I have an opportunity in my schedule this year to do this show.
10x10 corners are $100 shy of 3k. That's just the booth fee. I would like to try this show, but of course hesitate at the thought of just breaking even, or even losing money. Photography (subject not Chicago) might be a tough sell at a holiday show like this. Am looking for some feedback re: do attendance numbers/exposure support the booth fee? What is the attendance trend the last few years? Would love to hear from anyone on their thoughts on the show. Deadline for app is March 5.
Comments
Shawn I went there this past December as a shopper. The place was packed at times so that you could barely walk down the aisles. However, the booths that were packed were the fiber arts and the jewelers. You could not get into the fiber artist's booths. Because they put the fiber people in the same area that did seem to keep all the shoppers over there in that section. Some of the other artists had no one in their booths looking at their work and I felt bad for them. That was my first year to go to that show so I can't compare my views with anyone elses. I don't know if that helps you at all.
Alot has to do with tenacity. I was not going to give up on what was a great venue. This is not your usual type art/craft show. I'm not saying I make alot of profit but it is profit all the same. Thanks for the compliments!
Wow, Alison, double corner, congrats on your success. Good to hear of the residual sales after the show.
Good point Lucia regarding provided walls and lights. Thanks Steve for your input. I'll probably throw my hat in the ring and see what happens.
Thanks for saying nice things about my dolls--I'm never sure if they fit in at an art/craft show. I've been contemplating calling them figurative sculpture(dressed) to see if that helps with jurying. One more thing I meant to add about the show, Shawn, is that even though the booth price is high--it does help a lot that it includes hard walls, lights, carpet--I usually ship all that stuff and that is an added expense (I have to fly to the show because I live in CA). I would think it helps with driving there too, in that setup is easier and you have more room to bring artwork.
Lucia, Sounds like your dolls would fit in perfectly at the show. I do stained glass and have done the show at least 8 times. Even with my higher end prices, I do well. Have always made a profit. I've even expanded to a double booth, corner. Plus, the exposure is fantastic. I get calls all year long. Steve is exactly on the money too about the organizers and all they do. A great advertising opportunity if anything else!
Lucia, Absolutely loved your dolls! Was blown away with the CHESS SET!! Such a talent!
Hi, I've done the show the past 2 years. Our medium is abstract wall art and clocks in wood with acrylic paints, very different. We also do a line of candle holders from aluminum tubing and sell quite a few of those as gift items at the show. Sales for us in 2011 were about $1200 less than 2010. Both years we did come out on the plus side after expenses but not by a ton. We are going back for 2012 as we see the potential to do some really big numbers at this event. Love everything else about the show, organizers work hard and have it down to a science for load in & out etc etc. Available and receptive to the artists concerns. For us it becomes a decision to basically take Dec off or make some $ at this show and sew the seeds for the future and other events we do in the area in the summer months. Good luck!
Lucia, Your dolls are fascinating btw, love "tea party"
It does help Lucia! Your feedback is very helpful, thanks!
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