Hello Everyone! Just checking to see if anyone here has done the Northern Virginia Christmas Market at the Dulles expo center in Chantilly and/or the Virginia Beach Christmas Market at the VA Beach convention center. This is the first time that we will be doing these shows. I have heard many great things and just looking for someone who would like to share their personal experience.
Anyone familiar with the Chantilly VA area? Any ideas/suggestions on affordable hotels? This is the first time that we will be traveling far for a show.
Thanks allot
A&A
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I've been wanting to do EMG's shows for awhile now, but either I have schedule conflicts or something else pops up. I actually went to the Chantilly show about 3 years ago as a customer and "scout" with my best friend and we had a great time - took some good notes and found it to be a great place to sell as it is very diverse in all kinds of art and crafts, the staff was very friendly when I asked questions, the layout was good, there was some "re-sell", but not enough to ruin it as if I remember correctly "they" are in their own area. If I am not doing a show that weekend I will have to say hi to you, Kathy Rose. The Chantilly area is great area to do shows - some may say differently - but if you have art or craft that is a HOT item you can sell it there. They get great crowds to boot and they SPEND! - Michelle
Kathy Rose > Michelle SholundOctober 15, 2010 at 10:53am
Hi Michelle,
Yes, if you get to the show - stop by and say hi. I'd love to meet you. One thing for sure.... it's time I get my art outside of the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area. It's time I consider hitting the road. I need a crowd that wants art that's not ordinary. Hopefully Chantilly will be a good show for me.
We do make Christmas items and did ok in a couple Christmas shows in Ga last year...but those who had gift items in the under $30 range seemed to knock it out of the park.
Hi,
I have done the Virginia Beach Christmas Market for the last two years - and did pretty well both times. I'm doing the Chantilly show for the first time this year. I found a great rate at the Courtyard Marriott - which is just a mile away from the convention center. I did the prepaid rate.
I made much better profits at these shows compared to the Neptune Festival! Go figure.
The show is well organized - Denise and her crew do a great job. No complaints about anything. I also did their spring show here in Virginia Beach and did even better than the Christmas show.
The product at these shows is very diverse - anything from art (that would be me), photography, jewelry (lots and lots of jewelry), soaps, -- to soda cans cut into hanging wind ornaments. You will see the whole spectrum at a Christmas show. Just make sure you have products available in the $20 - $25 range - as well as more expensive items.
Since you are dealing with union help at the convention center - you can't bring ANY food from home to munch on (unless you sneak it and eat it when no one sees you). Last year they threatened to throw out my husband when he brought in a sandwich!!! Seriously. We call them the "food police".
Since I'm local, this show is a logical choice for me.... and I LOVE indoor shows. So easy!
Replies
Yes, if you get to the show - stop by and say hi. I'd love to meet you. One thing for sure.... it's time I get my art outside of the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area. It's time I consider hitting the road. I need a crowd that wants art that's not ordinary. Hopefully Chantilly will be a good show for me.
I have done the Virginia Beach Christmas Market for the last two years - and did pretty well both times. I'm doing the Chantilly show for the first time this year. I found a great rate at the Courtyard Marriott - which is just a mile away from the convention center. I did the prepaid rate.
I made much better profits at these shows compared to the Neptune Festival! Go figure.
The show is well organized - Denise and her crew do a great job. No complaints about anything. I also did their spring show here in Virginia Beach and did even better than the Christmas show.
The product at these shows is very diverse - anything from art (that would be me), photography, jewelry (lots and lots of jewelry), soaps, -- to soda cans cut into hanging wind ornaments. You will see the whole spectrum at a Christmas show. Just make sure you have products available in the $20 - $25 range - as well as more expensive items.
Since you are dealing with union help at the convention center - you can't bring ANY food from home to munch on (unless you sneak it and eat it when no one sees you). Last year they threatened to throw out my husband when he brought in a sandwich!!! Seriously. We call them the "food police".
Since I'm local, this show is a logical choice for me.... and I LOVE indoor shows. So easy!
Kathy