OKay, we are doing a craft show this weekend, a 2 day event. We chose to have a booth indoors and have been approved a while.
After our last show at the end of June, which was indoors, we decided to do a pipe and drape system for indoor shows. We figured it all out and got everything purchased, took photos and stuff. We are ready to go. We had already applied to the upcoming show by the time we got this all ready.
Well I called the organized of the upcoming show as a courtesy about the pipe and drape, explaining that it would fit within the confines of our booth, explained we just wanted to make sure it was okay, etc. etc.
The organizer said if she had known she would have put us against the wall. With our current placement we would be 'blocking' the others? We are on an interior aisle, not against the wall. I explained we did not have my pipe and drape system when I applied but shared why we started with it (... when shoppers at a previous show were in our booth looking at stuff in our neighbor's booth. I also explained we had customers pick up stuff at our neighbor's booth and ask us questions about it).
So I let her know we did not have the pipe and drape system when we applied so we could not have told her. No where on the form does it ask if you will use a pipe and drape system nor does it say it makes a difference in where you will be placed.
I am bummed out because I know how much we really want to use, how makes the botoh look so much better, but also know they really don't want it used based on our location.
Okay, I know it's a long shot but I am looking for a little sympathy. Please don't lash me too much! But how can I make myself feel better about this?
Replies
at an event I just did they do try to put people who want to put up some type of drape/frame next to each other. The blocking a booth comment was made. I understood what she meant as I looked at the show floor from a window above it, but seriously what I wanted to do (and did end up doing) was use my tent frame to hold up some lights and some soft draping in the corners. I know when they saw what I did the were very pleased with the overall effect as was I . I got a ton of compliments on my set up.
I like this. I am glad it worked out for you.
Some promoters who have never "built a booth" have no idea how much time, effort and thought we all put into it. If they did, they might have a little more grace, and appreciation, for what we do.
Some notes on indoor shows and using pipe and drape. Back in 2005(?) I did a convention in Reno in a hall at the Hilton. Prior to that I researched what was allowed/provided. My concern like yours was full height side walls out to the aisle. At this show they were allowed and my neighbors were glad they had more wall space on the back side. Other shows, I learned may provide a draped back wall, draped short side walls and some will not allow walls higher than 3(?) feet out to the aisle. It pays to read the contract and ask before sending money.
Oh, I did read the contract. THEY were in violation. We were already there and had all of the sides up, tables, table covers, etc. Only then did they come by and ask us to take down ALL the pipe and drape. If we had not driven 1.5 hours to get there, and had done so much set up I would have said, forget it and gone one. I was fuming mad. The compromise was to take down the five feet on each side closest to the aisle.
Her reasoning for wanting it down? So people could see all the way to the back when they walked in. Um, no. Not happening with me.
Someone told me later she kept walking around with a clipboard in her hand, pausing, looking at a booth (any one of the booths there) and going tsk tsk. Not my kinda people.
That's funny.
But like you said, the contract says what it says and you both agreed with it. Change it for next year if you're the promoter, but why ruin relationships with vendors over such trivial things...
Oh well, you won't be back and we all can learn from your experience.
The promoter said she would have to address that before next year. When we got home I was looking through the stuff in the packet we were given and in it was an application and guidelines for next year. Obviously this was a copy of what we were given for this year. I am still on her mailing list so I want to see what she changes, if anything ... not that we are going back.
Tina, when I called as a courtesy to let them know I had it and wanted to use it, I stated I put it together after our last show and after I had registered with them. Of course, their paper work does not prohibit it in anyway. Even looked at it again this afternoon & looked at their facebook page to see if it was addressed. Nope. This is my first time with them and don't want to burn any bridges---yet. Will see what happens and will report next week.
Does the promoter have any images of the show? I always look for those when I consider a show so I can get an idea of what the show looks like before I send in my hard earned money.
No, they did not have any pics. We did this show over the weekend and due to many many many issues we will never do one of their shows again. Did I say we will never do business with them again? Will list the pros and cons ....
Cons
1) This show ended up being much smaller than we anticipated, at least till it was too late to not go. About 30-35 vendors in all.
2) No advertising to speak of. They had yard signs but they were so small and the print was too tiny. Had to be stopped on the road to be able to read them. Limited number of radio ads, very few.
3) Too many jewelry booths. We do not sell any jewelry but in this small show they had several. Should have had only one of any kind of craft.
4) Allowed a candle maker to have an open flame (lit candle) on their show, and it was a scented candle.
5) Did not charge admission. We did not realize this till we were there and set up.
6) No healthy options for lunch like a salad, fruit, etc.
7) Almost all customers thought most products were too expensive.
8) Show started at 10 AM each day and literally died about 1 PM on the first day. Most of the rest of the weekend was a "networking event" for vendors.
Pros
1) Took food orders and brought food to you when your order was ready.
2) All the vendors had a bad weekend, not just us. I know it sounds weird to have this under the "pros" but it reminded us we were not the only ones.
3) We met some really awesome vendors there and networked.
I could have stayed home all weekend and not made any money and at least I would not have gone in the hole!!
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