Everything must be done before the public walks through the door. Professionals can help at each step of the way for someone who don't want to go it alone. While the Fergusons use their own money, local lenders said they do make loans for such enterprises as trade shows. We'd certainly consider it,'' said George Sell, president of PNB Financial. Sell recommended prospective promoters to use a bank with which they are established.
Banks are more likely to make a loan to someone that they have done business with before.
Once the money is secured, a prospective promoter must find an available venue. The Amarillo Civic Center sees more than 60 trade shows each year, totaling between 800,000 to 900,000 visitors each year, said Kris Miller, civic center manager. And our economy right now is good and that drives people into these shows,'' he said. The civic center is equipped to handle shows as small as 15 booths or as large as 650 booths. Due to high usage, Miller said promoters should reserve space at least a year in advance.