What to Look For from Hatch + Parley

Home shows, tradeshows, and other events intended to connect and inspire - I know this scene and I know it well. One of my favourite industry events is a national window & door tradeshow that often falls on my birthday. A delight for a window and door enthusiast!

The Saint John Home show just happens to be a new one for this local door maker. I tried to get to it last year yet missed out - to be a my dear Mom's side. It has been a full year of experiencing a bit of conflicted FOMO on that one, but you will be sure to see me at my wee booth #214 , eager and with a clear love of entry doors.

If you are considering attending this years home show, I have thoughts. Drawing from years as Chairperson of a national tradeshow and as a general enthusiast of these types of events, here are a five suggestions.

  1. Before attending, search up and save home reno and garden inspirations to share with exhibitors. They'll guide you on what works, what doesn't, provide budget pricing and what is locally available.

  2. If the weather is nice, you may be inclined stay home and do some yardwork in lieu of attending this Spring Home Show, but that is likely what everyone else is doing. These are the best days to attend! The exhibitors have more time to answer your questions and the isles are less congested.

  3. Make time to listen to the speakers. There are insights to be had and it gives you a few minutes off your feet.

  4. Have a nice bite to eat before attending. There is rarely anything yummy to dine on at a home show and you'll be less tempted to eat way too many candies and mints at the booths.

  5. Take photos of the booths, the people you spoke with, and of business cards or brochures that are otherwise likely going to land in the bin at home.

Ahead of writing this blog, I had the chance to sift through my tradeshow photos from the past. It served as a trip down memory lane and sparked a few ideas on how I can curate an enticing booth for you to come visit. I will also be speaking at the upcoming Home Show, so please come take a load off and fall in love with doors with me.

Toronto Home Show where I exhibited in container homes.

Ribbon cutting for the WinDoor event, on my birthday.

My first public speaker experience for Fenestration Canada.

Went to Fensterbau in Germany to learn about the Future of Doors.

I hope this helps make the home show experience more beneficial for you. Come by and visit with me, tell me about your own entry door and share photos with me of the door of your dreams. Perhaps I will get a chance to build it for you!

- Laura Weil, hatch + parley (What to Look For)