Expo Ready: Show Up & Stand Out
As a Catalyst for business growth, the Chamber is here to help you make the most of your participation in the Expo & Bite of Mason County. Whether you’re a first-time exhibitor or a returning favorite, the April luncheon provided tools to sharpen your strategy and elevate your presence.
As businesses gear up for the Expo & Bite of Mason County, Chamber’s April luncheon focused on helping participants prepare for a successful, engaging presence. Attendees received practical guidance on designing impactful booths, training staff, and making the most of their investment in this signature community event.
A strong starting point is identifying the primary goal for your booth—whether it’s generating leads, increasing brand awareness, or engaging directly with attendees. Every element, from set-up to staffing, should support that objective.
When it comes to giveaways, functionality matters. Items like chip clips, letter openers, cooling towels, or other branded items that attendees will use regularly are more likely to leave a lasting impression. Ensuring your business’s name and contact information are clearly visible turns each item into a long-term touchpoint. Consider, too, if you wish to offer small prizes for every guest or have a single, high-value door prize.
Interactive elements are another key to success. Simple games or raffles, such as cornhole or prize drawings, help draw visitors in and create opportunities for meaningful conversations. These activities also allow for easy lead collection, particularly when tied to an entry form or prize registration.
Staffing can make or break a booth experience. Ensuring your team is trained with a short, engaging pitch and knows how to welcome and interact with visitors confidently helps maximize impact and build rapport.
Melanie also emphasized the importance of supporting local. Businesses are encouraged to source swag, signage, and printed materials from local vendors such as Batfish Ink, Black Star, Candy Wrapper Store, Northwest Custom Tees, and The Shopper.
For Expo & Bite of Mason County registration, guidelines, and resources, visit masonchamber.com/expo.
About our Speaker:
Melanie Bakala, State Farm Insurance
Melanie Bakala of State Farm Insurance has a background in marketing and experience representing her brand on regional and national stages.
Melanie Bakala recently celebrated her 15th year in Shelton as a State Farm Agent. Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, she worked in marketing and sales development for a local community bank for 15 years. Now, Melanie is the owner of two State Farm locations in Shelton and Olympia with a staff of 15 insurance professionals. She is married with three adult children and two grandchildren.