Being a vendor at the Edmonton Pet Expo was an eye-opening experience for Tails n’ Trails Photography. Even without furry friends in the booth, there was plenty to learn about engaging visitors, running a booth, and making the most of an event like this.

The Setup Shuffle
Setting up a booth is always more work than it looks. From arranging prints and albums to making signage eye-catching and approachable, we quickly learned that presentation really matters. A clean, welcoming booth draws people in.

Engagement is Everything
Without my pet to grab attention, it was all about connecting with humans. Talking about my photography process, showing sample sessions, and sharing stories about our past shoots sparked conversations and built interest. Lesson one: people respond to passion and storytelling, not just props. I learned freebies also engage people: stickers were the way to go to get people to come over!

Networking Beyond the Booth
The Expo wasn’t just about clients: it was about connecting with other vendors, pet businesses, and organizations. Swapping tips, learning from others, and exploring potential collaborations were among the most valuable parts of the day.

One of the friends I made was Becca from The Humble Hound Collective. I couldn’t help myself… I bought from her booth! If you are interested in matching outfits with your pet, definitely look into her products! (Not sponsored!)

I hope to post pictures soon of my 15-and-a-half-year-old senior shih tzu mix, Dumbo. Look forward to seeing those photos come to life on my Instagram!

Even without pets at my booth, the Edmonton Pet Expo was a fantastic way to connect with the pet-loving community, share my work, and gather insights that will make Tails n’ Trails Photography’s future events even better.

I can’t wait to vendor again at the next pet market! I hope to see some of you there!

Want to see your pet shine in a professional photography session? Visit www.tailsntrailsphotography.ca to book your session and bring those memorable moments to life!