When setting up small businesses in fairs and festivals, you have to know what type of show it is. There are variations that need to be considered, especially when you are only starting up your business. Below I will go over each, and in turn, I hope you choose what suits your craft best.
The first, and simpler type of craft show is tagged as a non-juried show. The premise here is basic; you pay for the space you will occupy, you get a booth and a table, and you are left to you own devices. These places are great material for beginners, but you have to be careful of which ones you decide to attend to.
These concerns boil down to a couple of things, and the first one that will need your attention is the amount of people that are expected to go to the event. If you want a good feel, and you have the time to spare, check out the annual events one year prior to joining. Alternatively, if this is the first year of the event, ask the management how they are promoting it. If their advertising strategy isn't sound, then chances are they won't be good for you.
Once you've determined that there will be enough people in this venue, it's time to set up your booth. Ask the organizer about what comes with the rental (tables, chairs, power?): this varies from fair to fair and needs to be established early on. Then set up your stall in a way that will appeal to most people; each person does this differently depending on their craft, and as such I will not expound on this any further.
The second type of craft show would be the (you guessed it) juried show. In this format, you are required to submit a portfolio of your crafts, and a list of former festivals that you've been with. These types of events are stricter by nature, but in return they are a lot more organized than the non-juried ones. Go to these festivals after earning some experience in non-juried events, and in general there will be more people coming over, so prepare more wares.
The first, and simpler type of craft show is tagged as a non-juried show. The premise here is basic; you pay for the space you will occupy, you get a booth and a table, and you are left to you own devices. These places are great material for beginners, but you have to be careful of which ones you decide to attend to.
These concerns boil down to a couple of things, and the first one that will need your attention is the amount of people that are expected to go to the event. If you want a good feel, and you have the time to spare, check out the annual events one year prior to joining. Alternatively, if this is the first year of the event, ask the management how they are promoting it. If their advertising strategy isn't sound, then chances are they won't be good for you.
Once you've determined that there will be enough people in this venue, it's time to set up your booth. Ask the organizer about what comes with the rental (tables, chairs, power?): this varies from fair to fair and needs to be established early on. Then set up your stall in a way that will appeal to most people; each person does this differently depending on their craft, and as such I will not expound on this any further.
The second type of craft show would be the (you guessed it) juried show. In this format, you are required to submit a portfolio of your crafts, and a list of former festivals that you've been with. These types of events are stricter by nature, but in return they are a lot more organized than the non-juried ones. Go to these festivals after earning some experience in non-juried events, and in general there will be more people coming over, so prepare more wares.
About the Author:
Sam Weyland loves to go around in the various Florida Craft Shows. She heartily suggests Florida Craft Fairs to find the closest Florida Fair near you!
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