5 min chat with Blackpants Trade Show organiser, Bianca Surch
5 min chat with Blackpants Show Organiser
Bianca Surch
Hi Bianca, so what’s your role at Blackpants?
Well essentially, I make all the trade shows happen! Haha. We do anywhere from 6 to 12 shows per year. Logistically there is so much involved behind the scenes, and in the lead up to each show – that’s almost a full-time job in itself. Then I’m also physically at each show working the floor and setting up / pulling down.
You live in Australia, and the shows are in USA – how does that work?
Lots of flying! I travel A LOT – I’m usually away from home for about 6 months of the year. I travel back and forth for each show.Logistically, that also accounts for a big part of organising the shows – booking flights, accommodation – also the transporting of stock and show gear all across country! I have seen so much of America from road tripping across states! I feel like we could write a book of our adventures!
You transport your own stock and show gear?
Oh absolutely! We are a very hand on company. As an exhibitor, you have a small window for delivery access into the venues, and basically if the courier is late or there is any kind of mix up – you miss out. We put months of planning into the shows, not to mention time, effort and money. So, we manage it all ourselves, to have control over it – or as much control as we can. It quite common for big companies to organise their transportation and shipping internally, for this reason,
I feel like this decision came from past experience? Any trade show disasters?
Oh look, I would go as far to say disasters! Things happen though! In business, you always have to have contingency plans – and be prepared for worse case scenarios! We have done shows with no stock – due to the disasterous floods in Brisbane holding up shipping. Another time our stock made it to the right city – and was literally in the building next door – but couldn’t get it physically released until the Monday AFTER the show! We have had our entire stand delivered 2 hours before closing time – meaning we had 2 hours to do an entire setup, that usually takes about 12 hours. The list goes on. But We get S*** done though!
And you do set up yourself?
Haha we do. trade shows set ups are a vibe! We love it. its loads of work, physically demanding, but it’s so fun – all the other companies are there doing the same thing, you get to catch up with everyone before the show officially opens– its literally a construction site – its organised chaos. Music, stage rehearsals, light shows, forklifts. Its crazy to think what the visitors walk into 24 hours later!! Its pulls together like magic!
You are the head of show logistics; do you have a team?
I do! Blackpants is a great team. We all wear lots of hats! We are an all-female run company – and that in itself makes it such a vibrant dynamic. All the Blackpants team have had the opportunity to travel to an international show – to experience it. As glamorous as it sounds – it can defiantly get tiring and also requires lots of flexibility. Gemma and Courteny used to travel with me a lot, but now both have small children – and Leonie still comes to around 3 shows a year… but she is the boss so just gets to pick her favourite cities! I also have wonderful staff based across the USA that work the shows.
And what’s your favourite part of doing the shows?
Oh, definitely setup! It’s like the prelude – gets you in the spirit – and then of course opening hour is exciting. Trade shows have such a great energy – to be surrounded by everyone from the industry – to get to meet your customers – and also to see your brand in real time, how much people love it. so many companies miss that these days – being predominantly online. We love to get the opportunity to meet our people – to get feedback – face to face. Its priceless.
That was going to be my next question, with everything being online, why do you still do shows after 20 years?
Yes, exactly that reason. Because we love them. And its where we started out in the US. Yes, our brand has grown exponentially in the industry, but we still love to interact with the industry. We love to give our customers the chance to feel and see the products and to learn what they want and need from us! You can get all that online, and through social media – but it’s not the same. We also love to support the actual shows. Shows need exhibitors to exhibit. And bring people to the shows. And visitors want to see the brands they love there. The shows provide a place for stylists, and salon teams, to come for the weekend, have a fun and fabulous time, seeing the best educators and brands. It’s exciting.
What can visitors expect from Blackpants at shows this year?
Well we always stock our original Blackpants range – allowing our customers and salons the opportunity to outfit their staff with show pricing. We also launch new designs at the shows before they are released online. Without giving too much away – this year Blackpants is moving towards more lifestyle pieces – focusing on versatility – and a lot more function! And of course, Style!
Any last words?
Just a massive thank you to all our amazing Blackpants customers, and if you get to a show, please come and say hi!! And have a great 2025!
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