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Hi there - I've been hoping to find some advice here about the One of a Kind Show Chicago - the Spring one. I have been accepted for the first time, and am a jeweler. I have LOADS of questions, but the biggest one I have right now is about logistics of doing this show.

I've done many outdoor shows (and a few indoor), and have been able to do them solo from set up to breakdown for the past few years for the most part, without much difficulty. Some shows were pretty busy w/traffic etc; but I don't think I've ever done a show as packed as the OOAK shows are purported to be. I went to check out the OOAK Spring pre-Covid, and it WAS pretty busy! With the other shows, I relied on booth sitters supplied by the show runners, or (if it was possible, as a last resort), my wonderful artist neighbors.

The OOAK info doesn't seem to offer booth sitting - I know some shows that don't mention it as a "perk" and just do it, so I'm hoping this is one of those times? That's my biggest question.

Any advice from people who have done this show in the past? Just for the day-to-day managing the show for a person doing it alone? Is it even possible? Or is it too much for one person to handle? Would I be opening myself up to being overwhelmed and possibly not able to avoid theft/complete exhaustion/looking like a total amateur if I don't have a "helper" or "assistant"?

(I should mention that I'll be having a corner booth, as that's all they have on offer...and my jewelry is not precious metals but semi - and the display reflects that as it's not under lock and key)

Any advice would be great. Thanks!