showcases or expos?

I went to two so far. We went to one (Bosco or something?) before we booked our venue. It was an interesting experience, but that was it. It may have been helpful if we had already booked.

We also went to one at our venue. I would reccomend you do that if your venue has one in the near future! Even if you don't fall in love with their preferred vendors, it helps you get a sense of what your place is like when it's full of people, set up for a party, and sometimes can give you a sneak peek at some of the food. I also found it helpful for planning things like color schemes and lighting colors.

As for upcoming showcases, I am of no help in this area!!! BUT I will warn you! The one I went to by Bosco (again IDK if this is right.. I think it is lol), they hook you in with 'free' things but of course they do not deliver. The one I went to promised us free matching wedding bands.... (the part they don't tell you: just pay $50 for shipping!!) and a subscription to BRIDES magazine for the first 200 to arrive (I was among the first 25 and I finally just this month went ahead and paid for a subscription because I realized my 'free' one was not coming!)

They are helpful if your in the beginning stages of planning. Good for seeing DJ's play and so on. I went to the liweddings one which was awesome. I also went to 'bridal extrvaganza' which was so-so.

The best ones are the ones for you venue. I went to two east wind expos and they were the most helpful for me!

My fiance's band (Rhapsody) has a showcase on June 8th at EKO Studios in Deer Park. I will be going down to watch the band do their thing because they are playing our wedding!

FM if you want more info!!

Also there's a huge bridal showcase coming up in the city at the Marriot Marquis on Sept. 13th.

http://www.greatbridalexpo.com/TourSchedule.aspx

I attached the website. I was able to find a promo code and get my tickets for free.

hope this helps!