Preparing for the Show:

1. If you frequent the Show, you probably have a dealer or two who works actively with and for you to find the items you're looking for. If you don't see something, ask a HADA member or volunteer. HADA members and volunteers will wear special badges at the show. Get to know the dealers who sell items you collect. You'll see them year after year, and once they know you're serious, they will pick up additional items with you in mind.
2. Have personal cards printed with your name and phone number and pass them out to dealers with a handwritten description of the item you seek.
3. Know what you are looking at. Read some books and magazines or visit museum exhibits on the items you collect before the Shows. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and The Heritage Society are excellent resources.
4. We also encourage you to attend HADA Lectures held throughout the year where you learn from distinguished scholars and discuss topics with antique dealers. You can learn and be more confident in your purchasing decisions.
5. Because of the sheer size of the show, if you see an item that you are interested in, but are not ready to commit just yet, be sure to get the name, booth number and field the dealer is in, so you can easily find your way back. After hours of browsing, walking and talking it's easy to forget where you were when you saw that prized item.
6. All Exhibitors at the Show are required to provide buyers a receipt for all purchases that includes: the name of the dealer, an approximate age of the item, and a description of your purchase.
7. Learn the answers to frequently asked questions about the shows.