For this trade show queen, the “Affordable Shopping Destination” show at the Los Angeles Convention center this past March 17-20 was a bit exhausting. Most of the cheerful vendors even started to get a bit crabby by the last day…but managed to put their best foot forward till the cows came home…

GET YOUR STEPS IN You can log over 3 miles per day. My friend who introduced me to this show as a walking opportunity (she walks about 5 miles per day) made sure that I knew about the “frenzie” phenomenon that occurs when a booth inside one of the great halls has really cool jewelry, clothing, purses and other goodies that you can “cash and carry.” Just look for the pirhana’s feeding frenzie and RUN before you miss out!

BRING LOTS OF CASH Warning – if you don’t stock lots of $20’s you will have to hit the ATM machine several times to haul off all of the really cool merchandise. I took photos of my favorite booths and actually tried to see as much as I could over the 4 day show. Many of the vendors were returners who stayed busy with repeat or brand new customers. I did hear some remarks that indicated that it seemed a bit slow compared to the previous ASD shows, but most seemed very happy with their potential sales.

POT IS KING My overall impression was one of amazement at the variety of goods represented throughout the convention center. From rows and rows of cannabis merchants, jewelry (costume and fine), clothing, shoes, purses, skulls, and Motorcycle merchandise to the interesting and educational seminars. I attended as many seminars as I could and learned all about customer rewards programs and the best way to use social media to improve product awareness. Oh yes, and I bombarded my instagram account with #ASDshow posts! I didn’t mind that much but now that the show is over I’ll have to unfriend them until next time!