Boost Your Booth: The Hottest Tips for Unstoppable Event Vendor Success!

 

From The Desk of The Million Dollar Sis

Being a vendor at an event is an exciting opportunity to showcase your products or services, connect with potential customers, network, and boost your business. If you're new to the vendor scene, don't worry! I will walk you through the process, helping you set up shop and make the most of your experience.

Research and Choose the Right Event

Start by researching events that align with your business. Look for local markets, fairs, trade shows, or community events that attract your target audience. Consider factors like foot traffic, the event theme, and vendor fees. Choose an event that suits your goals and budget. At my events, I've turned down some vendors from setting up because what they had to offer wasn't right for the theme of my event. I definitely could have taken their money, but I like to sleep good at night. Where I'm from in Pittsburgh, spaces are mostly $25 for a 6ft table (for a 4+ hour event), but I've seen spaces in Chicago and Philly go for $40-$200 for events that are less than 4 hours long. If I'm not there for at least 5 hours, it's not worth it to me.

Pay attention and don't get scammed. If you meet someone online who says they're having an event, do the following:

1. Find their social media profile(s). If they're info/posts aren't public #scamlikely, little followers/friends/pics #scamlikely, and friends/followers making the same comments #scamlikely. Block, report, don't engage.

2. If you comment "interested" on a post asking for vendors AND A TOTALLY DIFFERENT PROFILE/PERSON responds to you or messages you asking you what you sell, giving you table sizes and costs... #scamlikely

3. Google the venue and see where it's located on the map. If it isn't an actual BUILDING/BUSINESS #scamlikely. If it is a business, get their number off Google, and call to verify if there's an event happening that day, and ask who's the organizer. #scamlikely if the person who answers calls for the business is confused about what you're talking about.

4. ALWAYS choose "goods and services'' when paying for your booth space at events if paying via PayPal, Venmo, etc. I don't care what those people say! If they try and tell you about fees, that is a THEM problem. Protect yourself always. I trust paying through large platforms like Eventbrite or branded websites like mine because there is "buyer's protection" so you can get your money back. Stop using Cash App because once it's gone, it's gone (note that large platforms and branded sites have fees, but like I said, if things go left, you are protected).

Register for the Event

Once you've found the perfect event, reach out to the organizers to inquire about vendor opportunities. Most events have an application process, and you may need to submit details about your products or services. Be sure to ask and finalize any fees involved and deadlines for registration.

Plan Your Booth Setup

Think about how you want to present your products or services. Plan a visually appealing booth that reflects your brand. Consider elements like signage, banners, and product displays. Make sure your setup is inviting and easy for attendees to navigate. Click here to order some displays for your table.

Stock Up on Inventory

Ensure you have enough inventory to meet the demands of the event. Stock up on your best-selling products and consider offering event-exclusive promotions to attract customers. Bring extra supplies such as business cards, brochures, and a payment processing system.

Engage with Attendees

Stay off your phone unless you're taking pics/videos/going live. During the event, engage with attendees to create a positive experience. Greet people warmly, share information about your products, and encourage them to ask questions. Consider running special promotions or giveaways to capture attention. When I offer "event only" discounts, my sales increase. It creates FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). I highly recommend standing up as people are walking over to your area. Answer questions without feeling bad if you don't make a sale. See it as a way to improve your public speaking skills. One giveaway that I do is a free item if they fill out my raffle card. I require them to give me their name, mailing address (because I send quarterly postcards), and email (for my email blasts). Make sure you do the giveaway no later than a week after the event! Go live or record a video and post it on your social media. After every sale, take pictures with or of the customer holding your product or info sheet. Post it on your social media or newsletter.

Accept Various Payment Methods

Make it easy for customers to make purchases by accepting various payment methods. Whether it's cash, credit cards, or digital payments, having multiple options can increase your sales. For payment processing, I use Square. They offer "tap to pay" on your smartphone. Or, you can get the terminal. Just for you, if you use my referral code, you will get free processing up to $1000. As I stated before, I do not recommend CashApp, Apple Pay, or Google Wallet to accept payments. It is unprofessional, and neither you nor the customer are protected.

