Here's an informal poll. How many of you all travel and/or do shows with friends as in do a "circuit" together? This could be applying to shows together meet up for dinner to shoot the bull or share travel expenses such as hotel...
Personally I have a few friends I try and do a few shows with. One or two we'll apply together - not on the same application, but apply and request to be near each other, etc. who usually do the same shows I do. However, would love to do something more along this line and thought, why not poll others to see what their thoughts are on the subject.
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I have been doing the same with a couple of my "fellow" jewelry makers here in Maine, in my general area, for years.
If it's a multi day show, or a long drive, 2-3 hours one way, we ride share when we can, share expenses for travel and lodging, and spell each others booths when needed. We used to share a booth, but as our inventories and displays have grown and changed, we can no longer do this. It is fun, gives us a driving buddy, and helps ease the pocket book pinch. Also gives you someone who is familiar to you at new venues, and for safety and security is a smart move. As I get older, having someone there who knows me and my medical history is a relief. Nothing has happened at a show that makes it necessary, but it is a relief to know that one of my buds is there, just in case of accident, illness, allergic reaction, etc. Doing shows without a partner, I have made sure my cell phone has my ICE contact- In Case of Emergency, and carry a mini file in my briefcase- DRS, allergies, list of meds, health concerns etc. I had to do this for my daughter all her life, because of her 47 different allergies. Now I do it for me, as I am sometimes in some remote areas, with no one I know there! That way, if anything should happen, I can receive medical attention without delays, questions or drug interactions. I highly recommend others put this into practice also....it's just plain smart. But having a show buddy is better!
I have 2 "bead buddies", we all create jewelry and sell at shows, fairs and festivals here in Maine. We each have our fave shows, and we all do different styles, so even when we do book the same shows and end up near each other in the floor plan, it works! We even do a few shows together for the purpose of traveling together and sharing expenses, such as hotel/motel fees, gas and tolls, and there are a couple of outside local shows where we share the booth. That is becoming more difficult as our inventories expand though, so we are phasing sharing booth/tent spots. This has helped all 3 of us, as we all were doing shows by ourselves. One of us prefers indoor booths, one of us prefers outdoor tent booths(ME) and the other is just completing her first year doing shows. Two of us have home studios where we work and meet with clients and have "Shop Hours", and the other is in the process of re-evaluating her marketing plan. But sharing expenses for lodging and travel has been a tremendous help to all of us.
I definitely plan and share rooms. I have great luck with priceline and Corporate Lodging. I find priceline easier. It has saved me a lot of money! I am thrilled to hear of the price in the Keys!
Travelling as a single woman it makes me feel much safer to know I have pals around to bail me out of a tough spot should something happen to me.
However, I would help any fellow Artist in need...so please ask!
I found this site http://www.motelguide.com/
I haven't used it yet but it is a listing of mom and pop hotels. I do plan on using it. if anyone has any feedback, please post it.
I have been doing craft/art fairs and festivals for almost 2 years now, and just recently paired up with a complete newbie- her first show was in November. I have one promoter that allows us to "share" a 10x10 space. This saves us both on booth fees, travel fees, gas and lodging. we split the costs 50/50. And in the process, we bounce ideas off each other for set-up, and as she has a smaller inventory at this time, it works. We both do jewelry- but vastly different styles. She is calling me her mentor-says she's doing her apprenticeship with me. This helps us to defray costs for both of us, gives us a buddy to do shows with, and we can look out for each other stuff when someone needs a break. And we can take turns driving, when the other is wiped out. I highly recommend it. It's not permanent- we both know that- but it helps her develop her knowledge, provides us both with security, and friendship. When we can't share space, we book side by side spots. As some of our shows are 2-3-4 hours away, and sometimes we end up camping, this works well for us
Janet Glatz > Karole BowldsJune 26, 2012 at 10:18am
Would you mind telling me about your camping/art show experiences? Will be doing it for the first time this coming weekend in Connecticut. Any particular problems/hints? Thanks, Karole!
Just saw this post! My camping experience was not as well planned as it could have been...I was a last minute addition to the Fair- a week long event, so I had maybe two weeks to aquire camping gear, as I had NOTHING!! You said you have a pop up? If so, you will fare much better than I did- I had a tent for two. I couldn't stand up straight in it, and I am only 5 ft tall!! It was pretty noisy some nights at the campsite- peeps winding down and having impromptu parties. It was August- hot during the day, chilly at night. Bring comfy sleeping apparel. And a flashlight!! Just in case you have to walk anywhere after dark.
