Although I've done several outdoor shows, I just got accepted to my first indoor show in January. I have a good grasp on what's needed for most outdoor shows, but I'm a little shaky on my understanding of the setups for indoor ones. Can anyone help me out?
Is there a basic "standard setup"?
What are you using now for the booth, lighting,side panels?
(I do know that for this show EVERYTHING has to be within your booth space - there's no allowance for sqooshing your stuff a little outside the booth lines!)
As suggested: The media is chainmail jewelry. Mostly earrings (hanging on panels) along with some bracelets, necklaces, barretts, keychains, etc. (Which generally go on tables under the earrings. The earring panels hang from the frame of the (outdoor) tent, and they could easily be hung on another kind of structure.
Replies
1. They will be using the frame of 1" conduit from my outdoor booth so they will have full height side and back walls pegboarded on the upper 4'. Some indoor convention shows provide back and side walls with drapes. Be sure to know how high your side walls can be and how far they can extend. I have researched some indoor shows where you cannot have sides walls higher than 4' and others where you have 8' the full 10' from back to front of the space.
2. Fire codes are very important and be sure you have your documentation. Probably more important at larger city shows.
3. Early setup is always better. Other artists tend to shop very early and very late.
4. Overnight closing: we just covered our walls and front of booth with sheets. There was security at these shows.
5. Dress a little on the cool side. If it's a good show, the body heat builds up. LOL
For any indoor show, read the contract carefully...if what you need to know is not spelled out call the Director of the show. I know, here in Maine, each community has different fire codes. I have two indoor shows, where we can't have electricity, and most of the schools here in Maine DO NOT allow tents or overhangs of ANY KIND As a matter of fact I only have one show that allows tent/overhang. Our fire codes in schools are very strict here. So always double check, if exhibiting in a school, and that includes Colleges!
Also, if what is provided is not delineated=ask things you need to know, which can be different for each show= space size, if tables or chairs are provided or not, if helpers are available, handicap access, etc.
I know each of my shows for the rest of the season have differing space sizes, one provides the tables and you are NOT allowed to configure, one allows you to bring your own set-up AND has separate pricing (a lower space fee if you are providing your own tables/set-up, not utilizing theirs, one will provide 1 table, but you can bring your own and configure any way you wish-within your allotted space. I now use a grid to plan my set-ups, as each one will be different in size & configuration!! I like being indoors during winter, but not having consistency in booth sizes and rules for shows is a headache.
READ the Contract & Rules and contact the show's director with any questions...
Larry Berman
Http://bermangraphics.com
I had an indoor show this past November - my space size was 9x5. I set my booth up in a L shape - it worked really well for me and allowed me an exit to be able to walk outside the booth to visit with customers. I use table skirts and shove all my tubs etc under the tables. I use one of those hard plastic three drawer things for my cash box, and bags, plus the bottom larger bin allows me to stash some wire, beads, mandrel, etc to make some quick rings - I make up a quick ring when there are little girls with their moms and give one to the little girls. They are thrilled and moms then usually buy something.
I utilize my table space by going vertical and stair stepping my displays.
For typical small indoor shows (in schools, etc): Usually not as picky about making sure all fabrics are fire retardant. I would still take my tent frame & curtains to define my space. I've taken just the table set-up before and had my neighbors trying to encroach into my space since they assumed I wasn't going to use it. I will only do my table only set-up if that is the only space alloted.
Good luck & I hope it's a good show for you!
Tina
Most exhibitors will use their canopy frame indoors if the show allows it. But some promoters will frown on it, so find out. Many will use the frame to hang lighting. And at an indoor show you cannot have too much lighting! Pay for the electricity!
And Cassandra is absolutely right about showing up early. You don't have that extra couple feet indoors like you do outdoors. Some promoters will give you exactly 120 inches. Everything, including the 'feet' of exhibitors' display panels must be inside that space.
Once you get there you'll find it's just about the same as an outdoor show and all will run smoothly.
Alot depends on the show and what you are currently using as a set up for your outdoor booth. What show are you doing? I just got back from an inside show and used pretty much what I use for my outside booth minus the canopy. I will in the future step it up but then again I am trying to step up my outside booth too. I found that most (but not all) jewelry people had just about everything in cases on 36" high tables or used a system like dynamic displays or abstracta. The backing to their booth was either pro panels or pipe and drape. Does that help?
A hint about staying within your space: try to be there before your neighbors in order to stay within your given booth area.....it can be trouble when you are last and find you have 9' left instead of the 10'.