Skip to content

We’re expanding our reach to support more emerging business owners than ever before. Connect to start your journey. Tell us about your business

Tradeshow strategies every emerging brand should know

Tradeshow strategies every emerging brand should know

Jump to content
Tradeshow strategies every emerging brand should know

In this quick conversation, Founder and CEO of Partake Cookies, Denise Woodard, breaks down how to approach trade shows with intention: from building a targeted outreach list ahead of time to defining what success actually looks like for your business. It’s a reminder that showing up strategically—through thoughtful meetings, smart collaborations, and personalized follow-up—can drive far more impact than simply showing up big.  

If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “doing trade shows right” or felt the pressure to keep up with bigger brands, this one’s for you.

About the author

Denise Woodard headshot
Denise is the Founder and CEO of Partake Foods, a natural food company that was inspired by her daughter’s experience with food allergies. Launched in 2017, Partake’s first product — delicious, better for you, allergy-friendly cookies — can now be found in more than 17,000 retailers including Target, Kroger, and Whole Foods Market. Partake's offerings have since expanded to include graham crackers and vanilla wafers. Denise is the first Black woman to raise more than $1 Million publicly for a CPG food startup. To date, the company has raised over $25M from investors including HER, Rihanna, CircleUp Growth Partners, FF2032 and Marcy Venture Partners. Prior to launching Partake, Denise spent a decade in consumer packaged goods at various Fortune 100 companies. She is also the founder of 501c3, Black Futures Fellowship, an annual program that matches active HBCU students with paid internships in the CPG food & beverage industry. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Jeremy, and daughter, Vivienne. She graduated with her BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA from Arizona State University.

Post topic(s): Business advice

Get the latest resources

Tools, education and inspiration for your growing business.

Get resources

Recommended for you

Differentiation & brand proposition 101: How to stand out and win in a crowded market

Differentiation & brand proposition 101: How to stand out and win in a crowded market

Read the article

Packaging that performs: Designing for shelf to scroll

Packaging that performs: Designing for shelf to scroll

Read the article

Signals buyers look for when they say yes

Signals buyers look for when they say yes

Read the article

Tell us about your business

Get on Target’s radar so we can connect you with relevant resources and let you know about upcoming events. If you’re a strategic fit for Target, we’ll reach out with additional opportunities.

In the meantime, check out our Learning Center for free retail information and tools.

Get Target Accelerators updates in your inbox

Stay in the loop with Target Accelerators news, resources and opportunities.

Start learning

Before you dig in, we'll need an email to keep track of your progress.

Say hello to start learning

Tell us about your business before diving into our learning tracks. Once you’re on our radar, we can save your progress and connect you with relevant resources and events.

Plus, if you’re a strategic fit for Target, we’ll reach out with additional opportunities.

Next step

Set your learning goal

Make learning a habit, and you’ll master the material in no time.

Choose your pace, and we’ll send you a reminder email.