museums&MORE Fall 2016

Peer Perspective: Amy Dufour, Urban Expositions

Amy Dufour

Marketing Manager for Urban Expositions’ Gift, Souvenir & Apparel divisions

Kennesaw, Georgia

What is your professional background?

I have 14 years of public relations and marketing experience serving the trade show, sporting and entertainment industries. Currently, I am the marketing manager for the Philadelphia Gift Show, Smoky Mountain Gift Show, WWIN, and Grand Strand Gift & Resort Merchandise Show, so I offer marketing support to vendors who participate in our gift and souvenir shows. In addition, I am also responsible for the tactical execution of our marketing campaigns to attract retailers to these regional gift, apparel and souvenir events.

What is the most common mistake you see vendors and retailers make in terms of public relations/customer service?

• Embracing technology — consumers are online now all of the time, so it is important to take the time to make sure your website is up-to-date, easy to navigate and the photos of the available goods and services you sell on your website are current.
• Incorporate social media into your marketing strategy — it is important to post regularly on your social media sites and keep your pages active so your products and services stay fresh in the mind of your customers.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy traveling, so going to trade shows has provided an opportunity to travel to different regions of the country, and I get to meet interesting meet specialty retailers and manufacturers with unique products. I always meet someone with a unique story that inspired their businesses or craft.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I have two children (ages 7 and 10) who are active and athletic, so I really enjoy the opportunity to watch them compete in their respective sports of cheerleading, basketball, football and baseball. When I’m not cheering on my kids, you’d probably find me shopping or enjoying a concert, movie or catching up with a friend over lunch or dinner.