Network with Other Vendors

Take advantage of the networking opportunities at the event. Connect with other vendors, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations. Building relationships with fellow vendors can lead to future business opportunities. Get everyone's business cards. If you get info about an event, share it with them. Build a better connection. There's enough money on the table for everyone.

Follow Up After the Event

After the event concludes, don't forget to follow up with potential customers. Send thank-you emails, offer exclusive post-event promotions, and invite them to connect on social media. Building a lasting relationship with customers is key to future success.

Listen, after closing my physical store in 2016 in North Carolina and attending events, I was able to reach out and connect with more customers and meet them where they were. The journey has been amazing, and vending has caused me to want to travel to other cities and vend.

Becoming a vendor at an event may seem intimidating at first, but with careful planning and a positive attitude, it can be a rewarding experience for your business. Remember to choose the right event, create an attractive booth setup, engage with attendees, and follow up afterward. Good luck, and enjoy the journey of being a successful event vendor!

Before you go, download my My Vendor Checklist for $3 (Thank you for the latte 😁)!

Much love,

Deanna

aka The Million Dollar Sis

How Nonprofits Can Get Canva Pro for FREE! Yes, FREE!

The best part is, other companies OUTSIDE of the US can benefit too!

From The Desk of The Million Dollar Sis

If you're running a nonprofit and still using the basic version of Canva... why, though? You’re out here changing lives, impacting communities, doing the real work but still settling for limited design tools? 

That ends today.

Let me put you on game: Canva offers FREE Pro accounts to nonprofits. Not a trial. Not a discount. We’re talking full-access, premium, unlimited Pro for the free.99. 

What Is Canva Pro and Why Do You Need It?

If you're not familiar, Canva Pro is like the Beyoncé of design platforms. It gives you:

• Unlimited access to templates, fonts, and stock photos

• The ability to upload your own brand kit (colors, logos, fonts)

• Magic Resize (so you can turn one design into IG, TikTok, YouTube, and flyer formats in seconds)

• Premium folders to keep your visuals organized

• And so much more that makes your brand look expensive (even if your budget’s giving ramen noodle right now)

Who’s Eligible?

Here’s the fine print (but I’mma break it down for you nice and easy):
✔️ You must be a registered nonprofit, charity, or social impact organization in your country
✔️ You need to have a functioning website and proof of your legal status
❌ Political organizations, government bodies, and schools aren’t eligible (Canva has separate programs for them)
✔️ You must agree that you’re using Canva for mission-driven work, not commercial gain

If your organization fits that, you’re golden.

How to Apply (It’s Giving EASY)

1. Head to canva.com/canva-for-nonprofits

2. Click that “Apply now” button

3. Fill out the quick application with your org's info, documentation, and contact email

4. Wait for approval (usually takes a few business days)

That’s it. No red tape. No jumping through hoops.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Look, your cause deserves professional, scroll-stopping design. Whether you’re making flyers for a community clean-up, social posts for your next fundraiser, or a proposal deck for a grant, Canva Pro takes you from amateur to authority in a snap.

As the Million Dollar Sis, I’m all about helping you show up with excellence. And this right here? This is an excellence-level tool being handed to you for free. There’s no excuse not to apply.

Final Word from The Million Dollar Sis 💎

When we say we’re building legacy, community, and visibility, that means using every resource at our disposal to level up. Canva is one of those tools that makes your message match your mission visually.

So go ahead. Apply today. Then come back and tag me in your first Pro-level design, because I wanna see you shine.

📌 Link to Apply: Canva for Nonprofits

📣 Know a nonprofit leader? Forward this post. Don’t let your sis miss out on her blessings.

 

The Real Freedom? Ownership. What the 4th Means for Entrepreneurs

Economic Independence: What the 4th of July Means for Entrepreneurs Today

 From The Desk of The Million Dollar Sis

As fireworks crackle and flags fly high on the 4th of July, America celebrates its freedom. But as entrepreneurs, we understand that true freedom isn't just about borders, it's about ownership, autonomy, and the ability to shape your destiny.

