I pulled into the Anaheim Convention Center around 7:30 this morning and headed to Hall A, Level 1. Check-in was pretty quick and there was no long line. Even though doors didn’t open until 8:30, I was already in by 8:45.
There wasn’t an attendance total posted, but you didn’t need one to see this was a smaller show than LA (if you attended before). The floor had a lot more space, and fewer brands to fill it.
Plenty of the newer brands I talked to were friendly about working with creators outside TikTok Shop. NAYAD was the only one that did something about it. They sell stainless steel water bottles plus other drinkware and kitchenware, and they put my name on a list to have an item shipped to me in the near future. That’s an actual next step and not just a nice conversation. That’s something I actually appreciate.
It was 92 degrees today, which is not the weather you plan an ab workout around. I tried one anyway at the Sunny Health & Fitness booth: the Core Glider ab trainer. You pull your knees to your chest, and to do that you have to stabilize your whole body. That’s why I felt it in my biceps as well as my abs, which I didn’t expect.
I won a prize for it, a sweat towel. Normally that’s the consolation prize that ends up forgotten in a tote bag. Today I actually needed it, and it was the most useful thing I picked up all day.
Hollyland was there too, and I’ve always wanted their mics. I don’t own one yet, or any mic, so I came as someone who is still deciding. I tried the new Lark M3 All Together Now and Lark A2 Clip and Go, and they attach differently. The M3 is still magnetic but obviously improved. The A2 has a clip, and the clip clearly won. It felt more secure, which matters if you’re moving around while filming and don’t want a mic dropping mid-take. Neither one has a big logo on the front, so there’s no one else’s branding in your shots. The sound is great and both are light.
If you’re really trying to advance as a creator, I’d recommend going. I still believe you don’t necessarily need a TikTok account but it’s an advantage when you create content on any platform. The biggest thing you can do at an event like this is network with other creators. You never know what could happen.
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