So, load-in for the conference began at 9:00am, but we arrived promptly at 12noon. Of course, I was stressed out thinking of worst-case scenarios such as our inventory not arriving. Or, our inventory arriving without our grid wall display and we’d be forced to pile all of our tees on the provided 6’ table which would drive me INSANE. This was our first experience shipping everything in advance.
But, we arrived at our 8X10’ booth and all 10 boxes were awaiting our arrival and ready for set up. It went smoothly and simply. We were directly next to Brooke Siler of Re:Ab Pilates and best-known for her book The Pilates Body and The Pilates Body Challenge. She's quite a powerhouse with 2 studios, best selling books, a certification program and a mother of 2 little ones. What an inspiration!
And we were 2 booths down from Michael and Ton (two of my 1st Pilates teachers). Until 2003 they were Teacher Trainers for Romana Kryzanowska but have since ventured off to pursue their own endeavors. They were at the Pilates Style Conference to present workshops and exhibit their products. At their booth, attendees scooped up their revolutionary Triad balls and DVDs that add a whole new dimension to your Pilates workout. Try stabilizing the ball underneath your pelvis while doing the series of 5 (even with your head and shoulder blades on the mat, it kicks your butt!!! You've got to SCOOP deeply!) Anyway, I love Michael and Ton! They’re phenomenal teachers and people. Right now, they're presenting in Argentina. How cool is that? Look! They're wearing our tees! Michael is wearing our "Contrology Freak!" thermal and Ton is wearing our "Welcome to Joe's Torture Chamber!" burnout tee.
Once the doors opened at 4pm we were busy. And I kid you not; in the first hour, all of our customers were from overseas; South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, England, New Zealand, Costa Rica and Spain (I even got to use my Spanish over the weekend). I LOVE meeting people from around the world! Especially when we share the Pilates bond. I think Uncle Joe (Joseph Pilates) would be thrilled to see the extent to which his work has affected lives worldwide. Our overseas friends were eager to swipe up our t-shirts; saying they have nothing like them at home. They absolutely loved our burnouts and our inside/out long sleeve tees.
As usual, our biggest sellers were from our “Got Powerhouse?” and “Contrology Freak!” lines.
It was a great day! We jumped on the subway and headed back to Brooklyn where Brooke, Daniel and their beautiful baby girl, Rowan, were waiting to take us to their favorite Moroccan restaurant in Park Slope. We walked 22 blocks to get there which is something I miss about living in New York… walking. NY streets are so lively no matter what the hour and the restaurants and cafes are always packed with people owning their individual stories of what landed them in the Big Apple. Of course, I’d be fascinated to hear them all. Anyway, I wish I could remember the name of the restaurant because the food was fabulous! It was the perfect way to end to the day; spending time with 2 of our very best friends over amazing food and wine.
Rock Your Powerhouse!
Kira
Thanks so much for the unsolicited plug Kira! Much appreciated.
For the record you made great neighbors during the conference and I won't tell your fan base how much candy you ate from our booth...whoops.
Keep rocking that solid Powerhouse!
Brooke
Posted by: brooke siler | August 15, 2007 at 08:38 PM