For many entrepreneurs, regardless of race or gender, this holiday represents something deeper: the ongoing pursuit of economic liberation. Because starting a business isn’t just about making money, it’s about building a life on your own terms.

Entrepreneurship as a Modern-Day Declaration of Independence

When you step into entrepreneurship, you’re making a bold declaration:

“I will define my value. I will create opportunity. I will leave a legacy.”

This spirit mirrors what the Founding Fathers claimed on July 4, 1776. But while their freedom was political, ours is economic, and just as revolutionary.

Building a business allows individuals to bypass gatekeepers, create jobs, and generate wealth that can uplift families and entire communities. Research supports this, too. According to a 2021 report from the Kauffman Foundation, nearly 65% of new jobs in the U.S. are created by small businesses (Kauffman Foundation, 2021).

Barriers Still Exist, But We Keep Building

Despite the progress, systemic challenges remain. From access to capital to racial and gender disparities in funding, not all entrepreneurs have equal footing. Black and Latino entrepreneurs, for example, are less likely to be approved for loans and often receive less venture funding (Fairlie et al., 2020; Robb & Robinson, 2014).

Yet, entrepreneurs across all backgrounds continue to innovate, collaborate, and find creative ways to scale. That resilience is freedom in motion.

Why Ownership Matters

Owning a business gives you:

Time Freedom – the power to design your day

Financial Freedom – potential to build wealth beyond a paycheck

Creative Freedom – the ability to make your vision a reality

And ownership allows us to build assets that don’t just make money, but make an impact.

Personally, do I celebrate the 4th of July? No, neither I nor my ancestors were a part of the independence. However, whether you’re launching your first business or scaling your seventh, remember: you are claiming independence with every move you make.

So light your spark. Build your brand. Fund your future.

Let this be a reminder to every visionary, every go-getter, and every dreamer carving their own lane.

Love,

The Million Dollar Sis 🦋 

Ready to declare your independence?

Whether you’re just getting started or scaling up, now is the time to build something that gives you freedom—financial, creative, and generational.

PS: Don’t just celebrate freedom, own it.

 Tap into the Million Dollar Sis mindset:
 Share this blog with another entrepreneur
 Leave a comment and tell me how you're building your legacy
And subscribe to the blog so you never miss a dose of strategy, mindset, and motivation

Let’s keep building boldly, unapologetically, and together.!

Juneteenth & the Hustle for Economic Liberation

🖤 FREE TO BUILD: HONORING JUNETEENTH THROUGH BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP

From The Desk of The Million Dollar Sis

Juneteenth is more than just a holiday, it’s a reminder. A reckoning. A revival. It marks the day June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were finally informed that they were free… over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Freedom delayed, but not denied. And while our ancestors were legally unshackled that day, the truth is, their access to economic freedom remained locked away for generations. Land ownership was blocked, jobs were withheld, and wealth was hoarded.

But here’s the thing about us: we build anyway.

That’s why Juneteenth isn't just a commemoration of freedom from chains. It’s a call to action for economic liberation. And in this modern era, owning a business is one of the most powerful forms of resistance and resilience a Black person can take on. Every sale, every client, every brand we build? That’s us rewriting the script. That’s us taking up space in a world that once tried to erase us.

And let’s talk numbers. Because Black women? We are the moment. According to recent reports, Black women are the fastest-growing demographic of entrepreneurs in the U.S., starting businesses at four times the national average. But you know what? That stat doesn’t shock me. Because we’ve always made a way out of no way.

As for me? My journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t cute and curated, it was born from necessity. I’m a U.S. Army veteran, a mom, and a multi-business owner who came from a line of women who made things happen. I grew up knowing that if I wanted freedom, not just financially, but spiritually, mentally, and generationally, I had to create it myself. I couldn’t wait for someone to give me a seat at the table. I built the whole damn room.

So let me say this loud and clear:

Entrepreneurship is a modern-day declaration of freedom.

