GUEST PASSES FOR THE SAN FRANCISCO FRAGRANCE SALON

If you live in the San Francisco area and would like to attend the Artisan Fragrance Salon on March 15, I have two guest passes that will get you in for free. They will also get you into the concurrent Chocolate Salon, pictured at right before opening to the public last year, so if you want a day tasting chocolate and other treats and smelling perfumes from more than 20 perfumers, let me know right away. I need to register guests by March 10.

The first two people to send an e-mail to olympicorchids@gmail.com will get the passes. Go for it!

DESIGNING THE IDEAL FRAGRANCE EVENT

After participating in all four of the West Coast Fragrance Salons organized by Taste TV, I have seen one model of how a perfume show could be organized, with many pros and cons from both the point of view of the exhibitors and the attendees. It seems that in future these events will be organized and sponsored by the perfumers themselves, at least for the time being, so we have an opportunity to build on and improve the current model.

I’d like to solicit some feedback from everyone out there so that we can make the events the best possible experience. To that end, I’d like to present a general questionnaire that you can answer in whole or in part in the comments section. Even if you’re not on the US West Coast and/or even if you’ve never been to a fragrance show, you are encouraged to respond. The more feedback we get, the higher the probability that events will be attractive to the public. Your participation will automatically enter you in a drawing for a 30 ml bottle of any Olympic Orchids EdP, with the drawing to be held on Saturday, May 18. Here are the questions:

1. Would you prefer a stand-alone fragrance event, or would you like to see it combined with other products that engage the chemical senses, such as chocolate, wine, etc?

2. If there were an entry fee, how much would you be willing to pay and what would you expect to get for it?

3. What would be the optimal number of exhibitors so that you experience maximal variety without being overwhelmed?

4. What factors are important with regard to venue (e.g., parking, accessibility, ventilation, appearance, location?

5. Would you prefer a one-day event or two-day event (e.g., Saturday and Sunday so that there’s more flexibility in when you attend)?

6. What additional features would you like to have included with the show (e.g., Lectures? Educational exhibits? Hands-on demonstrations or workshops? A social gathering with the perfumers?)

7. What would be the best way for you to find out about the event?

8. What do you think the best hours would be?

9. What categories of fragrance products would you like to see represented (e.g., all-natural? Mixed media? Strictly artisan (i.e., everything made by the perfumer him/herself)? Larger indie brands based on the West Coast? Home scent products/candles? Bath and body products?)

10. What else would you suggest to make a fragrance show attractive to you?

I’m really looking forward to seeing what you have to say!