is under your belt, H will be even more fun!
how awesome Linda! what a fun (hardworking) time! wish i could have been there! I'm quilting a satin quilt (first time i've done that!) for a vendor to hang in her booth at the NW quilting expo this week! first time for that too! kind of excited! i'll be posting more pics of the quilt when it's off the frame! ~karen
So glad you had so much fun and it was everything you thought it would be!
Oh Linda – looks like you have the experience of a lifetime! I'm so glad you had fun, too!
Cheers!
Looks like you had so much fun. A great experience for you. Hugs,
Sounds like fun! Will you be headed to the Des Moines AQS show with them? They have come each year so far and assume they will again. It would be great to meet you if you make your way here! Good luck in that place that starts with H! You will have a blast!
Forget the big "H". Have her sent you to Road to California in January. {wink)
I will take one of everything!
Sounds like a wonderful experience! The big "H" should be just as fun.
So exciting!!!
I know it is lots of work but it would be fun to meet so many quilters. I love all of Lisa's work and your beautiful quilting.
Love seeing all the pics.
Hugs,
Donna
It must have been wonderful meeting new friends and having such a nice experience!
Wow, lots of work, but looks like lots of fun too!!