It’s about owning your schedule, your value, and your impact. It’s the ability to decide your own future, to employ others in your community, and to pass something meaningful down to your children. It’s not just about money—it’s about power. And every Black entrepreneur is a freedom fighter in a new war: the war for equity, legacy, and liberation.

And since we're talking legacy, what's your story?

I want to hear it. The world needs to hear it. That’s why I created Boss Talk, a video podcast where entrepreneurs like you come on to share the truth behind your business. No fluff, just real stories from real people doing real work. I record every Tuesday between 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM EST, and the interviews are completely free. If you’ve got something powerful to say, I’ve got the mic waiting on you.

This Juneteenth, I want you to truly think about what freedom looks like for you. Not just waving a flag or reposting a quote, but living it. Owning your voice. Starting that business. Charging your worth. Releasing the fear. Supporting another Black-owned brand. Investing in the future you want your children to see.

Because we’re not just free, we’re Million Dollar Free.

With love, fire, and legacy,
Deanna “The Million Dollar Sis” Dias
Your Business Bestie. Your Reminder. Your Evidence.

👇🏾 Click Here to Schedule Your Boss Talk Interview 👇🏾

How to Host a Private, Intimate Event to Elevate Your Brand (My Proven Steps for Success)

Hey Million Dollar Society! 🌟

It’s your girl, Deanna, aka The Million Dollar Sis and your favorite business bestie. Today, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes magic of how I hosted an intimate, private event that not only brought my brand to life but also deepened connections with my audience in ways I never imagined.

If you’ve ever thought about hosting an event for your business but didn’t know where to start, let me show you how I did it, step by step.

Step 1: Set Clear Goals

First things first, get crystal clear on what you want your event to accomplish. Are you looking to increase brand awareness, boost sales, or connect with your current and future customers?

For me, it was all about reconnecting with my existing customers while introducing my boutique, Bangolz, to new faces. I also wanted feedback on my latest pieces so I could refine my vision.

 Step 2: Know Your Audience

You don’t need a crowd of hundreds – you need the right people in the room. Think of those who will benefit most from your brand and who’ll appreciate the experience you’re curating.

At my event, I invited entrepreneurs, corporate queens, brunching beauties, a photographer, and some local influencers who I knew would vibe with my brand. That’s it – small, but mighty.

Step 3: Choose a Venue That Reflects Your Brand

Let’s talk location! I went with a cozy, modern art gallery. It was avant-garde, stylish, and had a decorated piano that became the centerpiece of the night. The space was intimate and comfortable – exactly the vibe I wanted to create.

One tip: always think about accessibility. Everyone should feel welcome and able to fully enjoy the experience.

Step 4: Craft an Engaging Agenda

No boring lectures here. I made sure my event felt personal and interactive. I kicked it off by sharing my story: where Bangolz came from, my mission, and what I envision for the future.

After that, my models showed off the new pieces, and we opened up the floor for questions and feedback. We ended the night with networking, some good eats, and a mimosa or two. 🍾

 Step 5: Make It Feel Exclusive

We all love to feel special, and that’s exactly what I wanted for my guests. Everyone got a $20 gift certificate to spend at Bangolz, plus a surprise gift that was actually useful, not just filler.

It turned the event into a real VIP experience.

Step 6: Follow Up and Build Relationships

Don’t let the connection stop when the night ends! I always send a personalized thank-you email to every guest, and you should, too. Include some highlights from the event and remind them of any exclusive deals or next steps.

That follow-up has helped me turn one-time event guests into loyal customers and even brand ambassadors.

Final Thoughts

Hosting a private, intimate event isn’t about being perfect – it’s about creating real connections. When people feel valued and seen, they’ll keep coming back and supporting your business in ways that last.

So, Million Dollar Society, what’s the first step you’re going to take to plan your event? Drop it in the comments below. Let’s hype each other up and get those ideas flowing!

Until next time, keep building, keep shining, and keep showing up for yourself and your brand.

Love,
Deanna ✨