🤑 Rating My Convention Booths Based on Sales

As an artist and vendor at various conventions, the experience of setting up a booth and interacting with customers is exhilarating. The true measure of success, however, often comes down to sales figures.

In this post, I will rate the conventions I have attended based on my sales experiences in chronological order. Each event has its unique charm, but some have proven to be more profitable than others.

1. Anime Festival Asia 2022

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent

Anime Festival Asia 2022 was my debut, and it set the bar high. The sales were phenomenal, and it set a high benchmark for all subsequent conventions. However, the booth cost was quite steep, which slightly offset the impressive revenue. Despite this, the sales volume made it worth the investment. However I have yet to apply for this event again due to the high booth cost. I will probably consider it again.

2. EOY SG 2022

Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ Mediocre

EOY SG 2022 was a bit underwhelming in terms of sales. The turnout and customer engagement didn't match my expectations, making it a less memorable experience. While the overall atmosphere was enjoyable, the sales figures were just average.

3. Arcade 2023

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent

Arcade 2023 turned out to be a fantastic event. The booth rental was reasonably priced, and the sales were outstanding. This convention struck a perfect balance between cost and revenue, making it one of my top favorites.

4. Doujima 2023

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ Alright

Doujima 2023 was a mixed bag. The sales were decent but not extraordinary. It was a steady event without any significant highs or lows, making it an average experience overall.

5. AFA CFS 2023

Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ Mediocre

At AFA CFS 2023, the sales were just okay. I feel that the event did not generate the customer footfall that could have driven higher sales due to the location it was held. It was a modest experience with no significant gains.

6. IAF Illustration Fest 2023

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ Alright

The IAF Illustration Fest was slightly better than AFA CFS in terms of sales. While it wasn't a blockbuster, it provided a better revenue stream and more engaging interactions with attendees.

7. Illustration Taipei 2024

Rating: ⭐☆☆☆☆ Sad :(

Illustration Taipei 2024 was a significant disappointment. As my first overseas convention, I had high hopes, but the sales could not justify the expenses, resulting in a substantial loss. I will delve deeper into this experience in a future post, as there are many lessons to be learned from this setback.

8. Doujima 2024

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ Good

Returning to Doujima in 2024 proved to be a better experience. The sales were good, indicating an improvement from the previous year. This event demonstrated consistency and a positive trend in revenue.

9. Doki Doki Art Market 2024

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ Good

Doki Doki Art Market 2024 was another successful event with good sales. Especially since it is their first event. The engagement with art enthusiasts and the overall vibe of the market contributed to a rewarding experience.

Each convention brings its own set of challenges and rewards. While some have been lucrative, others have offered valuable lessons despite lower sales. My journey through these conventions has been a learning curve, helping me refine my strategies and better understand my audience. I will write a more detailed post on my experience at Illustration Taipei 2024, where I will share some reflections.

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