For the booth- bring a fan if you have electricity- it gets HOT in the tents- having a fan to move air around and create a breeze is wonderful for you and your customers. I secured my box fans- 2 of them on the center assembly in the middle of the tent.
Definitely pack the following:
baby wipes, first aid kit, any meds you need to take, sunscreen and bug spray- preferably and unscented one, keep paper towels and baby wipes in the booth-the wipes can be a refreshener for you, and I hand them out to kids with sticky hands when they come in with Mums.
a little broom/ dustpan hand sized- for cleaning dust from displays- but handy for dusting everything.
I also pack one of the lint roller removers- cleans table covers, jewelry tray inserts, busts, and lint and dust from me!
TICK repellent and removal supplies. Check yourself for ticks every night or morning.
They are particularly bad right now- especially as you will be camping.
A cooler and cooler packs- you need water during the day. I froze bottled water- just make sure you pour some out as water expands when it freezes. They doubled as my cooler packs and my water when they thawed!
Comfortable shoes are a must- I wear sneakers during set- up, then change into something more professional- my Danscos. I also try to have a pair of sandals on hand for really hot days. Change shoes mid-day- it's gives you a little energy boost to have fresh shoes and/or socks!!
DO NOT wear black- wear something appropriate and comfy for the weather. I try to layer- its chilly in morning, warm or HOT in afternoon, and then cools at night. If you war layers, you can remove or put back on as needed.
Pack your fave foods, snacks enough to last the weekend or however long your event will last- eating food available from food stalls WILL elevate your cholesterol, and gets very expensive!!
If a multi day show that has security at night, pack all receipts, cash and electronics and personal items, and take them to your campsite with you. Secure your displays for weather protection- see wind and rain. I cover mine with plastic drop clothes from home depot.
Note: multi day shows- your Booth will collect bugs overnite! I ran my fans to encourage them to leave in the morning, and covered the displays at night to also keep the little buggers out my displays/jewelry!!
I've been fortunate to make quite a few friends through the years that also sell various maritime items. Between us we cover most mediums and in the last year or so have shared our schedules on shows along the Great Lakes shores and now frequently attend the same shows. I've enjoyed this camaraderie as most live in other states and we have a chance to get together and share experiences & ideas over dinners. Since we all have different artwork, we frequently send customers to each others booths. Works very well for all.
I guess I've been very lucky to have been a long time Mariott Club member. While we often will stay in state campgrounds, during times that we cannot, we stay at Mariott and typically get a suite with kitchen & living room for 58.00 to 73.00 (more popular locations) and most include morning breakfasts and evening happy hour foods. These are especially nice during 3-4 day events. We just keep building up Mariott points and for the past couple of years have qualified for a few "free nights" each year. Between the free food, having our own kitchen and a few free nights each year it's kept our expenses quite low. The key to this is to call the hotel directly and work out some deals. Eventually, we have become repeat customers and they get to know us when we call. Biggest bonus for us is they accept our dogs.
I got a card last fall but have not used it yet. I have since been told that in some ways the company has changed the way they do business. After being promised a certain rate by phone, artists have been charged much more upon arrival. This happened to several people on another forum. Why, I don't know. Unfortunately I don't know anything more about it than that.
Hey guys I have been a CLC member since feb. Yesterday I made bookings with the CLC hotels in Fla. for all my shows into March. Even got a Days Inn in Key West for $79 per nite. The card works-Nels
Geoff Coe said:
Thanks, Amy. It is a bit odd, at least to me...if I think through their policy and what you've said, basically, CorpLodging displays rates for the current week...but if you want to book in advance with the hotel you call them, let them know you're a CorpLodg/CheckInn member, and they will quote you whatever they want for that week--CheckInn has no control over that. Right? Thanks!
Replies
I have been doing the same with a couple of my "fellow" jewelry makers here in Maine, in my general area, for years.
