by: Natalie Goyette

To begin investigating which shows to apply to, you might start

with what you know—those shows you've attended, ones that are

within an hour or so of your home and ones other vendors have

recommended. You will not always know if the craftsperson who

suggested a show has the same values as you until you check it

out for yourself, so this is not always a concrete selection

principle. But it's a place to start. If you belong to a craft

guild or organization or subscribe to a trade journal, you may

be able to get show recommendations there. Several websites are

equipped with lists of local and national shows and all the

contact information. Also log onto some of the craft forums

where you can ask other crafters and look for some consensus on

the best shows.

You will find information about where and when the show is and

who to contact to apply. Once you call or check out their Web

site, make sure you apply by the requested deadline. When you

call the promoter of the show or visit their Web site if they

have one, be sure to ask any of the questions you may have such

as:

What was the attendance last year and what is this year's

expected attendance? How many years have you been producing the

show? How many booth spaces are there and how many applications

do you receive? How do you assign booth spaces? What are the

entry and jury fees? Are there any additional fees like % of

gross, parking, electrical? Do I need any special licenses? What

kinds of people attend your shows? What kinds of crafts do you

select, who makes the selection and what are the bestsellers?

What is the average price range of items exhibited? Sold? What

are the average sales for exhibitors in my medium? What style is

the show? What kind of promotion do you do prior to the show? Do

I get some promotional materials? When do you notify the

successful applicants? What happens if it rains or snows? What

are the security arrangements? Any other support available?

A professional promoter should have this information and should

be willing to share it with you. If they won't, you may be able

to get it elsewhere—on the Internet or in some craft guides that

are sold by subscription and have show reviews. Some shows

request you send a self-addressed stamped envelope for the

application. When you get it, you'll see the booth sizes, fees

and what you need to submit. You also may receive a copy of the

contract, which outlines your responsibilities as an exhibitor,

such as whether or not the craftsperson must be present in the

booth, what merchandise is and is not allowed in the booth,

display requirements and for larger indoor shows, the rules

regarding electricity, unions, fireproofing and the cancellation

policy. Also, whether or not you need any special permits.

Usually, your seller's permit is all that's required.

The best promoters are discriminating about who they select for

their shows based on unique, original quality products and

attractive displays, as shown in your photos or slides—which is

why using a professional photographer is recommended by most

craftspeople. They also look for a balanced variety of

categories. Good vendors attract good customers and so everyone

wins—the customer, the vendor and the promoter!