Freelance Exchange of KC members gear up for annual Showcase

The premiere event for the Freelance Exchange of Kansas City (#FXofKC) is coming up Sept. 29 – FX Showcase 2016. Members learned what to do and not to do to present themselves in the best positive light at the Showcase at a lively discussion at a lunch meeting.

The FX Showcase is an excellent opportunity for talented freelance writers, editors, corporate communicators, designers, photographers, social media experts and others to display their portfolios and talk about their services.

Attendees will include representatives from KC advertising and PR agencies, design firms, corporations, nonprofits and mom-and-pop shops. All of those potential clients turn to freelance or contract assistance on a regular or occasional basis and attend Showcase to search for talent.

$10 fee covers it

New this year is no-fee table/booth space for Freelance Exchange members, who just pay the $10 general admission fee for the event. Also new this year is a $10 admission fee for all visitors to the Showcase. The event takes place at the River Market event space, conveniently located near City Market and near a KC Streetcar stop.

The event starts at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 29 with an hour-long panel discussion with FXofKC members, who will field questions about the business of hiring freelance experts for particular gigs, or as an ongoing supplement to full-time staff. Panelists are Julie Cortes, Kelly Wagner, Jason Dailey, Susan Pepperdine and Stina Hergott, all experts in copywriting, design or photography.

Trendy food on site

The exhibit floor opens at 11:30, giving attendees a chance to visit at the various booths. American Fusion, a trendy KC food truck, will be on hand for attendees to purchase lunch. The event will conclude about 3 p.m. and attendees are invited to a cash bar happy hour at Harry’s Country Club beginning around 3:30 p.m.

Some tips from the pros on how to prepare for the Showcase:

·      Bring samples of your best work, attractively displayed in scrapbook, binder, as hand-outs, or on a laptop or tablet. Include case studies, testimonials from clients, business cards, flyers, etc.

·      Collect business cards from everyone who visits your booth and take brief notes about your conversations. Follow up with an email to thank them for stopping by.

·      Be ready with a conversation opener that engages your visitors.

·      Practice your 30-second “elevator speech.” Make it sound real and conversational. Focus on what makes you different.

·      Don’t engage in long conversations with visitors – keep it short and sweet, as they have other vendors to visit.

·      Present yourself as an idea generator – someone who understands their core business and who can solve problems.

·      Be prepared for questions about rates and know how you will respond.

·      Fancy up your table to fit your brand. Tables will have black cloths, but be creative if it suits you. Bring your own table covering and any suitable decorations. Keep any table-top accessories low, so they won’t block your view, but consider adding some height to your display.

·      All display items must fit on your table. No floor displays or wall displays are permitted.

·      Consider giving out small tchotchkes with your brand; or maybe chocolates or cookies.

·      Dress as if you were going to a client meeting.

Showcase promotion

FXofKC board members are in high gear, planning widespread promotion to potential Showcase attendees. Some 3,600 postcards will be mailed by Sept. 8, posters will be placed in agencies, businesses and retail locations throughout the community and a flurry of electronic communications will be unleashed.

Registration

Watch the FXofKC Facebook page and www.kcfreelanceexchange.com for registration information, coming soon.

Hope to see YOU at FXofKC Showcase 2016!