If it's a multi day show, or a long drive, 2-3 hours one way, we ride share when we can, share expenses for travel and lodging, and spell each others booths when needed. We used to share a booth, but as our inventories and displays have grown and changed, we can no longer do this. It is fun, gives us a driving buddy, and helps ease the pocket book pinch. Also gives you someone who is familiar to you at new venues, and for safety and security is a smart move. As I get older, having someone there who knows me and my medical history is a relief. Nothing has happened at a show that makes it necessary, but it is a relief to know that one of my buds is there, just in case of accident, illness, allergic reaction, etc. Doing shows without a partner, I have made sure my cell phone has my ICE contact- In Case of Emergency, and carry a mini file in my briefcase- DRS, allergies, list of meds, health concerns etc. I had to do this for my daughter all her life, because of her 47 different allergies. Now I do it for me, as I am sometimes in some remote areas, with no one I know there! That way, if anything should happen, I can receive medical attention without delays, questions or drug interactions. I highly recommend others put this into practice also....it's just plain smart. But having a show buddy is better!
I definitely plan and share rooms. I have great luck with priceline and Corporate Lodging. I find priceline easier. It has saved me a lot of money! I am thrilled to hear of the price in the Keys!
Travelling as a single woman it makes me feel much safer to know I have pals around to bail me out of a tough spot should something happen to me.
However, I would help any fellow Artist in need...so please ask!
I haven't used it yet but it is a listing of mom and pop hotels. I do plan on using it. if anyone has any feedback, please post it.
Would you mind telling me about your camping/art show experiences? Will be doing it for the first time this coming weekend in Connecticut. Any particular problems/hints? Thanks, Karole!
Janet, Hi!
Just saw this post! My camping experience was not as well planned as it could have been...I was a last minute addition to the Fair- a week long event, so I had maybe two weeks to aquire camping gear, as I had NOTHING!! You said you have a pop up? If so, you will fare much better than I did- I had a tent for two. I couldn't stand up straight in it, and I am only 5 ft tall!! It was pretty noisy some nights at the campsite- peeps winding down and having impromptu parties. It was August- hot during the day, chilly at night. Bring comfy sleeping apparel. And a flashlight!! Just in case you have to walk anywhere after dark.
For the booth- bring a fan if you have electricity- it gets HOT in the tents- having a fan to move air around and create a breeze is wonderful for you and your customers. I secured my box fans- 2 of them on the center assembly in the middle of the tent.
Definitely pack the following:
baby wipes, first aid kit, any meds you need to take, sunscreen and bug spray- preferably and unscented one, keep paper towels and baby wipes in the booth-the wipes can be a refreshener for you, and I hand them out to kids with sticky hands when they come in with Mums.
a little broom/ dustpan hand sized- for cleaning dust from displays- but handy for dusting everything.
I also pack one of the lint roller removers- cleans table covers, jewelry tray inserts, busts, and lint and dust from me!
TICK repellent and removal supplies. Check yourself for ticks every night or morning.
They are particularly bad right now- especially as you will be camping.
A cooler and cooler packs- you need water during the day. I froze bottled water- just make sure you pour some out as water expands when it freezes. They doubled as my cooler packs and my water when they thawed!
Comfortable shoes are a must- I wear sneakers during set- up, then change into something more professional- my Danscos. I also try to have a pair of sandals on hand for really hot days. Change shoes mid-day- it's gives you a little energy boost to have fresh shoes and/or socks!!
DO NOT wear black- wear something appropriate and comfy for the weather. I try to layer- its chilly in morning, warm or HOT in afternoon, and then cools at night. If you war layers, you can remove or put back on as needed.
Pack your fave foods, snacks enough to last the weekend or however long your event will last- eating food available from food stalls WILL elevate your cholesterol, and gets very expensive!!
If a multi day show that has security at night, pack all receipts, cash and electronics and personal items, and take them to your campsite with you. Secure your displays for weather protection- see wind and rain. I cover mine with plastic drop clothes from home depot.
Note: multi day shows- your Booth will collect bugs overnite! I ran my fans to encourage them to leave in the morning, and covered the displays at night to also keep the little buggers out my displays/jewelry!!
I guess I've been very lucky to have been a long time Mariott Club member. While we often will stay in state campgrounds, during times that we cannot, we stay at Mariott and typically get a suite with kitchen & living room for 58.00 to 73.00 (more popular locations) and most include morning breakfasts and evening happy hour foods. These are especially nice during 3-4 day events. We just keep building up Mariott points and for the past couple of years have qualified for a few "free nights" each year. Between the free food, having our own kitchen and a few free nights each year it's kept our expenses quite low. The key to this is to call the hotel directly and work out some deals. Eventually, we have become repeat customers and they get to know us when we call. Biggest bonus for us is they accept our dogs.
Geoff Coe said:
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