Taste of Oviedo is an annual sampling of local offerings. Boy did I miss the boat. Had I been in my "marketing mode" a few weeks earlier I would have jumped on the number of opportunities that I just missed. Fortunately, I got to take advantage of the best opportunity and spent the day with my family.
The Taste of Oviedo has been an annual event now for fifteen years running. This used to be a small sampling of tarps on a back street. The festival has now grown in size and reputation to be able to fill my favorite new shortcut - Oviedo Blvd. Exhibitors on both sides from one end to the other complete with a "food round-about" and reasonable section for kids activities. This was the first time the Taste was held here. It had out grown its back road status years ago and the extra space made walking through with the radio flyer wagon a breeze. Of course there are always crowds around the food. There were finally some new food samples to be had and sadly a few that will be missed. All in all a great way to get exercise and spend time with the family.
Now, had I been thinking, I would have teamed up with a few other professionals. Let's say an appraiser, an agent, and a mortgage broker to go in on the cost of a tent for the day. Thousands of walk-bys occurred. The larger agencies had the right idea with a tent, but not much in drawing the crowds in. They were most likely going for the name recognition points. There are two big functions a year for Oviedo - The Taste of Oviedo and Great Day in the Country. Forming a team that can offer a one stop shop would not be a bad idea for the whole year, but it makes good sense for this kind of venue. Covering a wider variety of services would draw more visitors to the tent. Throwing a $25 gift card to a local restaurant for a drawing could keep the leads basket full. And most importantly, showing the business in a positive community light will go a long way in a community like Oviedo. The "Taste" has certainly evolved from a few food samplings to a showcase of available services, groups, activities, and organizations. In short - it was a networkers dream.
I'll be paying attention for Great Day - although I do not think that it's set up is as conducive as the Taste.
Steve.....I missed a similar event but put on my schedule for next year. For every event we miss we are sure to hit a dozen others.
Libby,
So true, now all I have to do is remember to check my calander, or was that my pda, or did I put that in my phone. Ahh now theres that scrap piece of paper........
but seriously, thanks for the encouragement.
I saw someone go by with a red wagon in tow.Maybe it was you! My partner and I had a booth, and we'll see how many of the leads we got pan out. We sure met a lot of people, and had a good time. The Chamber of Commerce is already taking registrations for next year's Taste, so that would be a good place to start if you're interested in having a booth.
Laurie,
It may have been! We loaded up and decided to walk from Alafaya Woods. My little guy has the energy, but not the focus for a mile plus trek. So in the Radio Flyer he went. His patience is a little short for networking as well, so we concentrated on the food and kiddie stuff. I do believe I will wear a different hat next year. So, I haven't checked, did Robert King win the cook off again this year? I briefly saw him under the tent.
One has to be in the "marketing mode" 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Great opportunities to use Guerrilla Marketing come along rarely. We have to take advantage of them when they do.